Reserve a Indiana business name before you form.
If your formation is not ready but you need to lock in a name, Indiana lets you reserve it. This guide explains the Indiana Secretary of State reservation process, fee, duration, and how to convert a reservation into a finished entity.
Start formation in Indiana →Why reserve a name in Indiana
- Lock the name while raising capital.
- Hold the name while building the business plan.
- Protect the name during a trademark search.
- Coordinate domain + name + branding.
- Block competitors from filing the same name.
How Indiana name reservation works
- 1Check name availability. Run a Indiana business search to confirm the name is not in use.
- 2File Application for Reservation of Name.
- 3Receive certificate. Typical reservation: 120 days (varies by state).
- 4Convert to formation. File Articles of Organization or Incorporation referencing the reserved name.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I reserve a name in Indiana?
How much does Indiana name reservation cost?
Can I extend a Indiana name reservation?
What if my reserved name is challenged after I form?
Does a Indiana name reservation work for an out-of-state entity?
Can File.Business reserve my Indiana name?
What if I find my desired name is taken in Indiana?
Ready to handle this the easy way?
Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.
Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Indiana Secretary of State or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the Indiana Secretary of State. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the Indiana Secretary of State as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed Indiana attorney or CPA.