Reserve a Louisiana business name before you form.
If your formation is not ready but you need to lock in a name, Louisiana lets you reserve it. This guide explains the Louisiana Secretary of State reservation process, fee, duration, and how to convert a reservation into a finished entity.
Start formation in Louisiana →Why reserve a name in Louisiana
- 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 Louisiana name reservation works
- 1Check name availability. Run a Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
How much does Louisiana name reservation cost?
Can I extend a Louisiana name reservation?
What if my reserved name is challenged after I form?
Does a Louisiana name reservation work for an out-of-state entity?
Can File.Business reserve my Louisiana name?
What if I find my desired name is taken in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana Secretary of State or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the Louisiana 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 Louisiana Secretary of State as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or CPA.