Name availability · OK
Oklahoma business name search
Oklahoma gives you two free tools: the Business Entities Search, which finds existing businesses, and a separate Name Availability Search, which checks a proposed name. Both are only preliminary, and the Business Filing Department makes the final decision. A name isn't held for you until a reservation is accepted and filed.
How to check if a name is available in Oklahoma
- 01
Run the Name Availability Search
Open sos.ok.gov/corp/corpNameAvailability.aspx and enter your name with all punctuation removed, as the form asks.
- 02
Cross-check in Business Entities Search
Search the same words in the Business Entities Search and click a filing number to see a record's details and status.
- 03
Look back three years
Oklahoma blocks LLC names that match entities in good standing at any point in the last three years. A recently lapsed business with your name can still be a problem.
- 04
Check federal marks
Search tmsearch.uspto.gov. An Oklahoma filing doesn't protect you if someone else owns a federal trademark.
- 05
Domain, handles and backups
Check that the domain and social names are open. Our free business name generator at /business-name-generator/ can help if you need a fallback.
Oklahoma business naming rules
- An LLC name must contain "limited liability company," "limited company," LLC, LC, L.L.C. or L.C. "Limited" may be shortened to "Ltd." and "Company" to "Co."
- An LLC name can't be the same as or indistinguishable from LLCs, corporations, partnerships or registered series that were in good standing at any time in the past three years, or from trade, fictitious or reserved names on file.
- With the other party's written consent, you can use a similar name by adding words, numbers or letters. Added words aren't needed if the other business is changing its name, ceasing business, withdrawing or winding up.
- A foreign LLC whose name is taken in Oklahoma can adopt a fictitious name to do business here.
Reserving a name
Oklahoma lets you reserve an available name for up to 60 days, with separate reservation filings for LLCs and other entities. Check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.
DBAs and trade names
The Secretary of State's Business Filing Department handles trade name filings and fictitious name certificates for general partnerships. Trade names, fictitious names and reserved names all count when the state checks whether a new entity name is available.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Oklahoma search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a business name is available in Oklahoma?
Use the Secretary of State's Name Availability Search (with punctuation removed), then confirm in the Business Entities Search. The Business Filing Department makes the final call.
Can I use a name from an Oklahoma company that closed?
Maybe not right away. LLC names are blocked by entities that were in good standing at any time during the previous three years.
Where do I register a trade name in Oklahoma?
With the Secretary of State's Business Filing Department, which also handles fictitious name certificates for general partnerships.
How long can I reserve a name in Oklahoma?
Up to 60 days. The name isn't held until the reservation is accepted and filed.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Oklahoma Secretary of State, Business Filing Department; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.