Ohio business search
Ohio's official business search is Business Search, run by the Ohio Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name, file number or agent.
Search Ohio recordsHow to check if a name is taken in Ohio
- Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
- Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
- If nothing close comes up, run a free trademark search. A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.
LLC name endings in Ohio
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, Limited, Ltd., L.L.C., Limited Liability Company.
Once the name is clear
Ohio charges $99 to form an LLC and $99 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in Ohio, or a Ohio DBA if you only need a trade name.
Ohio business search questions
Is the Ohio business search free?
Yes. The Ohio Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in Ohio?
No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.
Can I see who owns a Ohio LLC?
The record shows what Ohio requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.