Texas LLC search: official name lookup and availability

Use the official Texas search

Start with the registry run by the Texas Secretary of State. Third-party directories can be useful for discovery, but the state record is the source to verify an entity's legal name, identifier and current public status.

Open the official Texas search ↗

• Search price: $1 per SOSDirect search
• Name reservation: Optional reservation through the Secretary of State; confirm the current form, fee and duration before filing.
• Formation cost guide: See Texas LLC fees and annual requirements

How to search without missing a match

Begin with the distinctive words. Entity endings, punctuation, spacing and plurals can hide close records when a search is too exact. Search several versions and open each likely match before concluding that a name is clear.

1. Open SOSDirect and choose the business-organization search.
2. Search the distinctive words without LLC punctuation first, then test close spellings and plurals.
3. Open likely matches and record the exact name, file number and status.
4. Run a second search in the Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search when tax status matters.
5. If forming, submit the reservation or formation document and wait for state acceptance before committing to the name.

You can search by:

• Exact or partial legal entity name in SOSDirect
• Secretary of State file number when known
• Taxpayer name or number in the Comptroller Taxable Entity Search

What the result can tell you

A business lookup serves two jobs: finding an existing company and researching a proposed name. For due diligence, match the legal name and state identifier rather than relying on the brand shown on an invoice or website.

• Entity legal name and Secretary of State file number
• Entity status and formation or registration information
• Registered agent or public filing details available in the record
• Separate franchise-tax account status from the Comptroller search

Status labels are state-specific. Active or in good standing generally means the registry currently recognizes the entity, while inactive, dissolved, cancelled, forfeited or revoked records need further review. A status page is not proof of ownership, creditworthiness, licensing or tax compliance with every agency.

Search result versus name approval

No online search gives a complete brand clearance. The state checks distinguishability under its entity rules when it reviews the reservation or formation filing. Trademark owners can still object to a confusingly similar commercial name even when the Secretary of State accepted the LLC filing.

• SOSDirect is the legal-entity and name-research system; the Comptroller search answers a different tax-status question.
• A similar trademark, assumed name or brand may create risk even if the state accepts the LLC name.
• Do not buy a domain, signage or packaging based only on a preliminary search.

Also search the USPTO trademark database, general web results, relevant app stores, social platforms and domains. If the name is important to a launch, consider a trademark professional before investing in branding.

Review the official Texas reservation process ↗ · Read the nationwide LLC lookup guide