You have spent weeks brainstorming the perfect name for your new venture. However, before you print business cards or launch a website, you must ensure that name is legally yours to use in Indiana. Picking a name that is already in use can lead to costly rebranding or legal disputes.
1. Search for name availability and register assumed names (DBAs)
Search the Indiana Secretary of State’s database to ensure your name is “distinguishable.” This legal standard ensures your name is not so similar to an existing business that it confuses the public. You may reserve an available name for 120 days for an $11 online fee, though reservation does not authorize you to conduct business until formation is complete.
Additionally, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name if you operate under any name other than your legal entity’s name. In Indiana, failing to file this certificate is a Class B infraction.
2. File formation documents and meet 2026 identity verification standards
To formally register your entity, submit Articles of Organization or Incorporation through the INBiz portal. The online filing fee for a domestic LLC is currently $95. Under House Enrolled Act 1593 (effective January 1, 2026), all individuals filing on behalf of a business must complete a multi-factor identity verification to prevent “ghost filings.”
You must also provide a physical street address for your principal office, defined as the location where a governing person is commonly present, as the state has tightened restrictions on P.O. boxes.
3. Sustain your entity’s active status via biennial reports
Keep your business “active” and compliant by filing a Business Entity Report every two years. The online fee is $32. If you miss this deadline, the state will issue a notice of delinquency; you then have 120 days to file the report before the state administratively dissolves your business.
Secure the future of your business
Registering your business name in Indiana is more than a creative choice; it is a multi-step legal process that requires strict adherence to naming statutes and modern identity protocols. By securing your name correctly and staying ahead of your biennial filings, you protect your brand’s reputation and your entity’s legal standing.
If you are unsure about your “distinguishable” status or the new 2026 verification requirements, consulting with a legal professional can help ensure your business starts on a firm foundation.
