How to Register a Business Name in Indiana

Updated: October 1, 2023
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In Indiana, you have three pathways to register your business name. You can establish it as an LLC or Corporation to have your business be a separate entity or you can opt for a DBA (officially recognized as an Assumed Business Name) if you’re a sole proprietor or part of a general partnership. If you want additional protection against people using your business name across the country, you can also opt to file a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Be sure to have your business name registered before completing the other registrations you’ll need to be legally compliant in Indiana, like:

  • File a Business Tax Application with the Indiana Department of Revenue to collect sales tax to legally conduct retail sales and be issued a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC)
  • Complete employer registrations such as registering for an Indiana State Unemployment Tax Account with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development or new hire reporting to the New Hire Reporting Center
  • Get any of the over 400 licenses from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency to engage in certain regulated activities
  • Obtain city or county licenses that are needed for most small businesses such as those dealing with zoning regulations, signage, contractors, those doing business without an established location, etc.
  • Receiving an EIN from the IRS
  • Open a business bank account

How much does it cost to Register a Business Name in Indiana?

The cost to register an Indiana business name varies depending on the type of registration:

  • Indiana LLC cost: $95
  • Indiana Corporation cost: $96.5
  • Indiana DBA cost: $35

Steps to Registering a Business Name in Indiana:

  1. Check for Business Name Availability
    2.
  2. Choose a Business Structure
    3.
  3. File your Indiana Business Name Registration
  4. File a Trademark
    5.

1. Check Business Name Availability

Before registering your Indiana business name, you’ll want to confirm that your business name is available. Even if the exact name isn’t in use, you should also make sure that it isn’t too similar to other names in use. If another business is using your desired business name, you’ll need to come up with another name. To be thorough, you should include three types of searches:

Indiana Business Name Search Help

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Trademark Search

Federal trademarks are the highest registration level for a business name, so you should start there. Trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) supersede state and local level registrations, so verifying the name you want isn’t trademarked is crucial. If it is trademarked, you’ll need to go back to square one and come up with a new name.

Visit the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) page to search the USPTO database directly. If you find the results overwhelming or difficult to understand, you can also use the Free Trademark Search available from Trademark Engine.

Indiana Business Name Search

You can move on to verifying that your business name is available to use in Indiana after you’re sure it hasn’t been trademarked. To do a Indiana business name search, use the Indiana Business Search to search the database of business names registered in the state.

You’ll want to search for your exact name and do some searches that include partial matches of your business name or use wildcard characters. This ensures that there aren’t businesses with very similar names that don’t appear from an exact name search. One of the number one reasons a business name registration is rejected is the name being too similar to an existing business.

Pro Tip: If you do a search and see your name is available but was used in the past, you should strongly consider choosing a new name. Using a previously registered name can cause issues with obtaining an EIN.

Since most businesses choose to get an EIN, it will be highly likely that an EIN has been issued with that name. If an EIN was previously issued under that business name, the IRS EIN system cannot issue an EIN online and will return a 101 reference error. When an EIN application gets a 101 error, the only way to get an EIN issued under that name is to call the IRS and fax them a copy of your business registration paperwork. So, do yourself a favor and pick a new name unless you absolutely need to use that name.

Website Domain Search

At this stage, you should have a good idea that your name is available to use in Indiana and no trademark issues, so it’s time to ensure your domain name is available. For almost every business, it’s worth it to register a business domain name to prevent competitors from taking your domain name. If you want a professional business email address, you’ll also need to register your domain.

Domain Name and Business Email

You can use Namecheap to verify if your domain name is available. They also offer a business email service that’s free to try for the first 60 days when you purchase a domain.

2. Choose a Business Structure

Before you can file a business name registration in Indiana, you need to decide on the structure your business will use. The specific registration requirements and type of filing will depend on if your business is an LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, or general partnership. Each of these business structures has its own advantages and disadvantages. It impacts important aspects of your business, including the owners’ legal liability, how taxes are paid, and how easy it can be to get loans. Below is a comparison and explanation of each structure. If you require additional guidance, be sure to check out our guide, How to Choose your Business Structure, where we cover this decision in more detail.

Recommended Business Structure:

Starting an LLC is ideal for most new businesses because they can have any number of owners and have unique benefits. LLCs provide liability protection that isn’t available to sole proprietors and general partnerships with pass-through taxation that corporations lack.

If you think an LLC is for you and want help, check out our guide to the best LLC services, to find the provider that best fits what you’re looking for.

LLC

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure allowed under Indiana law (Indiana Code § 23-18) that safeguards owners’ personal assets, enables multiple owners, and allows for adaptable management and taxation options.

Learn More: What is an LLC

LLC Pros

  • Personal liability protection
  • Legally separate entity
  • Default pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
  • Unlimited number of owners (members)
  • Flexible management – can be run by members or non-owner managers
  • Option for S-Corp tax status

LLC Cons

  • Upfront filing costs
  • Ongoing cost and filings to stay compliant
  • Unable to go public

Do you need to register to be an LLC in Indiana?

Yes, to be legally recognized as an LLC in Indiana, you must register with the Indiana Business Services Division (INBiz).

Jump to: Register an LLC Name

Corporation

A corporation is a business structure under Indiana law (Indiana Code § 23-1) that is legally distinct from its owners. Stockholders own it, with limited liability protection. It’s perfect for gaining external funds and shielding personal assets.

Learn More: What is a Corporation

Corporation Pros

  • Personal liability protection
  • Legally separate entity
  • Unlimited number of owners (shareholders)
  • Easier to raise capital by selling stock
  • Able to go public
  • Option for S-Corp tax status

Corporation Cons

  • Default double taxation
  • Upfront filing costs
  • Ongoing costs and filings to stay compliant
  • Increased record keeping requirements
  • Strict management structures set by law

Do you need to register to be a Corporation in Indiana?

Yes, for official recognition as a Corporation in Indiana, registration with the Indiana Business Services Division (INBiz) is mandatory.

Jump to: Register a Corporation Name

Sole Proprietor

A sole proprietorship is a solo-operated business. Simple to start, minimal paperwork. Owner and business are legally indistinguishable, leading to unlimited personal liability.

Learn More: What is a Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietor Pros

  • Easy and inexpensive to start
  • Simple taxes (business income taxed once)
  • Easy to maintain
  • Complete control for owner

Sole Proprietor Cons

  • Unlimited Liability Risk
  • Hard to raise money and get loans
  • Not separate from owner
  • Difficult to sell business
  • No other tax status options

Do you need to register your sole proprietor business name in Indiana?

If your business name doesn’t include your full name (first and last name), you’ll need to register your business name by filing a “doing business as” name (DBA). For example, if your name is “John Williams” and you work as a plumber, the name “John Williams Plumbing” wouldn’t need to register, but the name “Williams Plumbing” would be required to register.

Jump to: Register a DBA Name

Partnership

A partnership involves 2 or more owners sharing business responsibilities. Each partner has unlimited personal liability. Profits and losses are reported individually for tax purposes.

Learn More: What is a Partnership

Partnership Pros

  • Easy and inexpensive to start
  • Pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
  • Unlimited number of owners (partners)
  • Shared business responsibilities

Partnership Cons

  • Unlimited Liability Risk
  • Responsible for partners’ actions
  • Hard to raise outside capital
  • Not separate from partners
  • Difficult to sell business
  • No other tax status options

Do you need to register your partnership business name in Indiana?

If the business name for a general partnership in Indiana does not include the last names of all of the business partners, they must file for a “doing business as” (DBA) name, which is officially referred to as an Assumed Business Name. For example, if a business that does marketing consulting operates as a partnership and has three partners named Paul Clark, Brian King, and Brandon Turner, they can use the business name “Clark, King and Turner Marketing” without registering. However, if they want to use a more unique and brandable business name like “InsightEdge Marketing Consultants”, they would need to file an Assumed Business Name (DBA).

Jump to: Register a DBA Name

3. File your Indiana Business Name Registration

Having confirmed your business name’s availability and selected an appropriate structure, it’s now time to finalize the registration of your Indiana business name. Ensure you follow the process that matches your chosen business structure. Remember, if you opted for a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’ll be filing a DBA.

Register an Indiana LLC Name

To form an LLC in Indiana, you’ll need to file a document known as Articles of Organization (Form 49459) and submit it to the Indiana Business Services Division (INBiz). There’s a filing fee of $95 to create an LLC. In the Articles of Organization (Form 49459) filing you’ll provide details about your business, such as:

  • LLC Name
  • Information about the LLC members (owners) and managers (if applicable)
  • Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
  • Name and Address of your Registered Agent

Indiana LLC Name Requirements

Indiana LLCs must use a name that follows the naming rules outlined in Indiana law (Indiana Code § 23-0.5-3):

  • Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Indiana Business Services Division (INBiz)
  • Must clearly denote the business is legally structured as an LLC by including the words “limited liability company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC”
  • Cannot use words or designators associated with Corporations such as “Corporation” “Incorporated” “Corp” or “Inc”
  • Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
  • Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Bank, Banker, Banking, Savings, Safe Deposit, Trust, Trustee, Insurance, Credit Union

For more in-depth information check out our How to Start an LLC in Indiana guide, where we cover all the steps needed to form an LLC in full detail.

Want Help Starting an Indiana LLC?

Use a professional filing service like Northwest Registered Agent ($39 +state fees), which can save you $210 vs LegalZoom when forming an Indiana LLC.

Register an Indiana Corporation Name

To register as an Indiana Corporation, you’ll be required to complete and submit the Articles of Incorporation to the Indiana Business Services Division (INBiz), which costs $96.5. In your Articles of Incorporation submission you’ll need to provide details to the Indiana Business Services Division (INBiz) about your business, including:

  • Corporation Name
  • Names and addresses of the board of the directors
  • Number and type of authorized shares
  • Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
  • Name and Address of your Registered Agent

Indiana Corporation Name Requirements

Corporations in Indiana are required to use a name that follows the rules detailed under Indiana law (Indiana Code § 23-0.5-3):

  • Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Indiana Business Services Division (INBiz)
  • Clearly indicate the business is legally structured as a corporation by including the words “Corporation” or “Incorporated” or use an abbreviation such as “Corp” or “Inc”
  • Cannot use words or designators associated with LLCs such as “limited liability company” or “LLC”
  • Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
  • Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Bank, Banker, Banking, Savings, Safe Deposit, Trust, Trustee, Insurance, Credit Union

Want to Incorporate in Indiana?

If you’re interested in incorporating, you can learn more with the ZenBusiness guide on How to Start a Corporation in Indiana, which covers each step you’ll need to complete to start an Indiana corporation.

Register an Indiana DBA (Assumed Business Name)

An Indiana DBA (Assumed Business Name) allows a business to operate using a business name that is different than their legal name. To register an Indiana DBA you’ll need to complete a Certificate of Assumed Business Name application and submit it to the county recorder’s office, along with the filing fee of $35. You’ll need to provide the following information:

  • Name and address of Applicant(s)
  • Business Name (Assumed Business Name)
  • Address where business is transacted

Indiana DBA (Assumed Business Name) Requirements

The rules for an Indiana Assumed Business Name (DBAs) are not quite as strict as they are for LLCs or Corporations, however there are still restrictions. Mainly, your DBA can’t include designators used for legal entities like “LLC” or “Inc” in the Assumed Business Name. DBAs also can’t contain prohibited words or words that imply association with government entities.

Keep in mind that if you operate a business under any name other than your legal name in Indiana, you’re required to register. Failure to register in Indiana is considered a Class B infraction.

Indiana DBA Registration Assistance

Get help registering your Indiana DBA with Swyft Filings. Packages starting at $99 (plus filing fees).

4. File a Trademark (Optional)

Trademark registration can provide increased security for your business identity. A trademark is like a safeguard for your Indiana business name, allowing you complete control over your brand. Unlike state-level registrations, trademarks offer federal-level protection that extends nationwide.

You can apply for a trademark online, but be aware that the process can be complex and time-consuming. Evaluation of a trademark application by a USPTO examining attorney takes approximately 7-9 months. Given the intricacies involved in the process, thoroughly preparing your initial application with great attention to detail is essential.

To streamline the trademark registration journey, seek guidance from a qualified attorney or specialized trademark filing service. Their expertise can save you time and simplify the complexities associated with application submission and follow-ups.

Trademark Filing Assistance

Ensure your trademark is filed properly with the help of the experts at Trademark Engine, who’ve helped file over 120,000 trademarks since 2016. Packages start at $99 (+USPTO fees).

Additional Business Resources in Indiana

For more help, check out our How to Start a Business in Indiana guide, or use these resources: