How long does it take to register a business in Louisiana?

Processing times vary: 5-7 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Louisiana?

Yes, most cities in Louisiana require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Louisiana?

The LLC filing fee is $100. Annual fees are $35. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $250.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Louisiana. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Louisiana Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Louisiana LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Louisiana businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Louisiana

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Louisiana?

$100

Filing Fee

5-7

Processing (days)

420K

Total Businesses

45K/yr

New Businesses

Major port and shipping hub

Strong energy sector

Tourism industry in New Orleans

Low cost of living

Starting a Business in Louisiana

Top Cities for Business

New Orleans383,997
Baton Rouge227,470
Shreveport187,593
Lafayette126,185
Lake Charles83,871

Popular Industries

Oil & Gas
Petrochemicals
Tourism
Agriculture
Shipping

Cost to Start a Business in Louisiana

LLC Filing Fee$100

Annual Report Fee$35/year

Name Reservation (optional)$25 for 60 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$250

Processing time: 5-7 business days

Louisiana Tax Overview

Louisiana has income tax rates from 1.85-4.25%. Corporate tax is 3.5-7.5%. Sales tax is 4.45% state plus local.

Louisiana Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Louisiana

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Bayou Table
Louisiana Cuisine
NOLA Kitchen
Cajun Dining
Crescent City Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

NOLA Cuts
Premium Grooming
Bayou Barbers
Classic Style
Louisiana Shave
Expert Service

construction

Louisiana Builders
Quality Construction
Bayou Build
Building LA
NOLA Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

NOLA Strategy
Business Growth
Bayou Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Louisiana Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Louisiana Mercantile
Local Goods
Bayou Market
Quality Products
NOLA Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

Louisiana Home Care
Complete Solutions
Bayou Services
Professional Care
NOLA Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

NOLA Tech
Innovation
Bayou Digital
Tech Solutions
Louisiana Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Louisiana Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Bayou Medical
Patient Care
NOLA Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Louisiana Properties
Dream Homes
Bayou Realty
Expert Service
NOLA Living
Premium Properties

fitness

NOLA Fitness
Peak Performance
Bayou Strong
Community Fitness
Louisiana Athletics
Elite Training

Official Louisiana Business Resources

Louisiana Secretary of State

Business registration

Louisiana Department of Revenue

Tax information

Louisiana SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in Louisiana

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Louisiana LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report ($35)
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Louisiana Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Louisiana Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Louisiana Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.