The Louisiana Secretary of State is here to assist individuals and businesses with their needs. Find out about the services, forms, and systems offered by the office and learn how to get started on your business projects in Louisiana.
You may have questions regarding the La Secretary of State and this article was written to help answer your questions and to provide you with important resources. Here are a few helpful services their office helps with:
Business Formation Filing & Registration
The Louisiana Secretary of State offers a variety of services related to business formation such as starting your own business in Louisiana. You can file and register your business either online or through their physical office locations, depending on your needs. Forms are available to start businesses such as limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and not-for-profit organizations. Don’t forget to consider any licensing, permits, and other requirements that might be necessary before you can get started!
Before you begin your business filing or registration process, make sure to review the regulations and requirements set forth by the Secretary of State. It’s important to check whether the name you’d like for your business is available for use, and be sure that you understand any fees associated with filing or registering. The Louisiana Secretary of State will help guide you through the entire process, so don’t hesitate to contact their office if you have any questions regarding forming a business in this state.
Entrepreneurs wanting to start a business are recommended to speak with an attorney to help them through the process. The Secretary of State’s office cannot give you legal advice so you may want to schedule a consultation with an attorney that specializes in business formation. You may have difficulties determining the type of business entity you need and an attorney can guide you and answer any questions you may have.
UCC Filings and Notary Services
The Louisiana Secretary of State also provides UCC Filings and Notary Services. UCC, or Uniform Commercial Code, filings are required to secure a creditor’s right to personal property if a debt becomes due by the debtor. Having a notary is also essential when signing contracts, legal documents, and other official forms. With the Louisiana Secretary of State, you can quickly register individuals as notaries in the state with all necessary materials available online!
Notary services are also provided in Louisiana through the Secretary of State’s office. Every notary receives a commission that is in effect for four years, with renewal being available annually before expiration. Notaries must also take an oath and post a $10,000 surety bond or letter of credit. The Secretary of State’s website has all the information necessary to apply for a notary appointment. With the help of their experienced personnel and online services, becoming a notary or registering UCC filings can become an effortless process!
Professional Licensing
The Louisiana Secretary of State also offers Professional Licensing Services to those looking to join a range of industries in the state. This page on their website provides resources for occupational licensing, including application forms, fee schedules, and other tools necessary for registering as a professional in Louisiana. This can be used by anyone looking to secure a license recognized in the state of Louisiana.
Professional Licensing Services from the Louisiana Secretary of State are designed to make it easier for citizens to apply for and receive a license in their chosen field. For instance, for those looking to become a Licensed Certified Public Accountant or a Real Estate Broker, you will find resources here. Additionally, the page provides information for registering as a professional engineer, medical doctor, surveyor, and other related industries. The site also offers helpful guides on licensing requirements and outlines what steps need to be taken in order to obtain the license you are seeking.
Elections and Voting Solutions
Louisiana residents have the opportunity to exercise their rights and participate in elections by taking advantage of resources available through their Secretary of State. The Elections Division on their website provides important information about voter registration, upcoming elections, absentee voting, and more. Residents have access to materials that help answer questions about polling locations, election dates, political party affiliations, and early voting options.
The Louisiana Secretary of State also provides resources for election officials. On their website, election officials can view up-to-date guidelines and find important forms for elections. Form documents for upcoming elections, such as unofficial candidate lists and approved party affiliations, are also available. This section also provides training materials, security information, and essential on-site support resources for those who serve in poll locations across the state. With all of these services provided by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office, residents have access to reliable and helpful information when it comes to participating in local elections.
Louisiana Secretary of State Business Search
The Louisiana Secretary of State also provides resources to help businesses get set up and running in the state as well as providing a business search option that allows you to find any business registered in Louisiana. There are many reasons why you may want to search for a business such as finding their agent to serve a lawsuit, finding out if they have filed their documents, and seeing who owns the business.
Follow this link to the Louisiana Secretary of State business search.
They have a Business Filings page with information about registering a business, changing your business name, incorporating or forming an LLC, and more. Residents can even use the online filing system to apply for trademarks or check their application status.
The Louisiana Secretary of State also offers several online services, such as the Commercial Records Electronic Filing system, where businesses can access public records and court documents. The SOS also provides a searchable business registration database, which allows you to research other companies or determine if your desired company name is already taken. With these numerous resources available through the Louisiana Secretary of State website, starting and maintaining a business in Louisiana is easier than ever!
Location and Hours of Operation:
The Secretary of State’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The mailing address for all agency business is Louisiana Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125.
The office is located at 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I check the status of my LLC?
The La Secretary of State office makes it incredibly easy to check the status of your LLC filing by performing a search on their website. Simply click on your business listing and review the details listed.
How do I get my LLC back in good standing?
If you have allowed your LLC filings to lapse, don’t panic, the La Secretary of State allows you fix it. All you have to do is download the reinstatement form on the website and submit it.
How long does it take to get my LLC approved in Louisiana?
It normally takes anywhere from 7-25 business days to have your LLC approved by the La Secretary of State. However, you can choose to expedite your LLC filings for a small fee which drastically lowers your wait time.
Is there a yearly fee for an LLC in Louisiana?
LLC owners must submit their annual report and pay a $30 yearly fee to the Secretary of State office to keep their LLC valid. Thankfully, you can complete this yearly process online from the comfort of your home.
How does my LLC get an EIN number?
LLC owners will need to obtain an EIN number, which is a tax ID that is associated with an LLC. You will need to go to IRS.gov and answer a few questions. You can choose to get your EIN number immediately electronically or have them mail a letter to your address. The entire process can be completed in a few minutes and is not difficult.
How do I search for a business in Louisiana?
There are numerous reasons why you may want to get details on a business in Louisiana such as wanting to contact the owner directly, serving them with a civil lawsuit, or simply finding out who owns a particular business. You can perform a Louisiana Secretary of State business search directly on their website to find the information you need.