If you want to look up an LLC in Georgia, there are a few steps that you need to take. This blog post will walk you through how to do it. The first step is to visit the Georgia Secretary of State's website.
From there, you can search for information about specific LLCs. We will provide more detailed instructions below. Let's get started!
How to Conduct a Georgia Business Entity Search?
The first step that you need to take is to visit the Georgia Secretary of State's website. Once you are there, you will want to click on the "Business search" link. After that, you will be taken to a business name search page.
From there, you can enter the desired LLC name you are looking for. Alternatively, you can type in the control number, registered agent name, or officer's name.
Once you have entered the appropriate information, click the "Search" button.
Suppose the LLC you are looking for exists. In that case, you will be able to view information such as the business type, control number, principal office address, registered /designated agent name, and status.
If you need additional information, you will find those once you click on the name of the Georgia business entity.
The information shown here is the business name, business type, NAICS code, principal office address, date of formation/registration date, state of formation, and last annual registration year.
Information for Georgia LLC Lookup
Now that you know how to look up an LLC in Georgia, what information can you find?
As we mentioned before, some of the information that you will be able to view includes:
- Control number - a number unique for every entity
- Business type - Domestic Limited Liability Company, Foreign Profit Corporation, Domestic Profit Corporation, Domestic Limited Liability Limited Partnership
- Principal office address- where the main office is
- Registered /designated agent name - who is the registered agent of the LLC
- Status - Active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, merged.
In addition, you will also be able to see the following:Â
- NAICS code (company's main activity such as education, medicine...)
- Date of formation/registration date (when it was founded and registered)
- Last annual registration year(when was the previous annual report they filed).
With this information, you will get a better understanding of the LLC you are looking up. You can see when it was formed, where it is located, and what type of business it is.
You can use this information to help you decide whether or not you want to do business with the LLC. You can also use it to learn more about the company and its business practices.
Georgia LLC Search Options
There are a few different options that you have when you are searching for an LLC in Georgia. You can search by business name, registered agent name, control number, or officer's name.
If you know the business name, this is probably the easiest option. If you do not see the business name, you can try searching by control number, registered agent name, or name of the officer.
Control numbers are usually assigned by the state when the LLC is formed. The registered agent is the person who is responsible for receiving the service of process on behalf of the LLC.
The name of the officer can be found on the public record. Officer names are usually listed on the articles of organization.
No matter which option you choose, you should be able to find the LLC that you are looking for.
Once you have the information you need, you can use it to decide whether or not you want to do business with the company.
Georgia LLC Naming Guidelines
When you are naming your Georgia business, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. The name must end with L.L.C., "Limited Liability Company," or "LLC."
The name cannot be the same as another Georgia business entity already on file with the state. In addition, the name cannot be misleading.
It also cannot imply that the LLC is something it is not. For example, you cannot use words like "bank" or "insurance" in the name of an LLC that is not in the banking or insurance business.
Your Georgia LLC's name cannot contain any words that can be mistaken for those of a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
Georgia business name reservation application
If you want to reserve a name for your LLC, you can file a Name Reservation Request with the Georgia Secretary of State.
Select a company name and a few variations. You will have the option to select three names. You won't have to keep submitting applications with different names if your first pick has already been chosen.
A desired LLC name reservation can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. The $25 filing fee is always non-refundable.
The Secretary of State will perform a detailed business name search after submitting your name reservation. If your first name is already taken, the agency will search the names you gave them in your specified order.
If one of your desired business names is approved, your name is reserved for 30 days.
FAQs
How Do I Change the Name of My Georgia Business?
You must file a completed Articles of Amendment to Articles of Organization if you want to change your company's business name. You can mail this to the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division or deliver it in person. If you like, you may also write your version.
Other adjustments can only be made at your LLC's yearly registration. Any information may be updated whenever you choose. A $20 filing fee is required for the submission of an update.
What Is Needed to Form an LLC in Georgia?
You must submit Form CD 030 - Articles of Organization, which costs $100, to the Georgia Corporations Division to establish a Georgia LLC. You can submit the paperwork online or send it by mail. Once you obtain the Articles of Organization, your LLC is officially created.
Do I Need to Open a Bank Account For My Georgia Business?
Yes. Having a separate business bank account for your business is essential. In the event of a lawsuit or significant liabilities, you will be able to prove that you and your business are independent financial entities.
Georgia LLC Lookup: Final Word
So, if you're looking up a Georgia business, the Georgia Secretary of State website is a great place to start.
The Business Entity Search tool is easy to use and provides all the essential information you need to start an LLC in Georgia, like the business name or the registered agent name.
However, if you need legal or tax advice, be sure to consult with an attorney or accountant. Thanks for reading!
