Before you form a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Oklahoma Name Availability Search tool to check if your corporation name is available.
We'll show you how to check corporation name availability in Oklahoma in this guide.
Recommended: You’ll want to secure your website domain name as soon as possible. Check GoDaddy to make sure it’s available.
Oklahoma Corporation Name Search
The Oklahoma Secretary of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state. So, you’ll want to search and make sure no other businesses in the state are already using your name.
It is also useful to see if your corporation name is available as a web domain (URL).
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How to Search Available Oklahoma Corporation Names
Once you know your corporation name meets Oklahoma business name guidelines, make sure it’s available by using the Oklahoma Name Availability Search tool.
Want to learn more about corporations? Check out our What Is a Corporation guide to get started.
How to Check Available Domain Names
When deciding on a name for your corporation, you should make sure that a similar or exact domain name is available. A matching URL will help potential customers find your corporation faster.
How to Register a Corporation Name in Oklahoma
Register Your Name
A corporation name is officially registered when you file your Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation. You can hire a professional service to form a corporation for you or start a corporation yourself.
Ready to register your corporation name? Use our Form a Corporation guide to get started.
If you want to register a DBA in Oklahoma, known as a trade name, that’s a separate process that requires filing a separate form with the Secretary of State.
Reserve Your Name
While not required, you have the option to reserve your corporation name in Oklahoma for up to 120 days before you register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you are ready to register it yourself.
Name reservations can be filed online or by mail with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. The filing fee is $10.
Need Help Forming Your Corporation? ZenBusiness will get you started.
Oklahoma Corporation Name Requirements
Key Guidelines
Oklahoma has official requirements for its corporation names.
The name must contain one of the following words (or an abbreviation): association, company, corporation, club, foundation, fund, incorporated, institute, society, union, or syndicate. It can also include words of the same meaning in a different language.
There are also restricted words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” that you cannot use in order to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Oklahoma corporation names also must have the approval to include the following words: savings and loan, building and loan, savings association, and savings bank.
For more information, check out the Oklahoma state statute on corporation names.
Distinguishability
Your name must be distinguishable from all other Oklahoma business names. In Oklahoma, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
If your corporation name isn’t distinguishable, your Articles of Incorporation filing will likely be rejected.
What if my corporation name is already taken? Our AI-powered corporation name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
For a list of brainstorming tips, check out our guide to naming your business.
Oklahoma Corporation Name Search FAQ
How do I check if a corporation name is taken in Oklahoma?
You can use the Oklahoma Name Availability Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Learn more about business entity name availability in the Oklahoma Corporation Name Search section.
Should I name my corporation after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming a corporation after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting a corporation is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered business name generator.
What words can’t be used in an Oklahoma corporation name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Additionally, Oklahoma corporation names must have the approval to include the following words: savings and loan, building and loan, savings association, and savings bank.
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Oklahoma Corporation Name Requirements section.
Should I use a business name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your corporation, a corporation name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
Do I have to include ‘corporation’ in my name?
Oklahoma corporation names must contain one of the following words (or an abbreviation): association, company, corporation, club, foundation, fund, incorporated, institute, society, union, or syndicate. It can also include words of the same meaning in a different language.
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Oklahoma Corporation Name Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma doesn't require corporations to renew their legal name or trade name.
Can my business name be different from my corporation name in Oklahoma?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a trade name in Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, trade names for corporations are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about trade names with our Oklahoma DBA guide.
Does my corporation need a DBA name?
Your corporation doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more with our Oklahoma DBA guide.