The Georgia Secretary of State runs a free eCorp portal where anyone can look up every business registered in the state. Before you file an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, this is the first stop — running a name search here saves you the rejection fee, the wasted logo work, and the awkward second choice you didn't actually want. Here's exactly how to use it.
At a glance
- Where: sos.ga.gov → Corporations → Business Search (eCorp portal)
- Cost to search: Free (no account required)
- Cost to reserve: $25 for 30 days
- Rule of thumb: Search at least 3–5 variations before committing
Step-by-step: using the eCorp business search
- 01
Open the Georgia SOS eCorp portal
Go to sos.ga.gov and click Corporations → Business Search (or go straight to the eCorp portal). No account is needed to search — you only need to log in when you're ready to reserve a name or file a formation document.
- 02
Search the exact name you want
Type the full proposed name without the entity suffix (LLC, Inc., Corp.) and hit search. The results show every entity — active, dissolved, and reserved — whose name matches or contains your search term. Read the status column carefully: only Active and Reserved names block you.
- 03
Search close variations
Georgia's 'distinguishable' rule is stricter than it sounds. 'Ryals Consulting LLC' and 'Ryal's Consulting LLC' are not distinguishable. Neither are singular vs plural, punctuation swaps, or minor spelling changes. Run 3–5 variations before you commit — including with and without 'Group', 'Services', 'Solutions', etc.
- 04
Check for federal trademarks (separate step)
Availability with the Georgia SOS only means the state will accept your filing. It does not protect you from a trademark lawsuit. Run a quick search on the USPTO TESS database (uspto.gov) for your industry class before printing business cards.
- 05
Reserve the name (optional, $25)
If you aren't ready to file the LLC or corporation yet — logo work, waiting on a partner, still pricing service packages — reserve the name for 30 days through eCorp for $25. This is worth it when a competitor might grab the same name, and skippable when you're filing within a week.
- 06
File the formation document
Once you're satisfied the name is clear, file the Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation). Georgia's online filing fee is $100 for LLCs, $100 for for-profit corporations, and $100 for nonprofits. The name is officially yours the moment the filing is accepted — usually within 7 business days.
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Georgia business naming rules (the short version)
- Must include an entity designator — LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company, Inc., Corporation, Corp., or Company (Co.).
- Must be distinguishable from every active or reserved Georgia entity (case, punctuation, and singular/plural don't count as different).
- Cannot imply a purpose the entity isn't legally authorized to do (e.g. 'Bank', 'Insurance', 'University' require additional regulatory approval).
- Cannot include words that imply government affiliation (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Professional entities (law, medicine, accounting) must use PC, P.C., PLLC, or Professional Corporation and include the professional's licensing information.
Reading the search results
Every result shows a status: Active, Admin. Dissolved, Dissolved, or Reserved. Only Active and Reserved names block you from filing. An administratively dissolved entity's name becomes available after a waiting period, but the previous owner has reinstatement rights — it's usually safer to pick a different name than fight over one.
Also check the NAICS code and principal office on similar-named entities. Two "Ryals Consulting" companies operating in different industries and cities might coexist under state law but still create real-world confusion for customers and search engines.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the search is a trademark check. It isn't. The SOS only checks state entity records — trademark clearance is a separate USPTO search.
- Only searching the exact name. Georgia rejects names that are too similar, not just identical. Search variations.
- Skipping domain and social handle checks. Legal availability doesn't mean the .com is free. Check both before you commit.
- Reserving a name and then forgetting. Reservations expire in 30 days. If you're not filing that month, wait to reserve.
- Filing the wrong entity type by accident. The eCorp portal has separate flows for LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits — a mismatched Articles form is one of the most common rejection reasons.
FAQ
Is the Georgia Secretary of State business search free?
Yes. The eCorp Business Search on sos.ga.gov is free to use with no account required. You only pay when you file a formation document or reserve a name.
How do I know if a name is truly available?
Search the exact name and 3–5 close variations. If nothing comes back Active or Reserved, it's available at the state level. Confirm with a USPTO trademark search and a domain lookup before printing anything.
How much does a name reservation cost?
$25 online through the Georgia SOS eCorp portal. The reservation lasts 30 days.
Can I check a Georgia business's status on the same portal?
Yes — the same search returns each entity's registered agent, principal office, filing history, and current standing. This is also where you verify a vendor or contractor is legitimately registered in Georgia.
Skip the guesswork
We handle the name search, reservation, and filing — done right the first time.
Our flat-fee Georgia business startup package includes name clearance, Articles of Organization, operating agreement, EIN, and state tax registration. No rejected filings, no wasted fees.
General information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures reflect Georgia Secretary of State guidance as of 2026 and can change — always confirm current rates at sos.ga.gov before filing.