Updated September 29, 2026
To check a Texas business name, start with the Secretary of State’s SOSPortal. It replaced SOSDirect and SOSUpload on September 29, 2026. You can search state business records online or ask the Secretary of State for a preliminary name-availability determination by phone or email.
A search is a first step, not final approval. The state makes its final determination when it receives and processes your filing. Finding no exact match does not establish that a name satisfies all filing requirements or that another business has no rights to it. See the Secretary of State’s name-filing FAQs.
How to search Texas business names in SOSPortal
- Open the official SOSPortal entry page. Use an SOSPortal account; your old SOSDirect account is separate. The state’s account guide explains registration and sign-in.
- Choose Search & Order Records, then New Search.
- Review the search charge and complete the payment prompts. The state’s business filings page lists a $1 charge for each search.
- Select Business Filings, choose the appropriate name-search option, enter your search, and review the results.
- Open a relevant record using its file number. Consider similar names as well as exact matches before deciding what to file.
These navigation steps follow the SOSPortal Business Filings Guide. For old-login problems, verification codes, or launch-week maintenance, see our SOSDirect-to-SOSPortal guide.
Can I search Texas business names for free?
The Comptroller provides a public Franchise Tax Account Status Search. It is useful for checking an existing entity’s franchise tax account status, but it is not the Secretary of State’s name-approval process. An empty result should not be treated as clearance to form an entity under that name.
For a preliminary determination from the Secretary of State, call 512-463-5555 or email CorpInfo@sos.texas.gov. The state’s name-filing FAQs identify these contact options. Explain the proposed name and entity type so the office can address your inquiry.
What does “available” mean?
A Texas filing entity’s name generally must be distinguishable in the Secretary of State’s records from the names protected under the applicable naming rules. The analysis goes beyond whether your exact wording appears in a quick search.
Preliminary availability also does not resolve trademark rights. Before spending money on signs, packaging, a website, or other branding, consider whether someone else’s rights could affect your use of the name. The Secretary of State cautions against relying on preliminary clearance for financial commitments.
What should I do after searching?
If you are ready to start the business, decide on the entity structure, ownership, management, and registered agent before preparing the formation filing. A name search does not create an LLC or provide the agreements its owners may need.
If you are not ready to form the entity, consider whether a name reservation is appropriate. SOSPortal places name reservations under Limited Purpose Filings. Review the current state instructions and applicable fee before submitting a reservation.
Common Texas business name search questions
Can I still use SOSDirect for a name search?
Business searches moved to SOSPortal. Old articles and bookmarks may still refer to SOSDirect. Use the official portal access links above and our transition guide if you need account help.
Does an available business name mean my LLC is formed?
No. A search and a formation filing are different steps. A search result is not evidence that a new entity has been formed.
Can two Texas businesses have similar names?
Similarity can raise both state filing questions and separate branding or trademark issues. Get a preliminary state determination if the search results leave you uncertain, and seek legal guidance when another business’s rights may be involved.
Do I need a lawyer to run a name search?
You can use the state’s tools yourself. Attorney help becomes useful when you need to choose an entity, address a naming conflict, prepare formation documents, or document the owners’ rights and responsibilities.
Help with the next step
Massingill offers an initial Texas business name availability search at no cost. Request a free name search and tell us the proposed name and type of business. This initial search is not a guarantee of state approval or trademark clearance.
If you are preparing to form a business, talk with a Texas business formation attorney or download our Texas Business Startup Checklist.
Joshua Massingill
Joshua Massingill is an attorney practicing in Austin, Texas. He serves on the Texas State Bar’s Law Practice Management Committee, the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) Board of Directors, and the Success-Werx Board of Advisors. He mentors young entrepreneurs in Leander ISD’s INCubatorEDU program and is active in his church.