How to Reinstate an LLC in Louisiana

How reinstatement works in Louisiana

Louisiana separates two problems. An LLC that is behind on its Annual Report is merely not in good standing, and it fixes that by filing the overdue reports. Revocation is the serious step: after three consecutive missed years, the Secretary of State mails a notice at least 30 days ahead and revokes the articles of organization. A revoked LLC can be reinstated within three years of the revocation date by filing an application signed and acknowledged by a member or manager, its current annual report, and the reinstatement fee under R.S. 12:1364. During those three years the name is protected and cannot be used by any other entity. After three years, reinstatement is still possible, but only if the name is free or the LLC amends to a new one. Louisiana's statute makes reinstatement retroactive, so the articles continue as if never revoked.

Steps to reinstate a Louisiana LLC

1. Application for reinstatement signed and acknowledged by a member or manager
2. The LLC's current Annual Report
3. Payment of the reinstatement fee
4. If a liquidation or receivership suit is pending, unanimous written consent of the members or managers
5. Amendment to a new name if the original name was taken after the three-year protection period
6. Form to use: Application for Reinstatement (revoked LLC).
7. File with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division, by mail or in person in Baton Rouge, or through geauxBIZ where available.

Processing: Standard processing; expedited service is available for $35 (within 24 hours) or $60 (while you wait).

What reinstatement costs: a worked example

An LLC dissolved after missing 2 reports:

$95 for articles of reinstatement under the fee schedule effective October 1, 2026, plus $35 for each annual report that is due. Whether late penalties are charged again at reinstatement varies; the state calculates the exact total when you file. Taxes, interest and tax-clearance costs are extra where they apply.

What happens to the LLC and its name

• Effect: Yes. La. R.S. 12:1308.2(C) makes the certificate of reinstatement retroactive, and the articles continue as if they had never been revoked.
• Your LLC name: For three years after revocation, the LLC's name cannot be used by another entity as an LLC, corporate, or trade name; after that, the LLC must amend its name if the old one has been taken.

The most common cause is a missed Annual Report. See the Louisiana Annual Report guide for deadlines so it does not happen again.

Reinstatement in Louisiana and nearby states

Mistakes that slow down a Louisiana reinstatement

• Waiting past three years after revocation, when the name protection ends and another business can claim the name.
• Having someone other than a member or manager sign the reinstatement application, which Louisiana requires to be signed and acknowledged by a member or manager.
• Filing a reinstatement when the LLC was never revoked, when a not-in-good-standing LLC only needs to file its overdue reports.