Business Entity Search

A Business Entity Search is a tool used to find information about registered businesses within a specific state. It's usually an online service provided by government agencies, such as a Secretary of State's office, where users can look up details like the business's official name, legal status, the owners, and the formation date.

A business entity search is helpful for anyone looking to gather basic information about a registered business. Whether starting your own business, doing due diligence, or needing to serve legal documents, it provides crucial details about a company's status, ownership, and compliance with state regulations.

• Finding Business Entity Searches: A business entity search helps look up information about companies registered in a particular state in the U.S. Each Secretary of State should have an online database, while the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) has a federal database (though not all businesses register with the SEC). We also provide guidance on typical business entity searches, as well as popular state searches and East Coast state searches.
• Available Information: Allows verification of the legal status of a business, if it's active, and details on ownership or management.
• Usual Uses: Business entity search tools are typically used by people wanting to research a company before working with it or to see if a specific business name has already been taken.

A business entity search is a lookup tool that allows anyone to find detailed information about a business registered with a state or governmental authority. It provides public access to various key details about the company, including:

• Legal business name: The official name under which the business is registered.
• Entity type: This could be an LLC (Limited Liability Company), a corporation, a partnership, or another business structure.
• Status of the business: Whether it's currently active, dissolved, or in good standing.
• Formation date: When the business was officially created.
• Registered agent: The individual or company designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.
• Business address: The principal location or headquarters of the business.

This search is primarily conducted through the website of the Secretary of State or similar government agencies that handle business registration and compliance. Check out our Startup Costs to access your state's business entity search links.

We also provide guidance on typical business entity searches, as well as popular state searches and East Coast state searches.

When and Why Would You Use a Business Entity Search?

1. Starting a Business: One of the most common reasons for conducting a business entity search is to check if a particular business name is available before starting a company. If a name is already taken, a new one will have to be considered. DBAs (Doing Business As or Fictitious Business Names) cannot be similar to any existing entity name.
2. Doing Due Diligence: If considering working with or investing in a company, a business entity search can provide basic information about the company's legal status and history. It helps ensure that the business is legitimate and active.
3. Filing a Legal Complaint: If legal documents are served to a company, a business entity search can help legal personnel find the registered agent for that business. Registered agents are responsible for receiving important legal documents on the company's behalf.
4. Confirming Compliance: Some people search for a business entity to confirm that a company is in good standing with the state, meaning it has filed all the necessary annual reports and paid any required taxes or fees.

How to Conduct a Business Entity Search

1. Visit the Website: Go to the official website of the government agency responsible for business registrations, typically the Secretary of State or a similar office. Start with our Startup Costs as a reference.
2. Enter the Business Name or Entity Number: Use the search bar to input the name of the business being searched for. More information, like EIN or other identifier, will often yield more accurate results.
3. Review the Search Results: A list of matching businesses should populate once the search is complete. Select one to view more detailed information, such as:
   • Registered agent details.
   • Business status (active, inactive, dissolved, Good Standing).
   • Type of business entity (LLC, corporation, etc.).
   • Business address and formation date.
   • Officers or Directors (in some cases, the names of the business owners or directors are recorded)
4. Download or Print Information: Many state websites allow downloading or printing of official records for continued use.

We also provide guidance on typical business entity searches, popular state searches, and East Coast state searches.

Who Uses Business Entity Searches?

• Entrepreneurs: To check if a business name has already been taken before forming a new business.
• Investors: To perform due diligence and confirm a company's status before investing.
• Lawyers: To gather legal information on a company, such as its registered agent for legal proceedings.
• Consumers: To verify the legitimacy of a company before engaging in business with them.

Limitations of a Business Entity Search

• Not all businesses are registered: Sole proprietors, some partnerships, and smaller unregistered companies may not show up in these searches.
• Limited details: The information provided is basic, such as the business's legal status and registered agent; it won't provide any financial or operational data.
• State-specific: Each search will need to be specific for each state where the business might be registered.
• Associated Fees: Not all business searches are free; some states or services may charge a small fee to access certain details or download official documents.