Starting or managing a business in California requires thorough planning, and one crucial step is verifying or researching a company through a Business Entity Search. Whether you’re forming a new corporation, partnering with an LLC, or investigating a competitor, the California Secretary of State (SOS) business search tool is your go-to resource. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through how to perform a Business Entity Search in California, why it matters, and how to extract vital information for legal, operational, or marketing purposes.
What is a Business Entity Search in California?
A Business Entity Search California is an official lookup service provided by the California Secretary of State’s Office, allowing users to search the state’s database for information about corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships (LPs), and other registered business types.
You can use this search to:
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Check business name availability
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Verify the status of an existing business
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Find details like agent for service of process, formation date, or jurisdiction
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Confirm if a business is in good standing
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View filed documents, including Articles of Incorporation or Amendments
Why Perform a California Business Entity Search?
Conducting a California business entity lookup offers several benefits:
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✅ Ensure name availability before forming a new business
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✅ Avoid legal disputes over trademarked or existing business names
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✅ Verify legitimacy before partnering or contracting
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✅ Conduct due diligence for mergers or acquisitions
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✅ Stay compliant with California law by monitoring your own records
Types of Entities You Can Search For
The California business search covers a broad range of entity types:
| Entity Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Corporation | For-profit or nonprofit organizations |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Flexible business structures with liability protection |
| Limited Partnership (LP) | Partnerships with general and limited partners |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Common among licensed professions (e.g., law, accounting) |
| General Partnership (GP) | Less formal partnerships |
| Foreign Entity | Out-of-state or international businesses registered in CA |
How to Perform a Business Entity Search in California
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Visit the Official Site
Go to the California Secretary of State Business Search. -
Choose Search Criteria
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Search by Entity Name
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Or use the Entity Number (assigned by the SOS)
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Enter Search Term
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Be specific; partial matches are accepted
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Avoid generic keywords (e.g., “Tech” will yield thousands of results)
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Review Results
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Click on the desired business name to view full entity details
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Download or Print Documents
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Many records, including Statements of Information and formation docs, are available in PDF format.
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Understanding Business Entity Search Results
Each result will include essential information such as:
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Entity Name: Official registered name
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SOS Entity Number: Unique ID used for filings
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Date Filed: Original formation or registration date
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Status: Active, Suspended, Dissolved, Canceled, etc.
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Jurisdiction: State or country of formation
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Agent for Service of Process: Legal contact for official documents
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Entity Address: Principal office address
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Available Filings: Formation docs, Statements of Information, amendments
Name Availability & Reservation
Planning to form a new LLC or Corporation? Here’s what you should know:
Check Name Availability
Use the same SOS search to determine if your desired business name is available.
Reserve a Name (Optional)
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You can reserve a business name for 60 days by filing a Name Reservation Request.
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Fee: $10 (online) + $10 handling if submitted in-person.
California Business Entity Statuses Explained
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | In good standing, can legally operate |
| Suspended | Rights, powers, and privileges suspended due to non-compliance |
| Dissolved | Corporation or LLC voluntarily or involuntarily terminated |
| Canceled | LLC, LP, or LLP no longer active |
| Forfeited | Out-of-state entity lost CA privileges due to legal issues |
Business Search for Due Diligence
Performing due diligence via a business entity lookup can help you:
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Evaluate potential partners or suppliers
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Investigate a company’s legal history
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Understand business structure and compliance
Check Franchise Tax Board (FTB) & Court Records
A business can be suspended for non-payment of taxes or not filing returns. For additional details:
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Visit FTB’s Entity Status Lookup
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Check court databases for litigation history (especially for large contracts)
How to Request Official Records or Certificates
If you need an official copy:
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Certified Copies: Request online or by mail
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Certificate of Status: Proof that a business is authorized to operate in CA
Fees range from $5 to $30 depending on the type of document and delivery method.
Table: Business Filing Timelines in California (2025)
| Document Type | Processing Time (Online) | Processing Time (Mail/In-person) |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Incorporation | Same Day – 3 Business Days | 5–10 Business Days |
| Statement of Information | Same Day | 5–7 Business Days |
| Name Reservation Request | 1 Business Day | 3–5 Business Days |
| Certificate of Status | Same Day | 2–3 Business Days |
Tips for Optimizing Your California Business Entity Lookup
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Use quotation marks around multi-word business names for exact match
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Note the SOS Entity Number for faster future access
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Use filters for Active Only businesses to avoid outdated entries
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For out-of-state corporations, verify their foreign registration status
How to Form a New Business in California
If you’re searching to prepare for forming a business, follow this checklist:
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Choose a Business Structure: LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship
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Check Name Availability through the SOS portal
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Reserve Your Name (optional)
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File Formation Documents (Articles of Organization or Incorporation)
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Designate a Registered Agent
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Obtain Federal EIN from the IRS
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Register for State Taxes
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File Statement of Information
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Maintain Annual Compliance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Skipping the search step before choosing a business name
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❌ Not verifying the entity’s current legal status
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❌ Overlooking updates in business address or agent details
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❌ Ignoring Statement of Information filing deadlines
FAQ – California Business Entity Search
What is the fastest way to check if a business name is taken in California?
Use the Business Search Tool and search by name. It’s free and updates in real-time.
Is California’s Business Entity Search free to use?
Yes, there is no cost to use the tool for basic searches and viewing public filings.
Can I search by EIN or owner name?
No, California only allows searches by Entity Name or Entity Number.
What does it mean if a business is suspended?
It means the business lost its rights and privileges in California, typically for tax or compliance reasons.
How often should I check my business listing?
We recommend reviewing it annually, especially after filing your Statement of Information or any major updates.
Conclusion
The California Business Entity Search is a vital tool for entrepreneurs, legal professionals, and anyone conducting due diligence. It offers a transparent look into the legal and operational standing of businesses in the state. Whether you’re registering a new business or vetting a potential partner, staying informed is the key to making sound decisions.
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