New York Secretary of State Business Entity Search – The Ultimate Guide

Navigating the New York Secretary of State Business Entity Search is essential for entrepreneurs, legal professionals, and researchers seeking verified data on corporations, LLCs, and other registered entities in New York. Whether you’re forming a new business, investigating a competitor, or validating an organization’s legitimacy, this powerful public tool offers a wealth of insights. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.

What is the New York Secretary of State Business Entity Search?

The New York Department of State, Division of Corporations maintains a searchable database containing all active and inactive business entities registered in the state. This includes:

• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

• Corporations

• Limited Partnerships (LPs)

• Nonprofit Organizations

• Foreign (out-of-state) entities registered in NY

The Business Entity Database allows users to search for companies by name, ID number, or officer information, offering key public records for transparency and legal compliance.

How to Access the New York Business Entity Database

To begin, visit the official portal:
https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/

Search Options Available:

1. Entity Name

2. DOS ID Number

3. Officer Name (limited scope)

4. Assumed Name or DBA

After entering the criteria, click “Search the Database” to view available records.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the NY Business Entity Search Tool

Step 1: Go to the Database

Navigate to the NY Secretary of State Business Entity Search.

Step 2: Choose Search Criteria

You can search by:

• Business Name

• DOS ID Number

• Exact Match or Partial Match

Step 3: Review the Search Results

The results will list:

• Entity Name

• DOS ID Number

• Status (Active/Inactive)

• Initial Filing Date

• Entity Type

Step 4: Click on the Entity Name

This opens a detailed view with:

• Address

• Service of Process Information

• Registered Agent (if any)

• Filing History

Why Use the NY Business Entity Search Tool?

Using this public tool provides several business-critical benefits:

Types of Business Entities Listed in the NY SOS Database

1. Domestic Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

Formed under NY law and required to publish notices in newspapers.

2. Foreign LLCs

Registered outside NY but authorized to do business within the state.

3. Corporations (Domestic & Foreign)

Includes C-Corps and S-Corps, both profit and nonprofit.

4. Limited Partnerships (LP)

Owned by general and limited partners, common in investment structures.

5. Assumed Names (DBA)

Businesses operating under a different name than the legal entity.

Key Information Found in Entity Records

When you click on a business name in the database, the following data is typically displayed:

• Legal Business Name

• Entity Type (e.g., LLC, Corp)

• DOS ID Number

• Initial Filing Date

• Jurisdiction

• County of Formation

• Current Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)

• Registered Agent and Office Address

• Stock Information (for corporations)

• Service of Process Address

• Filing History and Documents

How to Reserve a Business Name in New York

If the name you want is available, you can reserve it through the Division of Corporations:

• Reservation Fee: $20

• Reservation Period: 60 days

• How to Apply: File Form Application for Reservation of Name (online or by mail)

Business Formation Services Offered by NY Secretary of State

Beyond entity search, the Department of State allows for:

• Online Filing of LLCs and Corporations

• Amendments and Dissolutions

• Biennial Statement Filing

• Certificate Requests

You can file documents directly on https://www.dos.ny.gov/corps

Common Reasons for Performing an Entity Search

✅ Forming a Business

Before starting your LLC or corporation, ensure the name isn’t taken.

✅ Entering a Contract

Verify the legal existence of a partner company.

✅ Filing a Lawsuit

Locate the registered agent or address for service of process.

✅ Buying a Business

Perform due diligence on the seller’s legal structure and filings.

NY Secretary of State Contact Information

Tips for Using the Database Effectively

• Use wildcards like “%” for partial matches.

• Check multiple variations of a name (with/without LLC or Inc.)

• Cross-reference the county for regional businesses.

• Review filing history for amendments or dissolutions.

Benefits of Verifying a Business Through NY SOS

✔ Legal Protection

Avoid fraudulent entities by confirming business registration and standing.

✔ Transparency

Access to historical and current filings offers better insights.

✔ Authority

Only registered entities can enforce contracts or open bank accounts.

✔ Public Access

The database is free and updated regularly for accurate data.

Important Timelines for Business Filings in NY

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find out if a business is registered in New York?

Use the Business Entity Search Tool to look up a company by name or ID number.

What does it mean if a business is inactive?

It means the company has been dissolved, revoked, or has failed to meet filing requirements.

Can I file a complaint against a NY business?

Yes. You can submit complaints via the Department of State – Consumer Protection Division.

Is there a fee to use the business entity search?

No. It is completely free and open to the public.

How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing in NY?

Request it through the NY DOS website or by mail with a small fee.