The California Secretary of State Business Search is your go-to online tool. It’s completely free, easy to use, and available to anyone — whether you’re starting a business or just doing research.
What Exactly Is the Business Search Tool?
This is an official search engine run by the California Secretary of State. It allows you to search through the registry of all corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships that are (or were) registered in California.
It’s like a public business directory — but with legal documents and status updates included.
Why You Might Need It
Here’s why people commonly use it:
Starting a business? You’ll want to check if your desired name is already taken.
Hiring or partnering with a company? You can verify that they’re officially registered and active.
Looking up a shady company? This helps you avoid scams by checking if the business is real.
Legal or financial research? You can download official records and filing history.
How to Use the Business Search (Step-by-Step)
Go to the official California Secretary of State Business Search.
Choose your search method: business name, entity number, or agent name.
Type your query and hit Search.
Scroll through the list and click on any business to see full details.
You’ll get information like status (active, dissolved, suspended), formation date, registered agent, address, and a list of official documents.
What Information Is Available?
Business Name
Entity Number
Business Type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
Status (e.g., Active, Dissolved, Suspended)
Registration Date
Registered Agent Info
Principal Business Address
Filing History & Documents
What You Won’t Find There
While the search is powerful, it doesn’t include:
Sole proprietorships or general partnerships
Business licenses or permits
Tax records or financial data
Trademarks or DBA (Doing Business As) names
For those, you’ll need to visit city or county offices, or the USPTO for trademarks.
Who Should Use This Tool?
Entrepreneurs — for name searches and checking competitors
Investors — to confirm legitimacy and standing
Journalists and researchers — to verify business data
Consumers — to avoid fraud or find business ownership info
Conclusion: A Simple, Smart Tool for Business Transparency
The California Secretary of State Business Search uscorpdirectory.com isn’t just for lawyers — it’s for anyone who wants to stay informed. It’s reliable, public, and updated regularly. If you work with or around California businesses, knowing how to use this tool can save you time, money, and headaches.
