Free U.S. Business Entity Search - Look Up Any Company in All 50 States (2025) 

I've looked up business entities in 14 different states over the past three years. Every single state has a different website, different search interface, and different ways of displaying information.

Delaware's system is straightforward. California's is a maze. New York's requires accepting terms every single time.

It's frustrating when you just want to quickly verify if a company exists or check if a business name is available.

This tool solves that problem; all 50 states in one searchable directory.

Why You Need to Search Business Entities

Reason 1: Check If Your LLC Name Is Available

Before you spend $100-500 filing an LLC, you need to know if your name is already taken.

My mistake: I fell in love with a name, designed a logo, bought the domain, then discovered someone in my state already had that exact LLC name.

Cost of that mistake:

• Logo design: $150

• Domain: $12

• Time wasted: 8 hours

• Frustration: Priceless

If I'd searched first, I would've known in 30 seconds.

Reason 2: Verify a Company Before Doing Business

Someone says they're "ABC Solutions LLC" and want to do business with you. Are they actually registered? Are they in good standing? Who's the registered agent?

Real example from a client:

A "vendor" reached out offering design services. Claimed to be an established LLC. My client was about to wire $5,000 as a deposit.

I searched the entity. Didn't exist. The company name they gave wasn't registered in any state.

Saved: $5,000 from a scam

Reason 3: Find Competitor Information

Want to know when a competitor formed their business? Who their registered agent is? Whether they're in good standing?

Business entity searches show:

• Formation date

• Business type (LLC, Corp, etc.)

• Registered agent name and address

• Status (active, dissolved, suspended)

• Sometimes owner names (varies by state)

I use this constantly when researching market competition or evaluating potential partners.

Reason 4: Check Your Own Business Status

States can suspend or dissolve your LLC if you:

• Don't file annual reports

• Don't pay franchise taxes

• Don't maintain a registered agent

My friend's experience:

He formed an LLC in Delaware, then forgot about the $300 annual franchise tax. Delaware suspended his LLC after two years of non-payment.

He didn't know until a client searched his business and said "Your company shows as suspended. We can't sign contracts with suspended entities."

Cost him a $50,000 contract.

Regular entity searches on your own business prevent this.

Reason 5: Research Before Forming

Thinking about forming in Delaware vs Wyoming vs your home state? Search some successful companies in your industry and see where they're registered.

I did this before forming my third LLC. Searched 20 competitors:

• 14 were in Wyoming

• 3 were in Delaware

• 2 were in their home states

• 1 was in Nevada

That pattern told me something. If experienced founders are choosing Wyoming, there's probably a good reason.

The Problem With State-by-State Searches

Every state runs its own business entity database. There's no national database that searches all states at once.

What this means:

If you want to search a business and don't know which state they're in, you have to check 50 different websites.

I've done this. It takes 2-3 hours to search all 50 states manually.

The State-by-State Nightmare

Let me show you what searching manually looks like:

Delaware:

• Website: Division of Corporations

• Search tool: Pretty good, fast results

• Information shown: Detailed, includes formation date

• Annoyance level: 2/10

California:

• Website: Secretary of State Business Search

• Search tool: Slow, sometimes crashes

• Information shown: Basic, requires digging for details

• Annoyance level: 7/10

New York:

• Website: Department of State Entity Search

• Search tool: Makes you accept terms every time

• Information shown: Good once you get there

• Annoyance level: 6/10

Wyoming:

• Website: Secretary of State Business Search

• Search tool: Fast, clean interface

• Information shown: Complete, easy to read

• Annoyance level: 1/10

I could list all 50, but you get the point. Each state is different, and finding the right search page takes time.

What the Business Entity Search Finder Actually Does

Instead of bookmarking 50 different state websites and remembering which one has which interface, this tool gives you:

U.S. Business Entity Search Finder

All 50 States in One Place

Click your state, go directly to that state's official business entity search. No hunting for the right page.

Direct Links to Official Sources

These aren't scraped databases or third-party copies. Every link goes straight to the official Secretary of State website.

Why this matters: Information is always current and legally accurate.

Search Tips for Each State

Some states require exact matches. Others allow partial searches. Some have advanced filters. Others are basic text search.

The tool tells you what works best for each state.

Quick Comparison

Want to check if "Acme Solutions LLC" is available in Wyoming, New Mexico, and Delaware? Three clicks instead of hunting through three different state websites.

How to Actually Use Business Entity Search

Let me walk you through real use cases.

Use Case 1: Check Name Availability Before Forming LLC

Scenario: You want to form "Bright Ideas Marketing LLC"

Step 1: Go to Business Entity Search Finder

Step 2: Click your formation state (let's say Wyoming)

Step 3: Search for "Bright Ideas Marketing"

Results:

• If nothing found: Name is likely available (double-check with exact match)

• If found: Name is taken, try variations

Step 4: Try variations:

• "Bright Ideas Marketing Group LLC"

• "Bright Ideas Media LLC"

• "Bright Ideas Agency LLC"

Keep searching until you find an available name.

Time saved: 10-15 minutes vs manually navigating Wyoming's website

Use Case 2: Verify a Vendor/Client Before Signing Contract

Scenario: "ABC Solutions LLC" wants you to sign a $10,000 contract. Are they legit?

Step 1: Ask what state they're registered in

Step 2: Use the finder to search that state

Step 3: Verify:

• Does the LLC exist?

• Is it in "good standing" or "active" status?

• Does the registered agent match what they told you?

• When were they formed? (Brand new might be riskier)

Red flags:

• Company doesn't exist in the state they claim

• Status shows "suspended" or "dissolved"

• Formed very recently (less than 3 months)

• Registered agent is a residential address (could be a one-person operation)

What I found doing this:

Searched a "consultant" who claimed to be an established firm. Entity search showed:

• Formed 3 weeks ago

• Residential address as registered agent

• No track record

Not necessarily a scam, but not the "established firm" they claimed. We negotiated a smaller initial project instead of the $25,000 engagement they wanted.

Saved: $25,000 risk on unproven vendor

Use Case 3: Research Competitor Formation Details

Scenario: You're analyzing competitors in your industry

Step 1: List 10-20 competitor companies

Step 2: Search each one using the entity finder

Step 3: Record:

• Formation date (how long they've been around)

• State registered (where they chose to form)

• Business type (LLC, Corp, etc.)

• Registered agent (some use fancy services, some DIY)

What this tells you:

If most competitors are:

• Formed in Wyoming: Low-cost state preferred in your industry

• Using same registered agent service: That service probably specializes in your industry

• Structured as LLCs: Industry standard for your space

• Been around 5+ years: Market is established, not brand new

I did this research before launching my second business. Discovered that every successful competitor was in Wyoming, not Delaware. Saved me $600 over two years by forming in Wyoming instead.

Use Case 4: Monitor Your Own Business Status

Scenario: Make sure your LLC hasn't been suspended or dissolved

Step 1: Search your own business name monthly

Step 2: Verify status shows "Active" or "Good Standing"

Step 3: Check registered agent is still correct

Red flags to catch early:

• Status changes to "Suspended" (usually means missed filing or payment)

• Status changes to "Dissolved" (serious problem)

• Registered agent address is wrong (you won't receive legal documents)

My quarterly routine:

I search all three of my LLCs every quarter. Takes 5 minutes total. Has saved me twice:

First time: Registered agent service changed their address and didn't update my account. I caught it by searching my entity, seeing the old address, and updating it before any legal mail was sent.

Second time: Delaware showed I had an overdue franchise tax. I thought I'd paid it, but their system didn't process it. Caught it with 2 weeks to spare before suspension.

Use Case 5: Find Registered Agent for Service of Process

Scenario: You need to send legal documents to a company (maybe you're suing them, maybe it's a formal notice)

Step 1: Search the company in their registered state

Step 2: Find registered agent name and address

Step 3: Send legal documents to that address

Legal requirement: Service of process must go to registered agent, not the business address.

If you send legal documents to the wrong address, they might not count as properly served.

The entity search gives you the legally correct address.

What Information Each State Shows

Every state's entity search shows different information. Here's what you can typically find:

Basic Information (All States):

• Business name: Official legal name

• Entity type: LLC, Corporation, LP, etc.

• Status: Active, Suspended, Dissolved

• Formation date: When entity was created

• State file number: Unique ID for that entity

Registered Agent Information (Most States):

• Agent name: Person or company receiving legal documents

• Agent address: Where legal documents should be sent

Additional Information (Varies by State):

• Principal office address: Main business location

• Member/manager names: Who owns or runs the LLC (some states)

• Annual report history: When reports were filed

• Franchise tax status: Whether taxes are current

• Purpose of business: What the company does

Privacy Varies:

Wyoming: Doesn't require member names in public records (strong privacy)

Florida: Shows member names publicly (less privacy)

Delaware: Moderate privacy, some info public, some private

If privacy matters to you, Wyoming and New Mexico are best for protecting owner identity.

State-Specific Search Tips

States with Great Search Tools:

Wyoming: Fast, clean, easy to use Delaware: Detailed information, good interface Colorado: Modern search with good filters Nevada: Quick results, well-organized

States with Frustrating Search Tools:

California: Slow, sometimes crashes, limited filters New York: Makes you accept terms every time Illinois: Confusing navigation New Jersey: Outdated interface

States Requiring Exact Matches:

Some states need exact business name including "LLC" or "Inc."

Wrong: "Acme Solutions" Right: "Acme Solutions LLC"

The finder tool notes which states require this.

States Allowing Partial Search:

Other states let you search part of the name.

Search: "Acme" Results: Shows "Acme Solutions LLC", "Acme Corp", "Acme Holdings Inc."

Much easier when you don't know the exact name.

Common Mistakes When Searching Entities

Mistake 1: Searching Wrong State

You assume a company is registered in California because they operate there. They're actually registered in Delaware.

The fix: Ask the company what state they're registered in, or search major formation states (Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada) first.

Mistake 2: Not Including Entity Type

Searching "Acme Solutions" when the legal name is "Acme Solutions LLC"

The fix: Try multiple variations:

• With LLC

• Without LLC

• With Inc.

• With Corp

Mistake 3: Assuming "Not Found" Means Available

Just because you don't find a business doesn't mean the name is available. Could be:

• Registered in different state

• Registered with slightly different name

• Recently filed but not yet processed

The fix: Search multiple states, check trademark databases, and verify with the state before filing.

Mistake 4: Not Checking Status

Finding a company in search results doesn't mean they're active. They might be dissolved or suspended.

The fix: Always check the "Status" field. Only "Active" or "Good Standing" means they're operating legally.

Mistake 5: Confusing Registered Agent with Owner

The registered agent is just who receives legal mail. They're often a service company, not the actual owner.

The fix: Look for "Members" or "Officers" section for actual ownership (if your state shows this publicly).

Why This Tool Exists

I got tired of bookmarking 50 state websites and forgetting which one had what interface.

Before this tool, my process:

1. Google "[State] Secretary of State business search"

2. Click through 2-3 pages to find right department

3. Find the actual search tool

4. Figure out that state's search syntax

5. Run search

6. Repeat for every state

Time per state: 3-5 minutes Time for all 50 states: 2.5-4 hours

With this tool:

1. Click state

2. Search

Time per state: 30 seconds Time for 10 states: 5 minutes

That's an 85% time savings for something I do weekly.

Real Examples Where Entity Search Mattered

Example 1: Caught a Scam

"Vendor" emailed offering services, claimed to be established LLC. Entity search showed they didn't exist in any state.

Saved: $5,000

Example 2: Avoided Name Conflict

Loved a business name, entity search showed it was taken in my state. Found this before buying domain and designing logo.

Saved: $500 + time

Example 3: Verified Partner Company

Potential business partner claimed "10 years in business." Entity search showed they formed 14 months ago.

Not a deal-breaker, but changed our negotiation approach. They were newer than they claimed.

Saved: Signing unfavorable terms based on false track record

Example 4: Found Better State for Formation

Researched 30 competitors. 23 were in Wyoming. That pattern convinced me to form there instead of Delaware.

Saved: $600 over two years (Delaware franchise tax vs Wyoming's $60 annual fee)

Example 5: Caught LLC Suspension Early

Quarterly search of my own LLC showed Delaware had suspended it for unpaid franchise tax. I thought I'd paid, but payment didn't process.

Caught it with 2 weeks to spare, fixed it immediately.

Saved: Lost contract due to suspended status + reinstatement fees

How to Use the Entity Search Finder (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Go to the Tool

U.S. Business Entity Search Finder

Step 2: Select Your State

All 50 states listed alphabetically. Click the state you want to search.

Not sure which state? Start with:

• Delaware (most corporations)

• Wyoming (many LLCs)

• Nevada (some privacy-focused entities)

• The state where the business operates

Step 3: Read State-Specific Tips

Each state page shows:

• Direct link to official search

• Search tips for that state

• What information that state shows

• Privacy notes

Step 4: Run Your Search

Click through to the official state website and search for:

• Business name

• Owner name (if allowed)

• File number (if you have it)

Step 5: Review Results

Check:

• ✓ Entity exists

• ✓ Status is "Active" or "Good Standing"

• ✓ Formation date makes sense

• ✓ Registered agent looks legitimate

• ✓ Any other details relevant to your search

Step 6: Save or Screenshot Results

If you're verifying a vendor or researching competitors, save the search results. You might need them later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this a database of all businesses?

No. This is a directory of links to official state databases. It doesn't scrape or copy data; it helps you access official sources quickly.

Q: Why not just Google the company name?

Google shows businesses that might not be registered entities. Entity search shows only officially registered businesses in that state.

Plus, Google might show businesses in other states or with similar names. Entity search is specific to legal registration.

Q: Can I search all 50 states at once?

No. There's no federal database of all business entities. Each state maintains its own database separately.

This tool makes it faster to search multiple states one by one.

Q: How often is this information updated?

You're searching official state databases directly, so information is as current as that state's system. Most states update within 24-48 hours of any changes.

Q: What if I can't find a business?

Could mean:

• Business isn't registered in that state

• Name is slightly different than what you searched

• Business is registered as DBA (doing business as) under different name

• Business operates as sole proprietorship (no formal registration)

• Search was too specific (try partial name)

Try multiple states and name variations.

Q: Can I search for DBAs (Doing Business As)?

Some states include DBA searches, others don't. DBA registration is often county-level, not state-level.

If you don't find an LLC/Corp, check county clerk records for DBA registrations.

Q: Does this cost money?

No. All state business entity searches are free public records. This tool just organizes the links to make them easier to find.

Q: What's the difference between searching by name vs file number?

Name search: Good when you know business name but not their file number

File number search: More precise, useful if you have their official state ID from documents

Most people search by name.

Q: Can I see who owns the LLC?

Depends on the state. Some states (Florida, Arizona) show member names publicly. Other states (Wyoming, New Mexico) protect owner privacy.

Q: How do I know if a name is available for my LLC?

Search the exact name you want. If nothing comes up, it's likely available. But also:

• Search variations and similar names

• Check trademark database (USPTO.gov)

• Contact state directly to confirm before filing

Beyond Just Searching: What to Do With the Information

If You're Verifying a Vendor:

✓ Confirm they exist in the state they claim ✓ Check status is active ✓ Verify formation date matches what they told you ✓ Look for registered agent (professional service = more established) ✓ Cross-reference with other info they've provided

If You're Checking Name Availability:

✓ Search exact name in formation state ✓ Search similar variations ✓ Check trademark database ✓ Google the name for web presence ✓ Check domain availability ✓ Search in multiple states if planning multi-state operation

If You're Researching Competitors:

✓ Record formation dates (market maturity) ✓ Note which states they chose (pattern analysis) ✓ Check business structure (LLC vs Corp) ✓ Look at registered agents (industry specialists) ✓ Monitor status changes over time

If You're Monitoring Your Own Business:

✓ Search quarterly to verify active status ✓ Confirm registered agent is current ✓ Check for any status changes ✓ Verify annual reports filed on time ✓ Screenshot for your records

My Honest Take

Every founder, entrepreneur, and business owner should know how to search business entities.

It takes 2 minutes to learn and saves you from:

• Choosing unavailable names

• Getting scammed by fake companies

• Missing your own business problems

• Operating with wrong information

The entity search finder just makes it faster.

Instead of hunting through 50 different state websites, you have direct links to all of them in one place.

I use this tool 3-5 times per week:

• Checking competitor information

• Verifying potential partners

• Monitoring my own businesses

• Helping clients research entities

It's not magic. It's just organized links. But those organized links save me 10+ hours per month.

Search Any U.S. Business Entity Now

Stop hunting for state websites. Get direct access to all 50 state business entity databases.

U.S. Business Entity Search Finder - All 50 States

Free to use. Direct links to official sources. No registration required.

Takes 30 seconds to find any business. Saves hours of searching across state websites.