How To Search California Business Entities
- How To Search California Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in California?
- Why Conduct a California Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for California Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in California?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in California?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in California?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In California?
- Additional Information Available on the California Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in California
California is home to over 4 million businesses, with millions of business filing and information requests processed annually. These include corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and more. The California Secretary of State’s (SOS) office is generally considered one of the most reliable sources for accurate and up-to-date information on business entities in the Golden State.
Accessing the information held by the Secretary of State’s office may help verify a company’s legitimacy, conduct due diligence before a business transaction, or simply research a potential business partner.
Choose Your Search Criteria:
The California Business Search tool offers two main options for searches: Basic Searches and Advanced Searches.
Basic SearchA basic search can be performed using the entity’s name or number. If using the entity number, omit the leading 'C'. These searches are keyword-based and usually return only active entities.
Advanced SearchAdvanced search is used for publicly traded information, inactive entities, or specific entity types. You can refine results using 'search filter' and 'search type' options.
Search FilterChoose between 'Contains (Keywords)' or 'Starts with'. 'Contains' returns entities with matching keywords, while 'Starts with' returns those beginning with the entered characters.
Search TypeOptions include 'Entity Information Search' (filtered by type, status, filing date) and 'Publicly Traded Disclosure Search' (filtered by disclosure date, type, officer, board diversity, or auditor).
Review Search Results
After selecting your search criteria and inputting the necessary information, click the “search button” to generate a list of business entities that match your query. The search results typically include the business entity’s name, type, initial filing date, status, where it was initially formed, and its agent’s name.
You may get more detailed information on a particular entity by clicking on it (specifically on the entity’s name, which is typically highlighted in a blue field).
Further Assistance
The California Business Search tool generally offers details on only corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships and may not be able to provide information on general partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and other entity types. Nonetheless, you may access information on these types of entities by submitting a Business Entities Records – Order Form to the Secretary of State’s office.
You may also contact this office at (916) 653-6814 or (916) 657–5448 for further assistance with accessing business entity information.
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in California?
While a business entity’s official website is usually the quickest way to identify its owner or key executives, not all business websites publish comprehensive information on their ownership and/or management. Nonetheless, there are several other options through which you may be able to get more comprehensive details on the owners of business entities in California. These include:
Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info
California Secretary of State’s OfficeA key resource for entity-related information in California. Offers an online Business Search tool, which includes publicly traded disclosure info like directors and executive officers.
Chambers of CommerceLocal and state Chambers maintain directories of member businesses, sometimes including ownership or representative details.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)The BBB provides customer-focused reports and reviews on businesses, sometimes including information on business owners.
- Public Records
Includes business licenses, court filings, and property records that may list ownership or responsible parties.
- Professional Associations & Trade Groups
Many industries have associations that maintain directories and share information about member businesses.
Why Conduct an California Entity Search?
Researching a business through an entity search is usually a good way to build trust and promote transparency in business relationships, as it generally helps the involved parties to make informed decisions and safeguard their interests.
Investors typically conduct entity searches to access information on a business’s ownership, evaluate its decision-making process, and assess the reliability of its leadership.
Interested parties may run a California entity search to verify the legitimacy and trustworthiness of suppliers or vendors during procurement or contract negotiations.
You may identify fraudulent businesses and reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam by running an entity search to obtain relevant information on businesses that you wish to engage with.
Who Holds Data for California Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in California?
California offers various options for registering business entities – each structure typically has unique requirements and benefits to suit different organizational needs.
Corporations in California are legal entities that exist separately from their owners. This arrangement typically limits the owners from personal liability; however, taxes may be levied on the corporation as well as its shareholders.
Limited liability companies in California generally offer liability protections similar to those of corporations; however, they are usually taxed differently. To form an LLC, you will typically need to prepare an operating agreement among the members that outlines the company’s affairs and how it conducts business.
The limited partnership business structure in California provides limited liability for some partners. LPs must have at least one general partner, who will act as the entity’s controlling partner, and one limited partner, whose liability is usually limited to the amount/extent of their control or participation in the business. Be aware that the general partner(s) in an LP typically has unlimited personal liability for the entity’s debts and obligations.
General partnerships in California typically consist of at least two individuals who are engaged in a business for profit. All partners in a GP are usually liable for the business entity’s debts and obligations, even if they were not directly involved in incurring the debt and/or obligation. Likewise, profits from the GP are typically taxed as personal income for its partners.
LLPs are typically business entities that engage in the practice of public accountancy, law, architecture, engineering, land surveying, and other similar professions. Entities that intend to provide services or facilities to a California-registered LLP involved in public accountancy or law, or to a foreign LLP usually also register under this business structure.
Sole proprietorships in California are typically set up by individuals looking to own and operate a business alone. Sole proprietors generally have total control over the business, receive all profits from it, and are also responsible for its taxes and liabilities.
You do not typically need to file any documents with the California Secretary of State’s office to form a sole proprietorship. However, if you wish to form a sole proprietorship with a name other than your own name, then you typically have to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement in the county where the entity’s principal place of business will be located.
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in California?
It is usually a good idea to confirm that the name you intend to use for a company in California is available before taking steps to register the business entity. Doing this generally helps you avoid registration conflicts and ensures compliance with applicable business entity name regulations, requirements, and restrictions.
To this end, you may check the availability of your desired business entity name by running a search via the California Business Search tool. If no matching results appear, then the name may be available. Note that this search only checks against the names of entities registered with the California Secretary of State. You may further expand the search by utilizing other platforms, like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Electronic Search System and the ICANN Registration Data Lookup tool.
In addition, the California Secretary of State offers a Name Reservations service that you may use to reserve your desired business entity name for up to 60 days. However, it should be noted that reserving a name with this office does not guarantee that it (the reserved name) meets all requirements for registering the business entity.
How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in California?
Setting up a business entity in California generally involves the following steps:
- Preparing and planning. Conducting proper market research and preparing a comprehensive business plan is usually the first, and most important step to take when looking to start up a business in California.
- Securing financing. California usually offers several financing options and other tailored services for businesses. Visit the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) for additional information on this.
- Choosing an entity type and business name. The business structure you decide on will typically influence how it may operate and your liability.
- Registering the business. Depending on your chosen business structure, you may register it with the Secretary of State and/or local county offices.
- Checking local zoning regulations. Be sure to confirm local zoning regulations for your intended location and ensure that your business complies with them.
- Obtaining necessary specialty licenses and permits. Some businesses may require that you obtain a specialty license and/or permit before commencing operations.
- Complying with tax requirements. You will typically need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you plan to hire employees and also comply with all applicable state and local tax requirements about your business.
The Secretary of State’s office offers a Starting a New Business in California brochure that you may use to get additional information on the requirements for setting up a business entity in California.
How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In California?
The cost of registering a business with the California Secretary of State’s office typically ranges from $30 - $100, depending on the business structure. Note that this is only the filing fee, and additional costs may be incurred, such as local and state license and permit fees, attorney fees (where applicable), and franchise taxes.
Additional Information Available on the California Secretary of State's Website
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in California
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about business entity searches in California.
- Why would I need to search for a business entity in California?
You may need to conduct a business search in California to verify the status and standing of a company, ensure its compliance with relevant regulations, or conduct due diligence for legal, financial, or investment purposes.
- What types of entities can I search for in California?
You may search for different types of entities in California, including LLCs, LPs, and corporations.
- Where can I perform a business entity search in California?
You may perform online searches for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships in California via the Secretary of State’s Business Search tool. You may also access information on other types of business entities by submitting a Business Entities Records – Order Form to this office.
- What information do I need to conduct an entity search in California?
You typically need the entity’s name or number to conduct a basic business search in California.
- How do I find the official name of a California business?
You may be able to find out a California business’s official name by using a partial name/keywords and other available details to run a search on the Business Search tool.
- Can I search for foreign entities in California?
Searches conducted via the Secretary of State’s website may provide details on foreign entities registered in California.
- What information can I find in the California entity search?
California entity searches typically return business-related information like the entity’s name and number, formation, registration or conversion date, status, principal address, and more.
- How do I verify if a California business is in good standing?
Data generated from the Secretary of State’s search tool usually indicate the entity’s current status and whether it is in good standing with the office, as well as with bodies like the FTB and VCFCF.
- Can I search for an entity in California by its owner’s name?
You may conduct an advanced search on the Secretary of State’s Business Search tool using the name of the entity’s director(s) or executive officer(s). However, this option is usually limited to publicly traded entities.
- How often is the California business entity database updated?
The California Secretary of State’s database is generally updated regularly, usually within 1 – 2 business days after a business filing is processed.
- Can I obtain copies of business filings in California?
The California Secretary of State’s office typically provides access to copies of business filings, both online and offline. Note that you may be required to pay a fee to obtain some of these documents.
- How do I find out who the registered agent of a California business is?
Information generated from entity searches conducted via the Secretary of State’s website typically includes the name and address of the entity’s agent.
- How can I search for California businesses by their tax ID number?
The California Secretary of State’s search tool does not generally offer an option for searches by tax ID number. Nevertheless, you may be able to conduct these types of searches through other agencies, like the state’s Franchise Tax Board and Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
- What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the California search?
If a business search does not return the required information, double-check the details you provided or try using different search parameters. If you are still unable to find the entity via online search options, then you may consider contacting the California Secretary of State’s office at (916) 653-6814 or (916) 657–5448 for assistance.
- How To Search California Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in California?
- Why Conduct a California Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for California Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in California?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in California?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in California?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In California?
- Additional Information Available on the California Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in California