To conduct a Colorado LLC search, you may use the Colorado Secretary of State business database to look up businesses using a few different terms:

  • Name
  • Trademark
  • Trade Name
  • ID Number 
  • Document Number

Performing an advanced search will allow you to narrow down your results by submitting as much information as possible. This is useful if you're unsure about the originality of a chosen entity name prior to registering. Undertaking an advanced search is crucial to make sure you are allowed to use your entity name and to avoid legal action.

You can also view detailed information about each of the businesses on file if you use the entity search option. This search is done to find out the following information:

How to Search by Name, Trademark, or Trade Name

Go to the web page.

  • Choose either the business name, trademark, or trade name.
  • Enter the information in the space and click the “search” button at the bottom of the screen.
  • Search the results with detailed information about the entities.
  • Click on the entities to learn more information.
  • The information will be presented by ID number, document number, name, event, status, form, and formation date.

Review a summary of all the information.

How to Search by ID or Document Number

Go to the web page.

  • Find the smaller bar just below the place that asks for the business name, trademark, or trade name.
  • Enter the information and click the “search” button.
  • Search the results page.
  • Click on the ID number to access the business details.
  • The information presented will be the ID number, document number, name, event, status, form, and formation date.

All public information will be presented on this page.

  1. Go to the web page.
  2. Provide as much information as possible to narrow your search results and click “search.”
  3. The search results page will include any businesses that match your search criteria.
  4. Click any result to get detailed information about the business.
  5. A summary of all the public information on file with the Secretary of State will be on the final page.

Whether you're in the process of picking a name for your business, or want to check on the status of an existing business, a quick search from the Colorado Secretary of State web page can get you the information you need. The name availability search is usually done when forming a Colorado LLC.

There are a few things to consider when choosing your business name, such as:

  1. Choose an appropriate name and follow the guidelines.
  2. Use the search tool to see if the business name is available in Colorado.
  3. Check the URL to see if the name is available in that format.

Even if you don't intend to make a website right now, you may want to purchase the domain name to keep others from getting it, which can create confusion for your business. You should also consider an email address, which can be obtained through Google and gives you access to business tools, security, and cloud storage.

LLC Administrative Tasks

In the state of Colorado, the business entity search tool is used to perform important administrative tasks for your LLC.

By using this tool, you can:

How to Form an LLC in Colorado

  1. Choose a name for the LLC. Under Colorado law, it must contain an abbreviation of “limited liability company.”
  2. File Articles of Organization. A Colorado LLC requires that you file articles of organization with the Colorado Secretary of State.
  3. Appoint a registered agent. Every Colorado LLC has to have an agent for service of process.
  4. Prepare an Operating Agreement. An LLC Operating Agreement isn't required in Colorado, but it is recommended. 
  5. Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements. Additional taxes and requirements may apply to your LLC.
  6. File periodic reports. Periodic or annual reports must be filed with the Colorado Secretary of State. 

A lot goes into starting an LLC in Colorado. You may want to consult a professional attorney to decide what's best for you. 

If you need help with Colorado LLC searches, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.