Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to find an LLC is through the Secretary of State’s business entity database for the state where the LLC was formed or operates.
  • You can search by company name, owner name, registered agent, or business ID to uncover details such as legal address, formation date, and current status.
  • Knowing how to interpret public filings — like Articles of Organization and annual reports — can reveal ownership structures, registered agents, and member information.
  • Additional research methods include checking business licenses, trademark filings, tax records, and industry directories when state records are incomplete.
  • Multi-state businesses may require searching more than one state database, as LLCs must register separately in each jurisdiction where they operate.

To find an LLC, the best solution is searching your state's business database. However, there are several other search methods you could choose.

Finding an LLC

There is an increasing number of businesses that have chosen to operate as a limited liability company (LLC). If you notice that you have a new competitor that is also an LLC, you can find information about this company by searching your state's records. By searching state records, you can learn more about the company in order to develop a strategy to compete with or sell to this new entity.

LLCs are hybrid businesses. This means they combine aspects of other business entities, namely partnerships and corporations. There are several requirements for forming an LLC, including submitting a list of company members and filing Articles of Organization with the state. Generally, the list of LLC members and the address of the organization will need to be annually updated. This helps to ensure the LLC remains in good standing. However, this isn't a requirement in every state.

To find the legal address of an LLC, you usually only need to check public records. You may need an LLC's legal address for several purposes:

  • Filing a lawsuit.
  • Submitting a complaint against the company.
  • Attempting to settle a debt.

LLC filings are public information, which means discovering an LLC's status or origin can usually be done by performing a search online. The easiest way to find an LLC is visiting the website of the Secretary of State for the state where the LLC was formed.

If you don't know the LLC formation state, you should find out what state the LLC does business in. This can help you find the information you need, as LLCs are required to register in every state where they intend to do business.

Many states provide a corporate registry. In this registry, you can find the names of LLCs and LLC partnerships, as well as information such as the company's address and the name of the owner. You can visit the National Association of Secretaries of State website to find the correct SoS website for all fifty states.

Generally, states will maintain an online database that can be searched to find information about LLCs. These databases can be used to determine the standing of an LLC. After you've found the correct Secretary of State website, you should look for the business database search tool.

Secretaries of State provide these databases to speed up the process of registering new businesses. In particular, these databases make sure two companies do not attempt to register the exact same name. Once you've found the business database search, you should enter the name of the company that you are researching.

Next, click the search button to reveal information about the LLC. In addition to searching for LLCs, you may be able to use this database to find information about other registered businesses. All businesses may be included in a single database or they may be kept separate by business type.

If you want to filter your search results to display only information about LLCs, you should look for an advanced search tool. However, searching multiple business entity types may give you better search results and fuller information. For example, it's possible you will come across limited liability companies whose members are other LLCs. In these circumstances, you will need to search each member LLC to learn their owner's names.

After your search has completed, you should read the results page. It's likely you will see multiple LLCs with similar names. Find the LLC name that best matches your search. Now, you can click on the LLC name to reveal information about the company.

You should see a new page that shows the name of the person that signed the LLC registration and the legal address of the company. The address that you see should be the company's headquarters. You will also need to find out in which state the LLC registered. While an LLC may be operating in a state, this doesn't necessarily mean it is the same state where the company was formed. LLCs have the ability to engage in business activities in multiple states. You may need to search in multiple states before you locate the state where the LLC was formed.

How to Use State Business Databases Effectively

The most direct way to learn how to find an LLC is by searching the Secretary of State’s business entity database in the state where the company is registered. These databases are free and open to the public and can be searched using several criteria, including:

  • Business name: Enter the exact or partial LLC name. Partial matches help if you are unsure of spelling.
  • Business ID number: If known, this will return the most precise results.
  • Registered agent name: Since every LLC must appoint an agent for service of process, searching by this name can reveal multiple businesses associated with that agent.
  • Owner or member name: Some states allow searches by owner or managing member names, which is helpful if you’re tracking entities tied to a specific individual or company.

Search results typically include the LLC’s legal name, formation date, business status (active, dissolved, etc.), principal address, and sometimes even member or manager names. Clicking into the entity record may provide access to official filings, such as Articles of Organization or annual reports, which contain even more details about the company’s structure and activities.

What You Can Learn from LLC Filings

Once you’ve located an LLC in a state’s database, reviewing its public filings can give you valuable insights into its operations and ownership. These documents — such as Articles of Organization, annual reports, and amendments — often include:

  • Principal office and mailing address: Useful for contact or legal purposes.
  • Registered agent details: Including name and address, required for legal notifications.
  • Business purpose or description: A short summary of what the company does.
  • Member or manager names: Some states list owners or managers directly in public records.
  • Filing history: Showing if the LLC is compliant with state requirements or if it has faced administrative dissolution.

This information is critical if you’re vetting a potential business partner, conducting due diligence before a transaction, or preparing for litigation. For example, Articles of Organization formally establish the LLC and define its governance structure — making them a foundational resource when verifying company legitimacy.

Searching Across Multiple States

If you’re not sure where the LLC is registered, or if it operates in several states, you may need to search multiple state business databases. LLCs are required to register as foreign entities in each state where they conduct business, so their records may appear in several jurisdictions.

A practical strategy is to begin with the state where the company is physically headquartered, then expand to states where you know it operates. The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) provides a directory linking to all 50 state search portals, which can streamline this process.

Alternative Ways to Find an LLC

While state business registries are the primary source of LLC information, other resources can provide complementary data:

  • Business license databases: Local or municipal records often list active business licenses.
  • Trademark and patent filings: If the LLC has registered intellectual property, federal databases like USPTO’s TESS can help confirm ownership.
  • Tax records and permits: In some states, tax registration data is public and linked to the business entity.
  • Industry directories and business networks: Platforms like Dun & Bradstreet, LinkedIn, or local chambers of commerce can reveal additional background.
  • Court filings and UCC records: These documents can show financial or legal relationships tied to the LLC.

Combining these approaches with state-level searches gives you the most complete picture of an LLC’s operations, history, and ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I find out who owns an LLC?
    In some states, ownership details are included in public filings like Articles of Organization or annual reports. In others, you may need to review additional documents or consult legal counsel to uncover ownership information.
  2. What if I don’t know the state where the LLC was formed?
    Start by searching in the state where the business operates or is headquartered. If that doesn’t work, use the NASS website to access all state databases and search multiple jurisdictions.
  3. Are LLC searches free?
    Yes, most Secretary of State databases are free to search. Some states charge small fees for document downloads or certified copies.
  4. What if I can’t find an LLC in the database?
    It may be registered under a different name, such as a DBA (“doing business as”), or incorporated in a different state. Try variations of the name or search by registered agent.
  5. Can I use LLC records in legal disputes?
    Yes. Public filings like Articles of Organization and annual reports are often used as evidence in disputes involving ownership, contracts, or compliance matters.

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