Key Takeaways

  • You can find LLC members using state databases, public records, and business filings.
  • Some states require LLCs to disclose member names, while others allow anonymity.
  • Useful search tools include the Secretary of State website, business licenses, and third-party databases.
  • Certain professions (like law or healthcare) may require member credentials for PLLCs.
  • The IRS may also assist if you have a legitimate reason to request business ownership details.
  • UpCounsel attorneys can assist with interpreting records or conducting deeper searches.

How to Find Members of an LLC

Do you want to know how to find members of an LLC? It’s a simple process that entails finding the right business partners that share the same values and business goals as you do. A limited liability company is a fairly recent form of business entity that affords you the personal protection of a corporation but comes with the features of a business partnership. LLC owners are also called members, and each member owns a piece of the company.

With that, owners are not shareholders in the same fashion as a corporation, and LLCs do not issue shares. Instead, LLC members are compensated based on his or her share in the business. Your LLC is formed under a document called the articles of organization. LLC formation does not fall under federal or IRS guidelines and is strictly a state registration process.

Before registering, there are two types of LLC memberships: a single-member and multiple-member. Multiple-member involves a variety of members under an LLC, while a single-member is the sole owner of the LLC. The primary difference between the two is how they are taxed and not the governing structure.

Find Information

Once you have your member structure established, you must check to see if your chosen name is already taken by another company. You may check name availability by searching a state’s division of corporations to find names already registered in your particular state. You can search for a state’s online database to find existing LLC names. You may find such information as:

  • Annual Reports
  • Contact Information

The chosen name of an LLC often does not include the names of its members. The name can be fictitious in nature, and it should match the industry of your business. It should be noted that LLCs can conduct interstate commerce, and you may come across foreign LLCs with a similar name. For this reason, you must search the state formation of the name if it is a foreign LLC. You can find such information in the followings ways:

  • Checking a company’s letterhead
  • Visiting a secretary of state website to find out where an LLC conducts business
  • Searching articles of organization records

Use Third-Party Business Lookup Services

If the Secretary of State website doesn’t yield results, third-party business lookup platforms may help. These services often compile data from public records, websites, and business filings. Common platforms include:

  • Dun & Bradstreet
  • LexisNexis
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  • OpenCorporates
  • Local Chamber of Commerce databases

Note that access to some of these services may require a subscription or fee.

Check the LLC’s Operating Agreement or Annual Reports

An LLC’s operating agreement—though not typically filed with the state—is the internal document that outlines member roles, percentages of ownership, and decision-making protocols. If you’re involved in a legal matter or are entitled to this information (e.g., as an investor or creditor), you may be able to request access.

In many states, LLCs must file annual or biennial reports that sometimes include updated member or manager information. These are often accessible through the Secretary of State’s website.

Use Secretary of State Business Search Tools

One of the most reliable ways to find LLC members is through a state's Secretary of State website. Most states maintain online business databases where you can search by business name or entity number. These tools typically provide:

  • LLC status (active, inactive, or dissolved)
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Filing date and jurisdiction
  • Names of members or managers (if required by the state)

In states like California or Illinois, the names of LLC managers or members may be included in the publicly available filings. In others, such as Delaware, LLC ownership is often hidden unless explicitly disclosed.

LLC Restrictions

States generally do not impose many LLC restrictions when it comes to membership, only that participants must be 18 years and over and be U.S. citizens. Any individual or organization can become an LLC member, such as:

  • Other LLCs
  • Corporations
  • Trusts
  • Pension Plans
  • Holding Companies

With that, some states mandate the LLC members to be identified in registration papers, but many other states do not have such a requirement. If your LLC falls under what’s called a Professional LLC (PLLC), members must be registered in that profession. For example, dentists under an LLC must have a dental license in a state. It should be noted that states have their own respective laws when it comes to PLLC formation.

Use a Business License Search

LLCs often must obtain local business licenses or permits to operate legally. These documents are generally filed at the city or county level and may contain ownership information. Check with:

  • Your local city hall or county clerk’s office
  • Online business license search portals (where available)

These records may list member names, especially in industries subject to local oversight (e.g., construction, food service, or health care).

Governing Structure

As with any other business, you must have a manager that runs everyday operations of the business and can make important decisions. In addition, members may opt to manage the LLC on their own, or they can appoint single managers or a team of managers. Management details should be spelled out in your operating agreement. If members decide on the self-management route, they may create a management structure that suits their business accordingly.

Unlike corporate structures, LLCs do not come with a formal board of directors, but LLC members should meet on a regular basis (or at least annually) for record-keeping purposes and to ensure business operations are running smoothly.

Articles of Organization

The articles of organization is a document that creates your LLC, and it must be signed by a single manager or all managers. An article of organization is a public record and is available online. If you wish to avoid public names, for instance, you may register your LLC in Delaware so a manager can manage a Florida LLC to avoid having his or her name on the public record.

Delaware LLCs do not require manager listings in articles of organization. However, the addresses and names of Florida LLCs must be listed on annual reports and must be filed with the secretary of state office. Additionally, information on an annual report is a matter of public record.

Hire a Legal Professional or Private Investigator

When public records fall short, a legal professional or licensed private investigator can conduct deeper research. These experts may:

  • Access court records or prior business filings
  • Leverage professional networks and tools
  • Conduct interviews or background checks

This is especially useful if you're dealing with anonymous LLCs, shell companies, or interstate entities. An attorney on UpCounsel can guide you through this process if legal action or due diligence is necessary.

Contact the IRS

In certain circumstances, you may be able to obtain ownership details from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This option is usually reserved for individuals or entities with a legitimate legal or tax-related reason, such as:

  • Legal disputes
  • Contract enforcement
  • Debt collection

To pursue this, you may need to submit a written request or complete IRS Form 4506-A (Request for Public Inspection or Copy of Exempt Organization IRS Form). Note that LLC tax status (disregarded entity, partnership, or corporation) can also affect what information the IRS can release.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I find out who owns an LLC for free? Yes, many states allow free LLC ownership lookups via the Secretary of State’s website. However, not all states disclose member names publicly.

2. What if the LLC was formed in Delaware or Wyoming? These states are known for business privacy laws and do not require member names to be listed. You may need to use other tools or request legal assistance.

3. Is the registered agent the same as an LLC member? Not necessarily. A registered agent is a designated contact for legal documents and may not be an owner or manager of the LLC.

4. How do I find out if an LLC is still active? State databases usually indicate the LLC’s status as active, inactive, dissolved, or revoked.

5. Can I look up LLC information in other states? Yes, you can search LLC records across all U.S. states, but each Secretary of State site operates independently and may have different data availability.

Want to know how to find members of an LLC? To learn more about this process, post your job on the UpCounsel marketplace. Our attorneys will also help you find the right name for your LLC while helping you avoid names that are too closely associated with other LLC entities. 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 such as Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.