Key Takeaways

  • California’s Secretary of State website offers a free LLC lookup tool to find detailed info on registered business entities.
  • You can search by entity name or number and access information such as business status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office.
  • LLC lookup helps verify a business’s legitimacy, check standing, or prepare for business partnerships and legal filings.
  • Results can show statuses like “active,” “suspended,” or “dissolved,” each with legal implications.
  • A separate name availability tool is used when forming a new LLC, and it requires a formal inquiry letter for confirmation.

LLC Lookup California

An LLC lookup, California, is performed when a person is seeking information on an LLC, corporation, or partnership in the state of California. 

The LLC's members are also its owners. 

Any business registered in California must provide member information to the Secretary of State (SOS).

This information will include the following:

  • Names of all members
  • Members' addresses
  • Members' phone numbers

You'll need to do some research in order to find the members of a California LLC.

Introduction to Business Entity Search

An online business search is available at no charge through the SOS website. In the business entities section of the site, you can find information about any LLC in California. 

The following types of entities can be found on the SOS site through a business entity search:

  • Corporations
  • LLCs (Limited Liability Companies)
  • LPs (Limited Partnerships)
  • LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships)

This search tool should be used to find information about existing business entities — not as a search for name availability. 

A separate process is meant for a name availability search that includes an inquiry form.

If you plan to start an LLC, you'll want to perform a search for your desired name for your business to see if there are any business organizations with that name already. 

LLC names must be unique in the state of California, so if you find a matching name, you'll need to decide on a different name for your LLC. 

This rule is in place to keep businesses from confusing or misleading potential customers or clients.

Before performing this search and deciding on a name for your LLC, you should first look over the requirements for LLC names in California.

These requirements include the following:

  • The name has to end with some form of "LLC" (examples: Limited Liability Co., Ltd. Liability Co., L.L.C., etc.).
  • The name cannot include words like, trustee, trust, bank, corporation, incorporated, or any of their abbreviations.
  • The name cannot suggest that the business can issue insurance policies.

Reasons to Perform a Search

An individual might perform an LLC lookup for California in order to do the following:

  • Check on the status of an LLC.
  • Learn the dates of formation, registration, or conversion of the business.
  • Find the main address for the entity.
  • Find information about the LLC's registered agent.

Remember not to use this search to find out if an LLC name is available for use.

How to Search

When you are ready to perform an LLC lookup for California, follow these steps:

  • Head to the SOS website and find the business search page.
  • Select the "LP/LLC Name" option under "Search Type."
  • Enter the name of the LLC you wish to search for (a partial name is fine).
  • If you know the entity number, enter it for a more specific result under the "Entity Number" search option.
  • Results returned will offer a preview of the resulting entities with their names, entity numbers, filing dates, statuses, and Registered Agents.
  • If you see the LLC you are looking for, select it to view more details.

Follow these tips when performing your search:

  • Do not use any punctuation in the name of the entity.
  • Search for the principal name of the entity.
  • You can find the principal name on the LLC's website or by calling the business.
  • Keep in mind that LLCs are frequently known by a couple of different names.
  • In order to ensure the most accurate results, enter the name as exactly as possible.
  • Be sure to select the correct type of search before typing in information.
  • Group any initials together (without periods).
  • Spaces and plurals do matter when searching for a specific entity.
  • There is a page of more tips available in the business section of the SOS website for performing the most effective search.

If you need to check on the availability of a desired name for your LLC, fill out a Name Availability Inquiry Letter. You'll need the following information:

  • Name, address, phone number, and fax number of person requesting the information
  • Name of the firm being used (if applicable)
  • Type of entity (LLC, LP, or Corporation)
  • First, second, and third choices for your LLC name

Mail this completed letter to the Name Availability Unit of the Secretary of State at 1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814. 

What Information You Can Find Through an LLC Lookup

When performing an LLC lookup in California, the following business details may be available:

  • Legal name of the business
  • Entity number
  • Date of formation or registration
  • Status (e.g., active, dissolved, suspended)
  • Jurisdiction (California or foreign state)
  • Principal business address
  • Mailing address
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Type of entity (LLC, corporation, LP, etc.)
  • Latest statement of information filing

This information is particularly helpful for verifying the legitimacy of a business or confirming its compliance with California laws before entering into any formal relationship.

Understanding Entity Statuses in Search Results

The LLC lookup tool may return several status labels that have legal and operational implications:

  • Active: The LLC is in good standing and authorized to conduct business in California.
  • Suspended: The LLC has failed to comply with legal requirements, such as filing taxes or submitting statements of information.
  • Canceled/Dissolved: The LLC has been formally terminated and is no longer active.

Understanding these statuses is critical before contracting with or relying on an LLC for services or partnerships.

Tips for an Effective California LLC Lookup

To improve your search accuracy when using the California business search:

  • Use distinctive keywords in the LLC name.
  • Try both full and partial names.
  • Avoid using punctuation.
  • Try alternate spellings or abbreviations.
  • If you're unsure of the business name, use a wildcard strategy (i.e., partial name).
  • Group initials (e.g., “JDS” instead of “J.D.S.”).
  • Pay attention to plural/singular variations (e.g., “Service” vs. “Services”).

The more accurate your input, the more reliable your search results will be.

Common Reasons to Use an LLC Lookup in California

Besides confirming business legitimacy, people use California LLC lookups for several other reasons:

  • Due diligence before investments or partnerships.
  • Tracking business name availability during LLC formation.
  • Verifying compliance before initiating lawsuits.
  • Researching competitors or industry players.
  • Locating a registered agent for service of process or correspondence.

This makes the tool useful not just for entrepreneurs, but also for legal professionals, creditors, and consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the California LLC lookup free to use?
    Yes, the Secretary of State provides the business search tool at no cost to the public.
  2. Can I use the LLC lookup to check if a business name is available?
    No. The LLC lookup is not intended for name availability checks. Use the Name Availability Inquiry Letter for official confirmation.
  3. What should I do if I can't find the LLC I'm searching for?
    Double-check the spelling, try a partial name, or search by entity number. You may also contact the Secretary of State for assistance.
  4. How often is the information on the business search tool updated?
    The SOS site updates regularly, but some filings may take time to appear. For time-sensitive matters, consider contacting the SOS office directly.
  5. What’s the difference between an entity number and an EIN?
    The entity number is assigned by the California Secretary of State. The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS for tax purposes.

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