Key Takeaways

  • A California business search can be performed through the Secretary of State’s online database using either the business name or the entity number.
  • The search can provide details such as registration date, business status, registered agent, and formation jurisdiction.
  • Name availability checks can be done via the Name Availability Inquiry Letter, but the Secretary of State does not reserve names through the online search tool.
  • Search results include entities formed in California and those registered from other states but authorized to operate in California.
  • Understanding name restrictions, including prohibited terms and required designators, is essential before filing.
  • Advanced search tips—like excluding punctuation, using correct spacing, and matching plurals—can help ensure accurate results.

LLC Search California

There are many reasons to conduct an LLC search in California, including needing to find out additional information regarding the status of a California LLC, obtaining information regarding the registered agent, or finding out if the company is in good standing. Mostly, such business searches are conducted if you want to form a California LLC and need to know if you can conduct a business name search to find out if you can use the business name that you want to use.

If you need to conduct a business entity search, you will visit the California Secretary of State website to search by either the business name or entity number (8 digits). There is a user-friendly entity search that is built into the larger California Secretary of State website. You can filter your search for a specific type of business structure, including corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Limited Partnerships (LP), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP).

Understanding the California Business Search Database

The California business search database maintained by the Secretary of State contains records for every entity that has registered to do business in the state, including:

  • Domestic entities formed in California (LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs).
  • Foreign entities formed in another state but registered to operate in California.

When conducting a business search California, results may include active, suspended, or dissolved entities. Each listing typically displays:

  • Entity Name – The official registered name.
  • Entity Number – An 8-digit identifier starting with “C” for corporations or “19/20” for LLCs.
  • Date Filed – The original registration date.
  • Status – Such as active, suspended, dissolved, or canceled.
  • Jurisdiction – The state or country of formation.
  • Registered Agent – The person or service authorized to receive legal documents.

It is important to note that the database is for informational purposes only and is updated regularly but not in real time.

Submitting a Name Availability Inquiry Letter

To check on the availability of a business name, you’ll have to submit a Name Availability Inquiry Letter. Certain information must be included on the form, including your name, address, phone number, business type, and three different business name choices. You’ll then submit your inquiry to the California Secretary of State, located at c/o Name Availability Unit, 1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Keep in mind that when you choose 3 business names, you’ll have to first take a look at the requirements for naming your California LLC. These rules can be found in California Corporation Code Section 11701.08. Some of the rules include:

• Your business name must have the LLC designator. Therefore, the business must end in L.L.C., LLC, Limited Liability Co, Limited Liability Company, Ltd. Liability Co., or Ltd. Liability Company.

• You cannot include certain terms like bank, corporation, Corp, incorporated, Inc., trust, or trustee as this would give the impression that you operate a different type of business structure.

• You also cannot use certain terms like Dentist, Doctor, Attorney, School, Insurance Company, Insurer, or other words that suggest you operate in this industry, unless you actually have the required educational background and licensing to conduct such work.

Alternative Ways to Check Name Availability

In addition to submitting the Name Availability Inquiry Letter, you can use the Secretary of State’s online business search to perform a preliminary name check. While this tool does not guarantee that your name will be approved, it can help you quickly identify obvious conflicts.

Consider these additional steps before finalizing your choice:

  1. Trademark Search – Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to check for federal trademark conflicts.
  2. Domain Name Search – Verify that a suitable domain name is available for your business.
  3. Social Media Handles – Ensure your preferred name is available across major platforms.

Keep in mind that the Secretary of State will make the final determination when processing your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.

Business Search Tips

After you’ve conducted your California LLC search, you’ll receive results containing all businesses that match your initial search terms. In addition to the business names, you’ll also see the entity number corresponding to each business, along with the date in which the business was formed, the status of the business, and registered agent information.

But in order to have a proper list of business entity results, there are tips that you should keep in mind regarding your business entity search, including the following:

• Do not include punctuation in your search. For example, when searching on “A.B. Co.” you’ll want to search “AB Company.”

• Leave in spaces if the business name you want to use has spaces. For example, If there are spaces in between A and B in the company name you want to use, then you will search “A B Company.”

• If the company uses a plural, such as “services,” then you will need to keep that name in to get the proper results. Otherwise, searching on the term “service” will not provide the correct results you are looking for.  

There are additional search tips that can be found on the California Secretary of State website in the Business Search section.

Advanced Search Filters and Options

When performing a business search California, you can refine your results by:

  • Entity Type – Narrow results to LLCs, corporations, LPs, or LLPs.
  • Active/Inactive Status – Filter to show only entities in good standing.
  • Exact Match vs. Contains – Search for the exact name or any names containing specific words.

For more precise results:

  • Use the “Begins With” option for partial names.
  • Remember that name searches are not case-sensitive.
  • If you are unsure of the exact spelling, search for variations to avoid missing relevant records.

Searching by Entity Number

In order to search by the entity number, you will enter the 8 digit business number, which always begins with the letter C. If you input the correct business number, then the business associated with that entity number will be identified in the results. If you need more information on that business, simply click on the business name and you will be redirected to a page that provides additional information on that entity.

Accessing and Using Search Results

Once you locate an entity by name or number, you can click its listing to view a detailed record. This includes:

  • Complete business address.
  • Formation or registration history.
  • Current and past officers or managers (for corporations and certain LLCs).
  • Filing history, including Statements of Information.

You can also order official documents such as Certificates of Status, Certified Copies, or specific filings directly from the Secretary of State’s office for a fee. These documents are often required for business transactions like securing financing, registering in another state, or completing mergers and acquisitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the California business search free to use?
    Yes, the Secretary of State’s online business search tool is free and available to the public.
  2. How often is the business search database updated?
    The database is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes.
  3. Can I reserve a business name online in California?
    No, you must submit a Name Reservation Request Form by mail or in person to reserve a name.
  4. Does the search include dissolved or inactive businesses?
    Yes, results can include active, suspended, dissolved, or canceled entities.
  5. Can I get official documents from the search results?
    Yes, you can order Certificates of Status, certified copies, and other filings from the Secretary of State for a fee.

If you need help forming your California LLC, or need help conducting a California LLC search, 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.