Key Takeaways

  • The MN Secretary of State Business Search lets users find registered business entities, confirm business name availability, and access public filings, including certificates and status reports.
  • You can search by business name, file number, or registered agent, and filter by active/inactive status.
  • The Minnesota search tool helps entrepreneurs check name availability, verify good standing, and research competitors or partners.
  • Name reservations cost $55 online or in person, and $35 by mail.
  • The business search also assists in locating filing histories, annual reports, and formation documents, making it valuable for due diligence and compliance.

Minnesota Secretary of State Business Search

A Minnesota Secretary of State business search is done to find out specific information about business entities in the state or to see if a business name you'd like to use is available. You can search by name or file number when doing a search of the business database in Minnesota. The types of information you'll receive when conducting a search for various entities include a company's filing history, a Certificate of Good Standing, and any other details that are available to the public.

Minnesota Business Entity Search

Anyone can do a business entity search. You might want to do this if you're:

  • A business owner or aspiring business owner
  • A customer
  • An affiliate

You can find all publicly available information as long as you enter the correct search criteria. If you'd like to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for your business, you can use the business search function and pay a $15.00 fee for the Certificate.

Name Searching

  1. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
  2. On the search page, choose the “Business Name” tab to the left of the search box.
  3. Enter the name you want to search into the search box and click “Search.” You'll see a page of results with matching names.
  4. To get more information on an entity, click the Details link next to the result you're interested in.

All the details of the business you're checking will be available, including all publicly available information and details about the business's filing history as well as the Certificate of Good Standing.

File Number Searching

You can search by file number if you prefer. It's a more effective search method.

  1. In the Search Business Filings section, choose the “File Number” tab located at the top of the search box.
  2. Enter the file number and select “Search.”
  3. As long as you enter the file number correctly, you'll get one matching result. 

You'll see detailed information that's publicly available for that business entity. Other information you'll have access to include the company's filing history and its Certificate of Good Standing.

Detailed Business Name Searching

Only a part of the name is needed when searching a business name to get results. If there's no match for the business name you entered, try to search just a part of the entity name. You can also perform a more detailed search using the options underneath the search bar.

  • Search Scope: If you select the "Begins With" tab, you'll only get results for company names that begin with the exact words you entered. If you select "Contains," you'll get results for businesses whose names match all the words you entered.
  • Filing Status: Selecting “Active” will have search results that show company names which are presently active. Choosing “Inactive” only shows names which are presently inactive.
  • Include Prior Names: In this section, selecting "Exclude" only shows results for the most current names. When you select “Include,” the database shows results for all company names whether or not it's a prior or active entity name.

How to Use the MN Secretary of State Business Search

The MN Secretary of State business search tool provides a convenient way to research any business registered in Minnesota. You can search by business name, file number, or registered agent name, depending on what information you have available.

Follow these steps to use the online business search:

  1. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State Business Search page.
  2. Choose a search type—Business Name, File Number, or Registered Agent Name.
  3. Enter your search term and click Search.
  4. Review the list of matching results to find the business you’re interested in.
  5. Click Details to view full public information, including the entity’s filing history, status (active/inactive), type, and date of formation.

The search results also indicate whether a business name is available or already in use. When checking availability for a new business name, try variations or partial names using the “Begins With” or “Contains” filters to capture more results. These tools help prevent filing under a duplicate or restricted name.

Reasons to Conduct a Business Search

Entrepreneurs and individuals use the Minnesota business search for many reasons:

  • Check name availability before forming an LLC, corporation, or partnership.
  • Verify business registration and good standing status.
  • Review ownership or management information for due diligence.
  • Locate a registered agent or contact details.
  • Research competitors or confirm legitimacy before contracting with another company.

For business owners, the MN Secretary of State business search tool is essential before filing any formation documents to ensure your chosen name meets Minnesota’s naming rules and isn’t already reserved.

Cost for Filing a New Business or Nonprofit

The costs for filing a new business or nonprofit are as follows:

  • Assumed Name – $50
  • Business Corporation, Limited Liability Company and Limited Liability Partnership (Domestic), Limited Liability Partnership (Foreign) – $155
  • Business Corporation, Cooperative (Foreign) – $220
  • Cooperative (Domestic), Cooperative Association – $80
  • Limited Liability Company (Foreign) – $205
  • Limited Partnership (Domestic), Limited Partnership (Foreign) – $120
  • Name Reservation – $55
  • Nonprofit Corporation (Domestic) – $90
  • Nonprofit Corporation (Foreign) – $70

Having as much information as possible when doing a search will yield more accurate results. If you're conducting a business search to get information on the availability of a desired business name, make sure you adhere to the state's guidelines for creating a business entity name. Minnesota has its own rules for company names, like many other states. Some company names can't be checked for availability using an online search, so you may need to call or visit the office to get this information.

You can always visit the Secretary of State website to get more information about how to start a business, proper filing procedures, obtaining the correct forms, and much more.

Name Reservation and Filing Tips

If you’ve found an available name using the MN Secretary of State business search, you can reserve it before forming your company.

  • Online or in-person reservation: $55
  • By mail: $35

Reservations hold the name for 12 months while you complete your business formation documents. To file, you’ll need to submit the correct forms through the Minnesota Business and Liens System (MBLS) portal.

Additional tips when using the business search and filing system:

  • Review Minnesota’s naming requirements; names must include an appropriate designator (e.g., LLC, Inc., Cooperative).
  • Avoid restricted terms that imply a regulated business (e.g., bank, trust, insurance) unless approved by the proper state agency.
  • Double-check your entries—misspelled or abbreviated names may lead to incomplete search results.

Having accurate information ensures faster approvals and fewer rejected filings.

Additional Resources from the Secretary of State

Beyond the MN Secretary of State business search, the Minnesota SOS website offers a variety of business services, including:

  • Filing annual renewals and amendments
  • Accessing historical filings and Certificates of Good Standing
  • Viewing name history and previous filings
  • Searching non-profits and assumed names
  • Checking for administrative dissolution or reinstatement status

You can also find step-by-step guides for forming an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit in Minnesota, and downloadable forms for in-person or mail submission.

If you need professional help with business filings or legal compliance, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel to connect with experienced business attorneys who understand Minnesota’s filing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the MN Secretary of State business search used for?
    It helps users verify business registration details, check name availability, and access official filings or Certificates of Good Standing.
  2. Can I reserve a business name in Minnesota?
    Yes. You can reserve a business name for 12 months—$55 online or $35 by mail.
  3. What information do I get from a business search?
    You’ll find the entity’s name, filing number, type, status, formation date, and registered agent details.
  4. Can I look up inactive or dissolved businesses?
    Yes. You can filter by status to view inactive, dissolved, or merged entities.
  5. How can I get a Certificate of Good Standing?
    Use the MN Secretary of State business search results page to request a certificate online for a $15 fee.

If you need help with a MN secretary of state business 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.