How To Conduct a Business Entity Search

A business entity search finds information about registered businesses within a specific state. It can provide a business's official name, legal status, owners, formation date, etc. Some states, like Nevada, have robust and straightforward online systems to conduct these searches. In contrast, others, like Texas, are challenging to navigate or provide convoluted information about multiple search systems, each used for different purposes. The purpose of this guide is to walk through typical and common search portals to ensure you can access the information you need in your state.

Also see our guides on other popular state and east coast state business entity searches.

Simple Example - Nevada

Nevada has a fantastic Secretary of State (SoS) system called SilverFlume. The system is a good example of simple, straightforward online searches. Its Entity Search feature recalls information on trademarks, trade names (usually known as DBAs), service marks, reserved names, and business licenses.

Step 1

For Nevada, begin on the SilverFlume search portal and choose the primary method to search for a business name: “starts with”, “contains”, exact match”, or “all words.” You may also use alternative data points to key into the search. Other states with easy entity searches will have a comparable starting point. Visit our Startup Costs tool for guidance on your state's system.

Step 2

Input data point(s) and search. Review any relevant search results. For example, Jamba Juice returns two business results, as shown below.

Step 3

Click on the business for more details. In Nevada, you can review entity, registered agent, and officer information.

Return to results or search to complete any further due diligence.

Difficult Example - Texas

Texas is very business-friendly and one of our favorite states to open a business. However, the online system isn’t very intuitive. Instead of finding the business entity search on the SoS website, it can be found on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts division site. This is a good example of a state our Startup Costs tool can help with.

Step 1

For Texas, begin at the Franchise Tax Account Status Search. Search by tax ID (the 11-digit Texas Comptroller's Taxpayer Number or the 9-digit Federal Employer's Identification Number), entity name, or filing number. If the business entity search feature isn’t prominently displayed on your state's SoS website, there’s a good chance it’s located within another state division, and our tool or a Google search will help pinpoint it.

Step 2

Input the data point and click “search.” Review any relevant results. For example, Jamba Juice returns two results, as shown below.

Step 3

Click on “details” for more information. Review the basic franchise information, such as contact details, status, and registered agent. Any officer's names disclosed in the most recent public information report (a copy of these reports can be requested through the search portal) are also available. Exit back to results or conduct a new search as needed.