Many businesses call California home: including more than 1.7 million private-sector businesses and more than 3 million sole proprietorships, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
If you plan to start a business in California, or if you want to do business with companies operating in the state of California, you can use the California Secretary of State’s business search tools to access official information about your own business and other businesses registered in the state.
What is California Business Search?
The Business Entities Section of the California Secretary of State’s office processes filings and provides information about business entities—corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs), general partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and other business filings—and makes that information available to the public.
The online California Business Search only provides information for LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships. To get information about other types of businesses, you must submit a paper request.
Benefits of Using California Business Search
The California Business Search allows you to quickly find information related to LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships registered with California. This free tool can help you make informed decisions about your business relationships by allowing you to access official business records and documents filed with the California Secretary of State.
Here’s what you can do with California Business Search:
Check your own business information to make sure it’s correct and up to date. While it is not a substitute for establishing business credit, it may be helpful as you’re seeking to expand your business or work with new clients.
Verify potential business partners and vendors before signing contracts. You can confirm if a company is active and legally registered to operate in California.
Download important business documents at no cost. You can access over 17 million business records, including recent Statements of Information for corporations and LLCs.
Look up basic details about other California businesses, such as:
- When the business was formed
- If it’s currently active
- Who the registered agent is
- The business address on file
With the advanced search you can even use factors such as compensation, independent auditors, and various disclosure criteria to conduct your search.
How to Use the California Business Search Tool Effectively
The California Business Search is easy to use. It offers two search options:
Basic Search:
- Enter an entity name or entity number
- Searches only active businesses
- Shows key details like business status, filing date, entity type, and formation location
- Works best when you know the exact business name or number
Advanced Search:
- Offers more detailed search filters
- Lets you search inactive businesses
- Includes specific entity type searches (like nonprofit corporations)
- Provides access to publicly traded company information, including: corporate bankruptcies, legal proceedings, director and executive officer details, and filing date ranges
Business Formation & NAICS Resources from Nav
When you’re forming a business, you may find it helpful to work with a business formation service to ensure you file all the necessary paperwork, comply with annual reporting requirements, and avoid possible problems like trademark infringement.
Start an LLC in minutes with a business formation service.
You’ll also need to identify the proper SIC or NAICS code for your business. NAICS codes indicate the industry in which your business operates. Some NAICS codes make it more difficult to get financing.
California Business Search Tool Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Franchise Tax Board?
The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is separate from the Secretary of State. While you search for business records through the Secretary of State, the FTB handles California state taxes, including the CA franchise tax every corporation that is incorporated, registered, or doing business in California must pay. (There currently is an $800 minimum franchise tax.)
Don’t be confused by the word “franchise” in the name— it doesn’t only apply to businesses that operate as franchises.
This includes:
- Collection of business income taxes
- Processing of tax payments
- Enforcement of tax requirements
- Tax audits and notices
How to check LLC names in CA?
If you are going to start an LLC in CA, you’ll need to choose your business name carefully. You can start your search for an available business name for your corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership in California by using the free Business Search tool. This is only a preliminary business name search, though, and keep in mind it won’t check for trademarks or other legal conflicts with the company name you choose.
For that reason you may want to work with an attorney or business formation service to make sure there aren’t any issues with the name you choose.
Another option is to fill out a name availability inquiry letter and send it by mail to the Secretary of State in Sacramento at the address on the letter.
What words are not allowed in my California LLC name?
When you are choosing a name for a new LLC, you and want to make sure it is compliant with California’s rules for business names. Name reservations can be made for 60 days at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.
Every California LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
A California LLC name cannot include words like:
- Trustee or trust
- Inc. or incorporated
- Corp. or corporation
- Bank
- Insurer or insurance company
Additional name requirements:
- Must not mislead the public
- Can only use English alphabet letters, numbers, and certain symbols
- Must be distinguishable from other registered businesses
How much does a California business entity search cost?
The online business search is free and includes:
- Basic business information
- PDF copies of filed documents
- Access to over 17 million business records
If you need official documents, certified copies cost:
- $5 per document for certified copies
- $5 for a Certificate of Status
How do you check if a business is registered in California?
Check if a business is registered in California using one of these methods:
Online (fastest method):
- Visit bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov
- Use the free business search tool
- Get immediate access to business records
Other options:
- Visit: 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Call: (916) 653-6814
- Email: businessprograms@sos.ca.gov
Again, the online search only covers LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships. For other business types, you’ll need to contact the Secretary of State directly.
How do I find out who owns a company in California?
Finding who owns a business isn’t always straightforward. Here are your main research options:
California Business Search database shows:
- Business name and status
- Registered agent information
- Statement of Information (lists officers/directors for corporations and members/managers for LLCs)
- Mailing address
County records may provide:
- Fictitious business name (FBN) documents
- Property ownership details if the business owns property
- Local business licenses
Keep in mind: The registered agent or business address may not reveal the actual owner, especially if the company has a complex legal structure or uses a registered agent service.
It’s also worth noting the difficulty with finding out who owns a company is one of the reasons for the new BOI requirements. While BOI filings aren’t available to the general public, they can help law enforcement and other agencies understand ownership of many businesses.
How do I look up a California tax ID number?
If you need tax ID numbers for your business, here’s what to do:
- Get a federal tax ID (EIN) from the IRS
- Register with the California Secretary of State
- Register with the Employment Development Department if you have employees
You may also need:
- A Seller’s Permit from the Department of Tax and Fee Administration
- A Use Tax account
- Additional permits based on your business type
Getting an EIN can be handy for other reasons, including applying for business credit cards or small business loans.
Why should I get a fictitious business name?
A fictitious business name (FBN, also referred to as “doing business as” or DBA) lets you operate under a different name than your legal business name. You might need one if you:
- Own a sole proprietorship and want to use a business name instead of your personal name
- Run a partnership and want a name other than the partners’ names
- Want to rebrand your business without changing your legal entity
- Need different names for multiple product lines or services
Does my California LLC need a DBA?
Your LLC needs a DBA (also called FBN or Trade Name) only if you plan to do business under a name different from your official LLC name.
Examples of when you need a DBA:
- Your LLC is “Johnson Consulting LLC” but you want to operate as “Bay Area Business Solutions”
- Your LLC runs multiple brands or product lines
- You want to remove “LLC” from your business name in marketing materials
Cost and process:
- Filing fee is typically under $100
- File with your county or city clerk’s office
- Renewal requirements vary by location
How do I get a California fictitious business name?
Unlike your business registration, fictitious business names (also called FBNs or DBAs) are handled at the county or city level where your business operates.
Basic steps:
- Choose your county or city clerk’s office
- Search if your desired name is available
- Complete the fictitious business name form
- Pay the filing fee (varies by location)
- Publish your DBA in a local newspaper (if required)
Find your local filing office through the CalGold website.
How are business licenses obtained in California?
Business licenses in California involve multiple steps and may require permits from different agencies.
Basic steps:
- Register your business with the Secretary of State
- Get your federal tax ID (EIN) from the IRS
- Register with state tax agencies
- Apply for specific licenses and permits
Where to get licenses and permits:
- City or county offices for local business licenses
- Department of Consumer Affairs for professional licenses
- CalGold website (business.ca.gov) to find permits for your industry
- Department of Tax and Fee Administration for seller’s permits
The licenses and permits you need depend on your business type, location, and industry. Check with your local city and county offices for specific requirements.
Pro Tip: In addition to information you’ll find on the Secretary of State website about how to start a business in California, you can get help from a free business mentor through your Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and/or SCORE.
What if I decide to close down my business in California?
Make sure you understand the steps for dissolving your LLC in California. Otherwise your business may be liable for additional taxes.
This article was originally written on October 23, 2024.
Have at it! We'd love to hear from you and encourage a lively discussion among our users. Please help us keep our site clean and protect yourself. Refrain from posting overtly promotional content, and avoid disclosing personal information such as bank account or phone numbers.
Reviews Disclosure: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the credit card, financing and service companies that appear on this site. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card, financing and service companies and it is not their responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.