How to Look Up Business Entities by State in 2026: Delaware, Texas, and California Guide
Each U.S. state maintains its own business entity database - and finding a company's registration records requires knowing which portal to use, what it costs, and how fast results come back. This guide covers Delaware, Texas, and California in depth, plus a comparison table for all 50 states.
Quick Answer: Where to Search by State
- Delaware: icis.corp.delaware.gov - Free basic search, instant results
- Texas: mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/ (free) or SOSDirect ($1/page)
- California: bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business - Free, instant
- All 50 states at once: Search on Corporate.AI - 38M+ entities, no portal-hopping
1. State-by-State Entity Search Comparison
The table below compares the 10 most-searched states for business entity lookup: search portal availability, cost for basic search, cost for certified copies, turnaround time for online filings, and supported entity types.
| State | Portal | Search Fee | Certified Copy | Online Turnaround | Entity Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | ICIS / ECorP | Free | $50 good standing | Instant | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP, Statutory Trust |
| Texas | SOSDirect / Comptroller | Free (Comptroller); $1/pg (SOS) | $15 cert + $1/pg | 24h online | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP, LLP, Nonprofit |
| California | BizFile Online | Free | $5 + $8/cert pg | Instant | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP, GP, Nonprofit |
| Florida | Sunbiz.org | Free | $8.75/cert | Instant | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP, GP |
| New York | DOS Entity Search | Free | $10/cert | Instant | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP, Nonprofit |
| Nevada | SilverFlume | Free | $30 cert SOG | 24h | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP, Trust |
| Wyoming | WY SOS Search | Free | $2/pg + $3 cert | Instant | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP |
| Illinois | Cyberdrive Illinois | Free | $5 cert | Instant | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP |
| Georgia | SOS Entity Search | Free | $10 cert | Instant | Corp, LLC, LP |
| Colorado | SOS myColorado | Free | $1/pg | Instant | Corp, LLC, LP, LLP, Nonprofit |
Note: “Certified copy” costs are for document certification, distinct from a basic entity status search. Turnaround refers to online document orders, not standard mail processing (which adds 5-15 business days).
2. Delaware Business Entity Search: Step-by-Step
Delaware is home to more than 1.9 million registered business entities - roughly 68% of all Fortune 500 companies are incorporated there. The Delaware Division of Corporations maintains two primary search interfaces.
Delaware Entity Search Tools
| Tool | URL | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICIS Entity Name Search | icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspx | Free | Name lookups, active/inactive status |
| ECorP (Filing Portal) | icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/ | Free search / $50 cert | Good standing certs, filed documents |
| Delaware Division API | data.delaware.gov | Free | Bulk/programmatic access |
| Corporate.AI | corporate.ai | Free | DE + all 50 states in one search |
Step-by-Step: Delaware Entity Name Search
- 1Go to ICIS: Navigate to icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspx in your browser.
- 2Enter the entity name: Type the exact or partial company name. Delaware search is partial-match by default — searching 'Goldman' returns all entities containing that word.
- 3Select search type: Choose "Begins With" for exact starts or "Contains" for broader results. Leave "Entity Type" as "All" unless you're filtering for corps vs. LLCs.
- 4Review results list: Results show: File Number, Entity Name, Incorporation Date, Entity Type, and Residency (domestic or foreign).
- 5Click the entity name: This opens the detail page showing: registered agent name and address, status (active/void/cancelled), filed documents list.
- 6Order official documents: For certified good standing ($50), annual report history, or charter documents, use the ECorP portal. Turnaround: minutes online.
Delaware Key Facts (2026)
- • Total registered entities: ~1.9 million (as of January 2026)
- • New filings per year: ~250,000+
- • Certificate of good standing: $50 (online, same-day)
- • Expedited filing (24h): +$50; Same-day: +$100; 1-hour: +$500
- • Entity types: Corporation, LLC, LP, LLP, Statutory Trust, Benefit Corp, GP
- • Annual franchise tax (corps): $175 minimum; calculated on authorized shares
3. Texas Business Entity Search: Step-by-Step
Texas has more than 4 million registered business entities - the second-highest count of any state. There are two main portals: the Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect (paid, document retrieval) and the Texas Comptroller's Taxable Entity Search (free, real-time status).
Texas Entity Search Tools
| Tool | URL | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX Comptroller Entity Search | mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/ | Free | Quick name search, franchise tax status |
| SOSDirect (Secretary of State) | sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml | $1/pg + $15 cert | Certified filings, officers, registered agent |
| TX SOS Name Availability | sos.state.tx.us/corp/nameinfo.shtml | Free | Checking if a business name is available |
| Corporate.AI | corporate.ai | Free | TX + all 50 states in one search |
Step-by-Step: Texas Comptroller Entity Search (Free)
- 1Go to the Comptroller portal: Navigate to mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/ in your browser. This is the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' Taxable Entity Search, free and updated daily.
- 2Enter search terms: Type the company name (partial matches work) or taxpayer number. You can also search by city or ZIP code.
- 3Review results: Results show: entity name, taxpayer number, filing type, right-to-transact status, and city. Click any entity for detail.
- 4Check Secretary of State for documents: The Comptroller search shows franchise tax status. For Articles of Organization, registered agent info, or officer lists, go to SOSDirect (requires account creation, $1/page).
- 5Create a SOSDirect account if needed: Go to sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml, create a prepaid account (minimum $10 deposit). Certified document copies cost $1/page + $15 certification fee.
- 6Confirm filing status: SOSDirect shows the current registered agent, formation date, entity type, and all historical amendments filed with the Texas SOS.
Texas Key Facts (2026)
- • Total registered entities: ~4.2 million
- • LLC filing fee (Certificate of Formation): $300
- • Corporation filing fee: $300
- • Expedited processing (24h online): Standard online, no extra fee
- • Good standing certificate (Comptroller): Free online; $15 hard copy
- • Annual report equivalent: Public Information Report (PIR) due May 15
4. California Business Entity Search: Step-by-Step
California's business entity database, maintained by the Secretary of State, covers more than 5 million entities. The BizFile Online portal launched in 2022 and replaced the legacy Business Search. It's free and returns real-time results with agent for service of process information.
California Entity Search Tools
| Tool | URL | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BizFile Online (SOS) | bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business | Free | All entity types, agent of service, status |
| CA SOS Document Order | bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov | $5 + $8/cert pg | Certified Articles, Amendment copies |
| CA FTB Entity Status | ftb.ca.gov/pay/business/index.html | Free | Franchise Tax Board good standing |
| Corporate.AI | corporate.ai | Free | CA + all 50 states in one search |
Step-by-Step: California BizFile Entity Search
- 1Go to BizFile Online: Navigate to bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business. No account required for basic search.
- 2Search by name or entity number: Enter the business name (partial OK) or the California entity number (7-digit or C-number for corporations). You can also filter by entity type.
- 3Filter by entity type: Options include: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, General Partnership, and Registered Limited Liability Partnership.
- 4Click the entity: Detail page shows: entity name, type, status (Active, Suspended, Dissolved, Cancelled), file date, entity number, agent for service of process, and principal office address.
- 5Check FTB status separately: California has two statuses: SOS Active (formation is valid) and FTB Good Standing (no unpaid franchise taxes). A company can be SOS Active but FTB Suspended. Check both for due diligence.
- 6Order certified documents: Log into BizFile with a created account. Certified copies: $5 base + $8 per certified page. Standard copies: $1 per page. Processing: 5-7 business days by mail; expedited 24h available for $350.
California Key Facts (2026)
- • Total registered entities: ~5.1 million
- • LLC filing fee (Articles of Organization): $70
- • Annual minimum franchise tax: $800/year (all LLCs and corps)
- • New LLCs (2021-2025 formation window): First-year $800 fee waived
- • Biennial Statement of Information: LLCs pay $20 every 2 years; corps pay $25/year
- • Foreign qualification fee: $70 (LLC) / $100 (corp)
5. All 50 States: Official Secretary of State Search URLs
The table below lists official business entity search portals for all 50 states plus Washington D.C. All basic name searches are free unless otherwise noted.
| State | Search Portal | Good Standing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | sos.alabama.gov/ | $25 |
| Alaska | commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/entities | $10 |
| Arizona | ecorp.azcc.gov/ | Free online |
| Arkansas | www.sos.arkansas.gov/corps/search_all.php | $25 |
| California | bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business | $5 + $8/pg |
| Colorado | sos.state.co.us/biz/ | $10 |
| Connecticut | service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch | $40 |
| Delaware | icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspx | $50 |
| Florida | search.sunbiz.org/ | $8.75 |
| Georgia | ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch | $10 |
| Hawaii | hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html | $10 |
| Idaho | sos.idaho.gov/business-services/search/ | $10 |
| Illinois | apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/ | $10 |
| Indiana | inbiz.in.gov/ | $15 |
| Iowa | sos.iowa.gov/search/business | $5 |
| Kansas | sos.ks.gov/ | $10 |
| Kentucky | sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/default.aspx | $10 |
| Louisiana | coraweb.sos.la.gov/CommercialSearch | $25 |
| Maine | icrs.maine.gov/ICRS/ | $20 |
| Maryland | sdat.dat.maryland.gov/ucc-charter/Pages/default.aspx | $20 |
| Massachusetts | corp.sec.state.ma.us/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx | $12 |
| Michigan | cofs.lara.michigan.gov/ | $10 |
| Minnesota | mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us/Business/Search | $15 |
| Mississippi | business.sos.ms.gov/ | $25 |
| Missouri | bsd.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity/BESearch.aspx | $10 |
| Montana | sos.mt.gov/business | $5 |
| Nebraska | sos.nebraska.gov/business/business-services | $10 |
| Nevada | esos.nv.gov/EntitySearch/OnlineEntitySearch | $30 |
| New Hampshire | quickstart.sos.nh.gov/online/Account/LandingPage | $5 |
| New Jersey | njportal.com/DOR/BusinessNameSearch | $25 |
| New Mexico | portal.sos.state.nm.us/BFS/ | Free |
| New York | apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/ | $10 |
| North Carolina | sosnc.gov/online_services/search/by_title/_Business_Registration | $10 |
| North Dakota | firststop.nd.gov/ | $10 |
| Ohio | businesssearch.ohiosos.gov/ | $5 |
| Oklahoma | oklahomacounty.org/socr/ | $10 |
| Oregon | sos.oregon.gov/business/pages/find.aspx | $10 |
| Pennsylvania | file.dos.pa.gov/search | $15 |
| Rhode Island | business.sos.ri.gov/corp/external/public/corpsearch.aspx | $20 |
| South Carolina | businessfilings.sc.gov/ | $10 |
| South Dakota | sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/FilingSearch.aspx | $10 |
| Tennessee | tnbear.tn.gov/ | $20 |
| Texas | mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/ | Free / $15 hard copy |
| Utah | utah.gov/businesssearch | $12 |
| Vermont | bizfilings.vermont.gov/filing/search | $10 |
| Virginia | cis.scc.virginia.gov/ | $6 |
| Washington | ccfs.sos.wa.gov/ | Free |
| West Virginia | business4.wv.gov/SOS/BusinessEntitySearch | $10 |
| Wisconsin | www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch/Search.aspx | $10 |
| Wyoming | wyobiz.wyo.gov/ | $5 |
| Washington D.C. | corponline.dcra.dc.gov/ | $25 |
6. What Information Does a Business Entity Search Return?
The exact fields available vary by state, but a standard business entity search returns most or all of the following:
| Data Field | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entity name | All 50 states | Exact registered legal name |
| Entity type | All 50 states | LLC, Corp, LP, LLP, GP, etc. |
| Active/inactive status | All 50 states | Active, dissolved, revoked, suspended |
| Formation date | All 50 states | Date Articles of Organization filed |
| State of formation | All 50 states | Domestic vs. foreign entity |
| Registered agent name | 47 states | Some states don't show agent publicly |
| Registered agent address | 45 states | Required physical address in state |
| Principal office address | 38 states | May differ from registered agent |
| Officers/managers/members | 28 states | Annual report data; varies by entity type |
| Amendment/filing history | All 50 states (SOS) | Requires document order in most states |
| Annual report filings | 42 states | Shows compliance history |
| EIN / Tax ID | 0 states | Not public; IRS holds this data |
7. Search All 50 States at Once with Corporate.AI
Searching across 50 state portals individually is time-consuming. Corporate.AI aggregates entity records from all 50 states into a single national registry - covering more than 38 million business entities across LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs, nonprofits, and other entity types.
Why Use Corporate.AI for Entity Lookup
- ✓ 38M+ entities across all 50 states and D.C. in one search
- ✓ No portal accounts needed - no SOSDirect prepaid deposits, no BizFile registration
- ✓ Cross-state search - find a company across multiple states simultaneously
- ✓ Formation date, registered agent, status - all in one place
- ✓ Free for basic lookups
8. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I look up a Delaware business entity?
Go to icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspx. Search by entity name or file number. Results are instant and free. A Certificate of Good Standing costs $50 online (same-day).
How do I search for a Texas business entity?
Use the free Texas Comptroller Taxable Entity Search at mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/ for name and status. For certified filings and registered agent info, use SOSDirect (requires account + $1/page fee).
How do I look up a California LLC?
Use California BizFile Online at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business. Free, no account needed for basic search. Shows entity name, type, status, agent for service of process, and principal address.
Is there a way to search all 50 states at once?
Corporate.AI (corporate.ai) aggregates 38M+ entity records from all 50 state Secretary of State databases into a single national search. No portal hopping required.
What does 'active' status mean in a business entity search?
'Active' means the entity is currently in good standing with the state: it has filed required reports, paid fees, and has not been dissolved, revoked, or cancelled. 'Suspended' (common in California) means the entity exists but cannot conduct business due to unpaid franchise taxes or missing filings.
How do I get a certified copy of business formation documents?
Each state charges separately for certified copies. Delaware: $50 for a Certificate of Good Standing (online, same-day). Texas: $15 certification + $1/page via SOSDirect. California: $5 + $8/certified page via BizFile Online (5-7 business days standard; expedited $350/24h).
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