Find a California Business Entity

This page helps users complete a business entity search in California and understand how to use the California Secretary of State Business Search for public business records.

Use it to look up corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations, review available filings, and identify when an online search is enough or a records request is needed.

California Secretary of State Business Search

The California Secretary of State Business Search is the main online tool for searching business entity records for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations.

Have one of these search details ready before using the tool:

• Entity name
• Secretary of State entity or file number
• Entity type, if using advanced filters
• Initial filing date range, if narrowing a broad search

Use the online search first when you need public entity information or free PDF copies of available filings.

• Open the California business entity search.
• Search by entity name or file number.
• Remove the letter “C” from an older corporation number when searching by number.
• Select the entity from the results to review the detail drawer and available filings.

Search results are limited: the basic search performs a keyword search and returns the 500 closest matches.

Records available online

The Business Search provides public access to key business entity information and filing images. Available record details may include the entity name, entity number, registration date, status, jurisdiction, business addresses, mailing address, and agent for service of process.

For corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships, users can also access free uncertified PDF copies of available business documents, including recent Statements of Information and other filings.

The search can also be used to check distinguishable entity names for name availability.

Advanced search and coverage limits

Advanced search helps refine broad results and supports Publicly Traded Disclosure Search. It can filter by entity type or grouping, entity status, and initial filing date range.

The online Business Search does not cover Limited Liability Partnerships or General Partnerships. For those filings, use the Business Entities Records Order Form instead of relying on the online search.

Certified copies, certificates, and paper record requests

Certified copies and Certificates of Status for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships can be ordered online through bizfile Online after selecting the entity. From the entity detail drawer, choose the available option to request a certificate or certified copy.

Paper requests are used for General Partnership and Limited Liability Partnership filings, Certificate of No Record requests, and certain copy requests that cannot be completed online. The Business Entities Records Order Form asks for the requestor’s information, entity name, Secretary of State entity or file number, entity type, and the requested copy or certificate type.

Common record request fees include:

Mail paper order forms and payment to Secretary of State BE Certification and Records, P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244-2600. In-person drop off is at 1500 11th Street, 3rd floor, Room 380, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Certificate verification

To confirm a certified copy or certificate issued by the California Secretary of State, use the certificate verification tool. Enter the Certificate Verification Number shown on the certificate or certified copy.

Processing dates

Processing dates depend on the type of request, how it is submitted, and when the Secretary of State receives it. The current processing dates page lists the request dates the office is reviewing for online, in-person, and mail submissions.

As of the May 5, 2026 update, copy requests and certificate or status report requests were being reviewed for these received dates:

Use the current processing dates page before submitting a time-sensitive order.

Business entity contact information

Use the California Secretary of State Business Entities contacts for search, filing, copy, certificate, and records request questions.

• California Secretary of State Business Entities, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; phone: (916) 657-5448; office hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state holidays
• Business Entities Records Request, P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244-2600
• Corporate Filings, P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244-2600
• Limited Liability Company Filings, P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244-2600
• Limited Partnership Filings, P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244-2600
• General Partnership Filings, P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244-2600
• Limited Liability Partnership Filings, P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244-2600