Search Maryland Business Entities

This page helps users complete a Business Entity Search in Maryland and understand what to do with the results, including business status, filing history, document orders, and good standing checks.

The main public lookup is Maryland Business Express Entity Search, with business filing support handled by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Maryland Business Express Entity Search

Use the official Maryland Business Express Entity Search to look up a registered business, confirm identifying details, and review available public filing information.

• Business name
• Department ID
• Employer Identification Number, when available

The search page lets users choose the search method that matches the information they have.

• Open the Maryland Business Express Entity Search.
• Select a search option, such as business name or Department ID.
• Enter the available information and review matching entity results.
• Open the matching business record to review status, filing history, or available document options.

Scam warning: SDAT warns businesses to confirm payment requests before sending money, especially requests about Certificates of Status or Annual Reports.

Business status and good standing

Maryland entity search results can help users check whether a business is active and in Good Standing. A business may show Not in Good Standing when it has not met one or more Maryland business requirements.

Common issues include missing Annual Reports and Business Personal Property Returns, late filing penalties, dishonored payments, inactive resident agent problems, or issues involving the Comptroller of Maryland or Maryland Department of Labor.

If a business is forfeited, Maryland treats its right to conduct business in the state as relinquished. The business must correct the underlying issue, bring required filings and penalties up to date, and file the proper revival, reinstatement, re-registration, or requalification document for its entity type.

For more detail on status problems and recovery steps, review the Maryland Business Express good standing guidance.

Filing history and business documents

Most business documents filed after August 2001 can be viewed for free through Business Entity Search. After finding the business, use the Filing History tab to see available filings.

Documents marked with an eye icon are available online. Documents with a crossed-out eye icon are not available online. Users who need copies or certified documents can use the Order Documents option when it is available for the entity record.

Certified copies and Certificates of Status may be ordered through Maryland Business Express. A Certificate of Status, also called a Good Standing Certificate, is issued by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and shows that the business is following state rules.

For document-specific help, use the business document ordering guidance.

Trade names and resident agent details

Business Entity Search may also be useful when reviewing trade name and resident agent information. Trade Names must be in Active Status to be eligible for renewal, and a forfeited, inactive, cancelled, merged, or dissolved business is not eligible to associate with a Trade Name Renewal.

A resident agent is the Maryland resident age 18 or older, Maryland corporation, or Maryland LLC chosen by the business to receive service of process. Maryland requires the agent’s consent before the filing is completed.

For trade name renewal questions, SDAT lists sdat.tradenamehelp@maryland.gov. For resident agent or charter assistance, SDAT lists sdat.charterhelp@maryland.gov.

Online filing, fees, and processing

Maryland Business Express also supports online filings for eligible business types, including Maryland LLCs, non-Maryland LLCs, Maryland stock corporations, foreign corporations, trade name filings, certain amendments, reinstatements, and document orders.

Online filings with payment processed through Maryland Business Express include a 3% technology fee. Accepted payment methods include credit card or PayPal, and accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Processing speed depends on the filing type and service option. Maryland Business Express lists separate timing for non-expedited filings, expedited filings, rush filings, hard copy filings, document orders, and Annual Report or Business Personal Property filings.

Review the Maryland Business Express fee schedule before ordering documents or submitting paid filings.

Maryland business entity contacts

Use these public contacts for business entity search, filing, document, good standing, and technical support questions.

• Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation — Filing and business related questions. Phone: (410) 767-1330. Outside the Baltimore Metro Area: (888) 246-5941. Maryland Relay: (800) 735-2258.
• SDAT Business Services General Questions — sdat.cscc@maryland.gov. Phone: (410) 767-1330.
• SDAT Copies of Business Documents — sdat.requestforcopies@maryland.gov.
• SDAT Certificates of Good Standing — sdat.goodstanding@maryland.gov. Phone: (410) 767-1330.
• SDAT Trade Name Questions — sdat.tradenamehelp@maryland.gov. Phone: (410) 767-1801.
• Maryland eGovernment Technical Support — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Toll-free: (888) 963-3468. Phone: (410) 990-1090.