This page helps users complete a business entity search in Ohio and understand what details can be checked through official state resources.

The main tool is the Ohio Secretary of State Business Search, which provides access to business filing data, search results, and available filing images from the Business Database.

Use the Ohio Secretary of State Business Search to look up business names, entity numbers, agents, organizers, incorporators, trademarks, service marks, and related filing records.

Search options include:

  • Business name
  • Exact business name
  • Prior business name
  • Agent or registrant name
  • Organizer or incorporator name
  • Document ID or entity number
  • Mark number, mark description, or registrant name

After choosing the most relevant search type, review matching results carefully before opening a business details page.

  • Select the search category that matches the information you have.
  • Enter the business name, entity number, agent name, or other supported search value.
  • Review the search results for the correct entity.
  • Open the business details page to view filing information and any available document image links.

Business Database records

The Business Database contains files for business filings submitted to and approved by the Ohio Secretary of State. It includes records for corporations, nonprofit corporations, professional associations, foreign corporations, foreign name registrations, business trusts, real estate trusts, fictitious names, trade names, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, trademarks, service marks, and name reservations.

The Ohio.gov Business Search page also describes the search as a way to research business names and access data and images maintained in the Business Database.

Business details and filing images

A business details page may show information such as business name, filing type, original filing date, location, expiration date, filing descriptions, filing dates, document IDs, and available PDF filing images.

When an approved filing image is available online, the business details page provides a “Download Image” link. If no image link appears for a filing, contact the Ohio Secretary of State for more information.

Important: Search data and images are provided for informational purposes only. Certification of authenticity must come from the Ohio Secretary of State.

Name status and availability checks

Business name searches show names accepted by the Ohio Secretary of State. They do not include names that may still be in process.

Status labels may include active, hold, canceled, or dead. A name request is not guaranteed until the Ohio Secretary of State approves it in writing.

The Ohio Secretary of State Business Services page also links to business services such as business forms, certificates of good standing, business reports, and online business filing tools.

Older filings and data coverage

Business filings were manually maintained before 1973. The office later entered new filings into a computerized system, and some pre-1973 business records were entered depending on activity and reinstatement status.

Approved filing images were maintained on microfilm before 1997. Since then, newly submitted filings have been created and maintained in computerized format, and many active-business images were converted for online access.

Ohio Secretary of State business contact

Use these contacts for business search questions, filing image issues, and immediate assistance with Ohio Secretary of State business records.

Common questions

Where can I search for an Ohio business entity?

Use the Business Search-Business Name tool from the Ohio Secretary of State to search by business name, prior name, agent or registrant, organizer or incorporator, document ID, or entity number.

Can I download Ohio business filing documents online?

Yes, when a filing image is available. Open the business details page and use the “Download Image” link to view the PDF filing image.

What should I do if a filing image is missing?

Contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 1-877-SOS-FILE or [BUSINESS@OhioSoS.gov](mailto:BUSINESS@OhioSoS.gov) if an image is not available in the online database.

Are Ohio business search results certified records?

No. Search data and images are informational only. Certification of authenticity must be provided by the Ohio Secretary of State.