This guide helps you search for a business entity in Texas, see what appears in state records, and decide whether you need SOSDirect or a franchise tax status lookup. It also points you to copies, certificates, and filing options after you find the record.
SOSDirect is the main Secretary of State service for business searches, filings, copies, and certificates, while the Comptroller's Franchise Tax Account Status Search handles franchise tax standing. This site is independent and does not provide legal advice or guarantees; use official state services for decisions and filings.
SOSDirect business entity search
Use search tools in SOSDirect when you need Secretary of State business records, entity information, imaged document copies, or status-related records. SOSDirect is available 24/7.
- Open SOSDirect and sign in to your account.
- Run the business entity search to find entity information or review available records.
- Use the results to print imaged documents, obtain entity status information, or move into copies and certificate orders.
- If you need a filing after the search, continue in SOSDirect to submit the document electronically.
Fee note: SOSDirect charges $1 per search, but that search fee is not charged when an order or filing is placed from the search results.
Create and fund a SOSDirect account
If you do not already have a SOSDirect account, create a SOS Client Account before using services that require sign-in. After a successful request, the USER ID email is sent within an hour.
- Add sosdirect@sos.texas.gov and response@sos.texas.gov to your safe senders list if your email uses a strict spam filter.
- After you receive your USER ID, sign in and use the client account payment option to add enough funds for your request.
- The funds become available in one hour, and the payment does not process until you log out of the account.
Franchise Tax Account Status search
Use the Comptroller's Franchise Tax Account Status Search when you need the entity's right to transact business in Texas. The Comptroller says this status was previously referred to as good standing, and printed results reflect the records at the time of the query.
Have one of these ready before you search.
- 11-digit Comptroller taxpayer number or 9-digit Federal EIN
- Entity name between 2 and 50 characters
- Texas Secretary of State file number with 6 to 10 digits
If you need to reinstate or terminate a business with the Secretary of State, the Comptroller notes that you must obtain a certificate specific to that purpose instead of relying only on the summary status search.
Copies and certificates
Use the Secretary of State's copies and certificates service when you need certified copies, plain copies, or a certificate of fact - status. Orders can be placed online through SOSDirect, by email to corpcert@sos.texas.gov, or by mail to the Certifying Team at P.O. Box 13697, Austin, Texas 78711-3697.
These are some of the listed fees for common requests.
| Request | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Fact, including Certificate of Existence or Status | $15 |
| Long Form Certificate of Existence | $25 |
| Certified copies | $1 per page plus $15 per certificate |
| Plain copies | $0.10 per page |
| SOSDirect search | $1 per search |
| Apostille related to a business entity filing | $15 |
Choose the right record: a certificate of fact - status comes from the Secretary of State, while a certificate of account status comes from the Comptroller.
Filing options and forms
After you confirm the business record, review the Secretary of State's filing options and business and nonprofit forms if you need to form, register, amend, terminate, reinstate, or update an entity record.
The office encourages electronic filing through SOSDirect or SOSUpload. Same-day and next-day expedited service is available for select filings through Texas Express, and preclearance is available for $50 per instrument.
- Fax is no longer an accepted delivery method for business entity filings on or after September 15, 2025.
- Accepted delivery methods include SOSDirect, SOSUpload, in person, mail, and courier.
- Checks should be made payable to the Secretary of State, and cash should not be sent by mail.
Business search contacts
These public contacts cover the two main statewide parts of a Texas business entity search: Secretary of State records and franchise tax status.
-
Business & Public Filings Division, Office of the Texas Secretary of State
Delivery address: 1019 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701
Mailing address: P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711
Public Information and SOSDirect phone: (512) 463-5555
SOSDirect email: SOSDirect@sos.texas.gov -
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Franchise Tax phone: (800) 252-1381
Certificates of Account Status/Good Standing phone: (800) 252-1386
Common questions
Is SOSDirect the same as the franchise tax status search?
No. SOSDirect is the Secretary of State's online business service for searches, filings, copies, and certificates. The Comptroller's Franchise Tax Account Status Search is a separate tool for checking an entity's franchise tax standing. Use the one that matches the record you need.
What can I use to search the Comptroller's status tool?
You can search by an 11-digit Comptroller taxpayer number, a 9-digit Federal EIN, an entity name, or a Texas Secretary of State file number. The entity name must be between 2 and 50 characters, and the file number must be 6 to 10 digits. If your result is unclear, verify the identifier you entered and run the search again.
Is a certificate of fact - status the same as a certificate of account status?
No. A certificate of fact - status is issued by the Secretary of State and serves as official evidence of an entity's existence or authority to transact business in Texas. A certificate of account status is issued by the Comptroller and relates to the franchise tax account.
How do I order copies or certificates after I find the entity?
You can order them online through SOSDirect, by email at corpcert@sos.texas.gov, or by mail through the Certifying Team at P.O. Box 13697, Austin, Texas 78711-3697. Choose a certified copy, a plain copy, or a certificate of fact - status based on what your next step requires.
Can I still send a business entity filing by fax?
No. On and after September 15, 2025, business entity filings may be delivered only through SOSDirect, SOSUpload, in person, by mail, or by courier. If you need faster handling, review the expedited options before sending the filing.