Find and Verify a California Entity
Search a California corporation, LLC or limited partnership by name or entity number, then use this guide to interpret the status, agent, addresses, Statement of Information and filing history.
You will also learn how to fix missing results, identify SOS versus FTB suspension, find county DBA records, obtain official documents and avoid misleading filing solicitations.
Fastest safe lookup order
Start with the legal name, broaden the match when needed, open the complete entity profile, then review separate SOS, FTB, agent and VCFCF standing fields before relying on the result.
Choose the Right California Business Search Method
The California bizfile search works best when you choose the least restrictive search that still identifies the right entity.
Entity name
Use the current legal name, a previous name or the most distinctive part of the company name.
Entity number
Use the SOS-issued identifier when similar names make a name search uncertain.
Exact, keyword or begins with
Choose the match type based on how certain you are about spelling, punctuation and word order.
Type, status or date filters
Narrow results by entity type, current status or initial filing date after getting a useful result set.
How to Complete a CA SOS Business Search
Use this seven-step process to avoid selecting the wrong business or relying only on the abbreviated search-results row.
Open the official California Business Search
Confirm that the address bar uses bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. A public search does not require you to pay a formation company or certificate vendor.
Choose name or entity-number search
Use a name when you are exploring possible matches. Use the entity number when you need one precise California record.
Select the match type
Try a keyword or begins-with search first when spelling or punctuation is uncertain. Use exact match only when the legal name is known.
Enter only useful information
Start with distinctive words. Remove commas, apostrophes and legal endings if the full name produces no match.
Compare similar entities
Check the entity type, number, jurisdiction, initial filing date and status before opening a result.
Open the full entity profile
Review the legal name, addresses, Agent for Service of Process, Statement of Information due date and each standing field.
Open the newest filing documents
Read the latest Statement of Information, amendments, conversion, merger, dissolution or cancellation records before relying on the summary.
The official search provides records for California corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships, along with millions of free filing images. It is the correct source after you understand the search choices above.
Understand California Entity Numbers in 2026
- Copy the entity number exactly when using the California business search.
- Do not confuse the SOS entity number with a federal EIN, EDD account number or FTB account credential.
- Some tax-preparation or payment systems may instruct users to enter only the numeric characters from a newer alphanumeric identifier.
- Follow the specific FTB or tax-software instructions rather than altering the number used for the SOS search.
How to Read a California Entity Record
The profile combines identification, standing, addresses and filing information. Read the fields together instead of treating one status word as complete business verification.
| Record field | What it means | What it does not prove | Useful next check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entity name | The current legal name shown in California SOS records. | That every storefront, website or invoice uses that exact name. | Check previous filings and county fictitious-business-name records. |
| Entity number | The California SOS identifier for the entity record. | It is not an EIN or state tax account number. | Use it to reopen the exact record and reference a support request. |
| Entity type | Corporation, LLC, limited partnership, nonprofit or another recorded structure. | That the business holds every licence needed for its activity. | Use CalGOLD and the responsible state or local licensing agency. |
| Initial filing date | The date the entity formed, registered, converted or entered California records. | Continuous operation since that date. | Review dissolution, suspension, merger, conversion and revival history. |
| Jurisdiction | The state or country under whose law the entity was formed. | That a foreign entity is based outside the United States. | For an out-of-state entity, compare its home-jurisdiction record. |
| Status and standing | Separate SOS, FTB, Agent and VCFCF fields describe different compliance areas. | Insurance, licensing, financial health or good customer history. | Identify which agency or filing caused a problem. |
| Agent for Service of Process | The person or registered corporate agent designated to receive legal papers. | Ownership or management control. | Use the latest Statement of Information and filing history. |
| Principal and mailing addresses | Addresses reported for the entity’s business and correspondence. | That customers can visit the location or that it is current outside SOS filings. | Compare the latest Statement of Information and the company’s contract details. |
| Statement of Information due date | The next reporting period shown for an applicable entity. | That every entity uses the same annual schedule. | Apply the correct corporation, nonprofit or LLC filing rule. |
| Filing history | Formation, statements, amendments, mergers, conversions and termination records received by the SOS. | That private ownership agreements or bylaws are on file. | Open the newest relevant PDF or order a certified copy when required. |
California Business Status Meanings
California separates several standing fields. First identify which agency or compliance category is causing the problem, then follow that agency’s correction process.
Active
The entity is active in the SOS record. Still verify separate licensing, tax, insurance and transaction requirements.
SOS Suspended or SOS Forfeited
The Secretary of State suspended or forfeited the entity’s powers, commonly because a required Statement of Information was not filed. Review the filing history and SOS instructions.
FTB Suspended or FTB Forfeited
The Franchise Tax Board suspended or forfeited the entity for unmet tax requirements, such as missing returns or unpaid tax, penalties or interest. Resolution generally requires FTB action.
SOS/FTB Suspended or Forfeited
Both agencies show a problem. The entity may need to correct SOS filings and separately satisfy FTB requirements.
Dissolved, Cancelled or Surrendered
A domestic entity ended or cancelled its existence, or a foreign entity surrendered its authority in California. Open the termination filing and check for a later revival or new entity.
Merged Out or Converted Out
The record may no longer be the surviving form. Open the merger or conversion documents to identify the resulting entity.
Agent Resigned
The named agent resigned and the entity may need to designate a new Agent for Service of Process through an appropriate filing.
VCFCF Suspended
The entity has a standing issue associated with the Victims of Corporate Fraud Compensation Fund. Follow the SOS status guidance for the applicable cure.
No Results? Fix the California Search in This Order
A missing result can come from a narrow match, a county DBA, a different entity type, a name change or a recently processed filing.
Find the Agent for Service of Process
California uses the term Agent for Service of Process for the person or registered corporate agent designated to receive lawsuits and official legal papers.
What the agent field can help you do
- Identify where legal papers may be served.
- Confirm the agent listed in the newest entity record.
- Distinguish an individual agent from a registered corporate agent.
- Prepare a small-claims or civil filing with the correct legal entity name.
What the agent field cannot prove
- The agent is not automatically an owner.
- A corporate agent may represent thousands of unrelated entities.
- The agent address is not necessarily the operating location.
- The agent does not certify the business’s licences or financial condition.
Check the Latest Statement of Information
The Statement of Information updates public addresses, agents and management information. Filing frequency and fees differ by entity type.
| Entity type | Initial filing | Ongoing schedule | Current filing fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| California stock and qualified out-of-state corporations | Generally within 90 days after registration. | Every year during the applicable filing period. | $25 |
| California nonprofit corporations | Generally within 90 days when the filing requirement applies. | Generally every two years, based on the entity’s filing cycle. | $20 |
| California and qualified out-of-state LLCs | Within 90 days after registration. | Every two years, in the filing cycle tied to the initial registration year. | $20 |
Understand the filing window
The regular filing period generally spans six months and ends in the entity’s anniversary month. The entity profile can display the applicable Statement of Information due date.
File changes before the regular due date when necessary
Do not wait for the next annual or biennial cycle when required information changes, especially the Agent for Service of Process or reported address information.
Missing statements can affect SOS standing
Failure to file can lead to penalties and an SOS suspension or forfeiture process. Filing a current statement may be only one part of resolving an entity that also has an FTB problem.
Use bizfile only after confirming the correct entity and reporting period. Private companies are not required intermediaries for this filing.
View Free Filing PDFs and Order the Right Document
California provides free plain copies of many corporation, LLC and limited-partnership filings through bizfile. Order a certified document only when the recipient actually requires certification.
Formation or registration
Articles, certificates or registration documents show how the entity entered California records.
Statements and amendments
Statements of Information and amendments explain address, agent, management and name changes.
Merger or conversion
These documents identify a surviving or resulting entity when the original record changes form.
Termination or revival
Dissolution, cancellation, surrender and revival records explain whether the entity ended or restored rights.
| Your need | Correct starting document | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Read a filed record | Free plain PDF copy in bizfile when available | Research a formation, amendment, statement, merger, conversion or termination. |
| Prove what a filing contains | Certified copy of the specific document | Court, lender, legal or transaction requirements. |
| Prove current California standing | Certificate of Status | Banking, contracts, licensing, foreign qualification or another formal request. |
| Confirm no SOS entity record was found | Certificate of No Record or formal records search | A formal request that requires evidence of no matching record. |
| Get GP or LLP records | Business Entity Records Order Form or applicable request | Records not included in the primary corporation/LLC/LP online database. |
Check California Business Name Availability
The public search is a preliminary screening tool. Final name acceptance occurs when the Secretary of State reviews the submitted filing.
Search these variations first
- The complete proposed legal name.
- The distinctive word without LLC, Inc. or LP.
- Singular and plural versions.
- Common spelling and spacing variations.
- Names beginning with the same core words.
- Similar county fictitious business names.
Complete a broader conflict check
- Federal and California trademark records.
- Existing domains and websites.
- Social media and established marketplace use.
- Similar names likely to confuse customers.
- Professional-board naming restrictions, when applicable.
Optional 60-day name reservation
An available corporation, LLC or limited-partnership name can generally be reserved for 60 days. The current reservation fee is $10. The same applicant or party cannot renew the reservation for immediately consecutive 60-day periods.
Find a California DBA or Sole Proprietorship
California Fictitious Business Name statements are generally filed with the county where the principal place of business is located. There is no complete statewide SOS DBA search covering every county filing.
Use a county FBN search when
- A storefront or website name does not appear in bizfile.
- A sole proprietor uses a business name.
- A corporation or LLC advertises under another name.
- You need the county filing or publication history.
Choose the correct county
- Start with the county of the principal business location.
- Use the county clerk or recorder’s official FBN database.
- Check renewal and publication rules for that county.
- Compare the DBA owner with the SOS legal entity record.
Use the Correct California Business Tool
The bizfile entity search does not replace county DBA records, permits, tax standing, lien searches, employer accounts or federal EIN records.
Avoid Misleading California Filing Solicitations
Private services can offer filing help, but their service fee is separate from the government fee. Some mailers and websites use official-looking designs or urgent language.
Before paying
- Confirm the filing page is on bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.
- Separate the official filing fee from a private service fee.
- Verify the correct entity and reporting period.
- Check whether the requested certificate is actually required.
- Save the official confirmation and receipt.
Pause when a message
- Claims you must use a named private company.
- Charges much more than the official SOS fee.
- Uses a non-government payment link or return address.
- Threatens immediate penalties without matching the official record.
- Offers a Certificate of Status through messaging apps or social media.
Contact California Business Entities When Search Is Not Enough
Prepare the entity number, legal name and exact status before contacting support. This helps staff distinguish a search issue, records order, filing problem or FTB matter.
Prepare these details
- Exact legal name and spelling variations tried.
- Entity number, when available.
- Entity type and jurisdiction.
- Exact SOS, FTB, Agent or VCFCF status shown.
- Filing, order or submission number.
- Date submitted and a screenshot with payment data removed.
Final Verification Checklist
Complete this check before signing a contract, sending money, serving legal papers, ordering a certificate or filing on behalf of an entity.
CA SOS Business Search FAQs
Is the California business entity search free?
Yes. California bizfile provides a free public search for corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships, along with free plain copies of many available filing documents. Certified copies, Certificates of Status and filings can require fees.
Can I search California bizfile without an account?
Yes. A basic public business search and access to available plain filing copies generally do not require a bizfile account. An account may be needed for filings, orders or saved work.
Which businesses appear in the California SOS search?
The primary Business Search covers California and registered foreign corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships. Sole proprietorships, county fictitious business names, general partnerships and limited liability partnerships may require different records or request methods.
What is a California entity number?
It is the identification number assigned by the California Secretary of State to an entity record. It is separate from a federal EIN, EDD employer account or other tax account identifier.
Why does a new California entity have a 12-character number?
Beginning in 2025, the Secretary of State started issuing 12-character alphanumeric identifiers to newly formed corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships. Copy the identifier exactly for the SOS search, while following separate FTB or tax-software instructions when those systems request only numeric characters.
What does SOS Suspended mean?
SOS Suspended or SOS Forfeited means the Secretary of State suspended or forfeited the entity’s rights or powers, often because a required Statement of Information was not filed. Review the filing history and SOS cure instructions.
What is the difference between SOS and FTB suspension?
SOS suspension relates to Secretary of State requirements such as required entity filings. FTB suspension relates to Franchise Tax Board requirements such as returns, taxes, penalties or interest. An entity can have a problem with one or both agencies.
Can the California search show who owns an LLC?
The profile or filings may list managers, members or other persons, but the Secretary of State does not maintain a complete public beneficial-ownership record. The agent, organizer or manager shown is not automatically the sole owner.
How do I find a California DBA?
Search Fictitious Business Name records with the county where the principal place of business is located. California does not provide one complete statewide SOS database for all local DBA filings.
How do I order a California Certificate of Status?
Locate the correct entity in bizfile and use the official California Secretary of State records or order service. Confirm that the requester needs a Certificate of Status rather than a free plain copy or certified copy of a particular filing.
Source and freshness note: fees, forms, filing cycles, search interfaces and agency procedures can change. This guide links to the relevant California government pages so visitors can verify the current record, amount and filing instruction before submitting or paying.