Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
The California Secretary of State’s web portal includes an easy-to-use entity search as part of the site’s overall structure. Individuals can search by entity number or name (corporation, LLC, LP, LLP). As a side note, the Secretary of State’s office expressly states that this search tool is not intended to be used to check for availability. The office has a separate process for looking up the availability of a given name from the entity search. Complete a California business search with the Secretary of State to look up an existing business entity.
| Official Website: | http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/ |
| Address: | 1500 11th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 |
| Phone: | (916)657-5448 |
| E-Mail: | webmaster@sos.ca.gov |
| Hours: | 8:00-5:00 Monday Friday (Excluding State Holidays) |
California Business Search Shortcut
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How to Lookup an Entity in California
California secretary of state Business Search by name
- To search by name rather than entity number, go to the business search page and enter the name you’re searching for after selecting whether you’re looking for a corporation.
- When the California SOS search is complete, a list of results will appear that contains all entities that match the initial search keywords. The entities will be listed alphabetically, but the entity number, date filed, status, and service agent will also be included. Select the chosen entity name to get the complete page of details about that entity.
- Following the selection of an entity, the following details are available for each entity: Entity name, number, date filed, status, etc.
California Secretary of State Business Search by Entity Number
- Go to the business search portal and enter the eight-digit entity number, then hit Search.
- For the number you supplied, the search will give a list of results. If you want to learn more about an entity, simply click on its name and wait to be redirected.
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Steps to form a new corporation in California
1. Choose a name for your company
The first step is to choose a name for your company. Choose a name that is recognizable and distinct, simple to comprehend and say, and that correctly reflects your company.
By checking the California business name database, names may be examined for availability. By submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the California Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, you can reserve a name for six months.
2. In California, you must choose a registered Agent
This might be a human or a third-party service that agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of the company. The state of California requires every business to have an agent for legal process serving. If a company is sued, this person or business consents to take court documents on the company’s behalf. An entity with a certificate of power to conduct business in California such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a California resident, a California company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.
3. File articles of incorporation
Your fundamental business facts, such as the corporation’s name, major business address, registered agent, business objective, and the number of shares the business is permitted to issue, are all required in the Articles of Incorporation.
4. Obtain the necessary licenses and permissions for your California business
Take time to investigate any necessary permissions or licenses to maintain your new firm on the legal straight and narrow. Depending on the type of company services you offer, the county or city where your firm is situated, and if you employ people, different permissions and licenses may be required.
5. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Obtaining a federal employer identification number (EIN) is required for your business. For taxation reasons, this identification number serves as the corporation’s Social Security number. Among other things, it enables you to recruit staff and create a company bank account. The IRS website has an online application that you may use to get an EIN. You will require this number for future documents and to file your company’s tax filings, so keep a record of it.
6. Make the bylaws for the corporation
The fundamental guidelines for running your organization are outlined in the bylaws, which are internal corporate documents. They are not reported to the government. Corporate bylaws are not legally needed for your company, but you should nonetheless adopt them since they define how your company will operate and demonstrate to lenders, creditors, the IRS, and other parties that your company is genuine.
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Frequently Asked Questions on California Secretary of State Business Search
In California, how do I form a business entity?
In California, a business entity is formed by filing the appropriate document or form with the Secretary of State.
In California, how do I qualify or register a foreign business entity?
By filing the appropriate form with the California Secretary of State, a foreign business entity can qualify or register to do business in California.
Is it possible to reserve the name of a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership over the phone or online?
Requests to reserve the name of a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership can be mailed or dropped off at the Secretary of State’s Sacramento office counter. A request to reserve a corporation name can be made in person at the Secretary of State’s Los Angeles office. After establishing a prepaid account with the Secretary of State, corporation and limited liability company names can be reserved over the phone. At this time, online requests to reserve the name of a corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company are not available.
Is a California business license required for my corporation?
Every business in California must get a standard business license from the city in which it is located. If your business is located in an unincorporated region, the license is issued by your county. Your company may require additional local and state business licenses depending on its type of business and location.
Is it necessary for me to establish corporate bylaws in California?
It is a great idea for any business to have them. Bylaws are a type of internal corporate document that lays out the fundamental guidelines for running your business.