Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
By completing a Washington business search with the Secretary of State, you can look up an existing business entity or see if the business name you want is available in WA. This Washington Business Search guide will show you how to look up all types of businesses in the state, including corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
| Official Website: | http://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/ |
| Address: | 801 Capitol Way South, PO Box 40234 Olympia WA 98504-0234 |
| Phone: | 1(360) 725-0377 |
| E-Mail: | corps@sos.wa.gov |
| Hours | 8am-5pm, Monday |
Washington Business Search Shortcut
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How to Lookup an Entity in Washington
Washington Secretary of State Business Search by Entity Name
- To access the search page, go to the Washington Secretary of State’s website for entity search. After inputting the entity name in the very first column and choosing the organization type, tap Search.
- The search results will reflect in list format. On the right, you’ll see your company’s name. On the left, you’ll see the company’s status. Click on the name of a company to learn more about it.
- This section contains all of the entity’s business information that has been made public via the Public Access System. At this time, you will also have the option of purchasing documentation for the organization.
Washington Secretary of State Business Search by UBI (Unified Business Identifier)
- You may filter the results to simply your entity by searching by UBI. Simply put the number into the relevant area on this page and hit the Search button.
- You will then be able to view your entity on the results page if the identifier was provided correctly. To proceed, select the business name from the drop-down menu.
- You’ll have access to all the data in the public access system, along with the expiry date, registered agent details, and governmental bodies.
Advanced Washington Secretary of State Business Entity Search
- By providing as much detail as possible into the advanced search feature on this page, you may narrow down your search results. The following parameters are available:
- Type of company
- You have the choice of using all words, any words, or an exact match for the organization’s name.
- Categorization (type of business)
- Active or dormant
- Name of the person in charge
- Name of the registered agent, city, or ZIP code
- Incorporation date
- Click Search when you’ve already input all of the details you can. You’ll get a list of all the companies that meet your search parameters. Simply click on a company’s name to discover more about it.
- A window with a few crucial pieces of information will emerge. At this stage, you’ll be able to procure documents such as a Certificate of Existence or examine extra information. Choose the second option to get to the business information page. All publicly accessible business information will be given on this last page for you to peruse at your leisure.
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Steps to Form a New Corporation in Washington
1. Check for availability of a business name for the corporation
The name of your corporation must be distinct from that of other corporate names that are currently on record with the Washington Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
By checking the Washington business name database, names may be examined for availability. By submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the Washington Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, you can reserve a name for six months.
2. Select a Registered Agent in Washington
The state of Washington 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 Washington such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a Washington resident, a Washington company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.
3. Compile data for your contents of incorporation
This includes your exact company name; the number and class, or type, of your shares; the effective date; Your incorporator name, and address and signature; The Tenure; The name and address of your registered agent.
4. File articles of incorporation with the Secretary of the State
The articles must contain the following information: the corporation’s name; its intention; the number of shares it is permitted to issue; the name and address of the agent receiving service of process; the name and address of the resident agent receiving service of process; and the names and addresses of all incorporators. Send contents of Incorporation to the Corporations & Charities Division of the Office of the Secretary of State
5. Wait for the UBI number and processing to be completed
Wait for your UBI number before applying for a business license to ensure that your firm establishment runs successfully. As soon as your file is finalized, the WA Secretary of State will send you an email with your UBI number.
6. Obtain a Business License
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Washington Secretary of State Business Search
Is it okay for me to use the word “company” in my business name?
Yes, you certainly can. There are no legal implications for the term “company” or any of its abbreviations.
Is it necessary to write “LLC” after my business name?
Most states will require you to use LLC after your new business’s name if you choose to use a limited liability company structure. You can also use the term “limited liability company” in its entirety. If you’re marketing your company, you usually don’t need to add “LLC” to the end of the name.
How do I come up with a distinct business name?
The first step in naming your company is to figure out what type of business structure you’ll use. After that, you’ll come up with at least four potential names. The more ideas you generate, the better. Once you have a list of names, compare them to the required standards, name availability, and state regulations.