Run by the California Secretary of State. It covers corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships, and lets you search, file, and order records in one place.
California Secretary of State | Business Entity Search
The California Secretary of State runs business filings through bizfile Online, the state's portal for searching, filing, and ordering business records. Every corporation, LLC, and limited partnership on file has a public record there, and anyone can search it for free.
Business Name Availability Check
State of California
What the California bizfile Search Covers
Each record lists the entity type, status, registration date, jurisdiction, agent for service of process, addresses, and document images.
Searching and viewing records and document images is free and needs no login. Certified copies carry a fee.
How to Search by Business Name
-
1
Open the bizfile business search
Go to bizfile Online and open the business search, or use the direct link below. No account is needed to search.
-
2
Search by name or entity number
Type the full or partial business name, or the entity's filing number. A keyword search matches that word anywhere in the name. For newer entities, include the leading letter "B" in the entity number.
-
3
Use Advanced to narrow results
Click Advanced to filter by options such as "starts with," entity type, and status — useful when a keyword returns too many names.
-
4
Open the entity record
Click an entity to view its details: status, registration date, entity type, jurisdiction, agent for service of process, addresses, and the next Statement of Information due date.
-
5
Open the document images
The record lists filed documents — formation papers, Statements of Information, and amendments — that you can open and download.
Ready to try it? Open the official bizfile search and run your query.
Search California bizfile ↗All the Ways to Search California Records
Entity Name (keyword)
Search the full or partial name. A keyword matches anywhere in the name; use Advanced "starts with" to anchor it.
Open this search ↗Entity Number
Go straight to one record by filing number. Newer entity numbers begin with the letter "B" — include it.
Open this search ↗Advanced Filters
Combine filters such as entity type and status to refine a broad search.
Open this search ↗Document Images
From a record, open and download filed documents such as formation papers and Statements of Information.
Open this search ↗Rules That Make Your Search Work
- A keyword search matches your text anywhere in the name. Use Advanced -> "starts with" to anchor results to the beginning.
- For newer entities, the entity number includes a leading letter "B" — include it when searching by number.
- Use the Advanced button to filter by entity type and status.
- "Agent for Service of Process" is California's term for what most states call a registered agent.
- Searching and viewing records is free and needs no account; bizfile also lets you file and order records.
- Most entities must keep a Statement of Information current to stay in good standing.
Reading the Entity Detail Page
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Entity Number | The filing number the Secretary of State assigned. Newer numbers include a leading "B". |
| Entity Name | The registered legal name of the business. |
| Status | Whether the entity is Active, Suspended, Dissolved, or in another condition. |
| Entity Type | The structure, such as a Stock or Nonprofit Corporation, LLC, or Limited Partnership. |
| Registration Date | The date the entity was formed in California or registered as a foreign entity. |
| Jurisdiction | The home state or country where a foreign entity was originally formed. |
| Agent for Service of Process | California's registered agent: the person or company designated to receive legal documents. |
| Principal Address | The entity's principal business and mailing addresses as most recently reported. |
| Statement of Information Due | When the next Statement of Information is due. LLCs file every two years; corporations file every year. |
| Document Images | A list of filed documents — formation papers, Statements of Information, and amendments — to view and download. |
Two official references help you go further:
How to View and Download a Company's Filings
-
1
Open the entity’s detail page
Search by name or entity number and click the entity to reach its record.
-
2
Find the document images
The record lists filed documents, including formation papers, Statements of Information, and amendments.
-
3
View or download the records
Open the images directly from the record. Searching and viewing are free and need no account.
-
4
Need a certified copy?
Order certified copies or a certificate of status through bizfile for a fee. The free images are not certified documents.
Statement of Information & franchise tax: LLCs file a Statement of Information every two years and corporations every year. Separately, most California entities owe an $800 minimum annual franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board — a different agency from the Secretary of State.
California Business Search - Common Questions
Is the California business entity search free?
Yes. Searching bizfile Online and viewing entity records and document images is free and needs no account.
Why does my keyword return so many results?
A keyword search matches your text anywhere in the name. Click Advanced and choose "starts with" to anchor results to the beginning of the name.
What is the "B" in a California entity number?
Newer California entity numbers begin with the letter "B". Include it when you search by entity number, or the record may not appear.
What is a Statement of Information?
It is California's required update of an entity's officers, agent, and addresses. LLCs file it every two years; corporations file it every year.
Who is the "agent for service of process"?
That is California's term for the registered agent — the person or company designated to receive legal documents for the entity.
A name is available in California. Does that mean I can use it?
Not necessarily. State availability does not clear a name against federal trademarks. Run a USPTO trademark screen and check domain and social-handle availability before committing.