Run by the Secretary of State. It covers corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs, nonprofits, and fictitious names.
Missouri Secretary of State | Business Entity Search
The Missouri Secretary of State runs a free business entity search through its Corporations Unit. You can look a company up by name or registered agent, check name availability, and open a two-tab record with the charter details and full filing list.
Business Name Availability Check
State of Missouri
What the Missouri Business Search Covers
A two-tab record lists the charter number, status, formation date, registered agent, and officers, plus a Filings tab.
Searching and checking name availability are free.
How to Search by Business Name
-
1
Open the Missouri business entity search
Go to the Corporations Unit's Business Entity Search, or use the direct link below. It is free.
-
2
Search by name or registered agent
Search by entity name or registered agent. To check whether a name is free, choose Name Availability from the dropdown under Business Name.
-
3
Read the results
Results show matching entities with their charter number and status. Click an entity to open its record.
-
4
Review the two record tabs
The General Information tab shows the charter number, status, formation date, registered agent, and officers or directors. The Filings tab lists the entity's documents.
-
5
Open the filings
Use the Filings tab to review the entity's annual registrations and amendments.
Ready to try it? Open the official entity search and run your query.
Search Missouri businesses ↗All the Ways to Search Missouri Records
Entity Name
Search by company name. The most common starting point.
Open this search ↗Name Availability
Choose Name Availability from the dropdown to check whether a name is free before you file.
Open this search ↗Registered Agent
Find the entities tied to a particular registered agent.
Open this search ↗Charter Number
Identify the right record by its Missouri charter number.
Open this search ↗Rules That Make Your Search Work
- Search by entity name or registered agent.
- Use the Name Availability mode in the dropdown to check a proposed name.
- Each record has two tabs: General Information and Filings.
- Searching is free.
- The Missouri ID is called the charter number.
- Missouri LLCs file no annual report; corporations file an annual registration report tied to their anniversary month.
Reading the Entity Detail Page
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Charter Number | The number the Secretary of State assigned to the entity. |
| Entity Name | The registered legal name of the business. |
| Status | Whether the entity is in Good Standing or another condition. |
| Entity Type | The structure, such as a Domestic or Foreign Corporation, LLC, LP, or nonprofit. |
| Formation Date | The date the entity was formed in Missouri or registered as a foreign entity. |
| Registered Agent | The name and Missouri address of the agent designated to receive legal documents. |
| Officers / Directors | The officers and directors shown on the General Information tab. |
| Filings | The Filings tab lists the entity's documents, including annual registrations and amendments. |
Two official references help you go further:
How to View and Download a Company's Filings
-
1
Open the entity’s record
Search by name or registered agent and open the record.
-
2
Open the Filings tab
Switch from General Information to the Filings tab to see the entity’s documents.
-
3
View the documents
Open the filings directly from the Filings tab. Searching and viewing are free.
-
4
Order a certificate
Order a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State when a bank, court, or contract requires one.
Annual registration: Missouri LLCs file no annual report. Corporations file an annual registration report tied to their anniversary month — a key difference to check before assuming a company is delinquent.
Missouri Business Search - Common Questions
Is the Missouri business entity search free?
Yes. The Corporations Unit search is free to use.
How do I check if a name is available?
On the search page, choose Name Availability from the dropdown under Business Name and enter your proposed name.
Does Missouri require an annual report?
Missouri LLCs are not required to file an annual report. Corporations file an annual registration report tied to their anniversary month.
What is a charter number?
It is the identification number Missouri assigns each entity. It appears on the General Information tab of the record.
What are the two tabs on a record?
General Information shows the charter details, agent, and officers; Filings lists the entity's documents.
A name is available in Missouri. 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.