Run by the Department of State, Division of Corporations. It covers corporations, LLCs, LPs, and assumed names.
New York Secretary of State | Business Entity Search
The New York Department of State keeps the Corporation and Business Entity Database, free to search by anyone. Look a company up by name, DOS ID, or assumed name — the DOS ID is the reliable way to tell similarly named entities apart.
Business Name Availability Check
State of New York
What the New York Entity Database Covers
Each record lists the DOS ID, entity type, status, formation date, county, and the address for service of process.
Searching is free; the DOS ID is what you need to file a Biennial Statement.
How to Search by Business Name
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Open the NY entity database
Go to the Department of State's Corporation & Business Entity Database, or use the direct link below. It is free.
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Search by name, DOS ID, or assumed name
Search by entity name, DOS ID, or assumed name. The DOS ID is the most reliable identifier when names are similar.
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Read the results
Results show matching entities with their DOS ID and status. Click an entity to open its record.
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Review the entity record
The record shows the DOS ID, entity type, status, formation date, county, the address to which the Secretary of State forwards process, and a registered agent if one is listed.
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File the Biennial Statement
To file the Biennial Statement online, you need the exact entity name and its DOS ID — both available from this search.
Ready to try it? Open the official entity database and run your query.
Search New York entities ↗All the Ways to Search New York Records
Entity Name
Search by company name. The most common starting point.
Open this search ↗DOS ID
The most reliable identifier when names are similar; retrieves a single record.
Open this search ↗Assumed Name
Search by an assumed (DBA) name an entity operates under.
Open this search ↗Registered Agent
The registered agent, if any, appears on the entity record.
Open this search ↗Rules That Make Your Search Work
- Search by entity name, DOS ID, or assumed name.
- The DOS ID is the most reliable identifier when names are similar.
- In New York, the Secretary of State is the default agent for service of process; a registered agent is optional.
- Searching is free.
- You need the exact name and DOS ID to file the Biennial Statement online.
- Corporations and LLCs file a Biennial Statement every two years ($9), in the anniversary month.
Reading the Entity Detail Page
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| DOS ID | The Department of State identification number — the most reliable way to identify an entity. |
| Entity Name | The registered legal name, plus any assumed (DBA) names. |
| Entity Type | The structure, such as a Domestic or Foreign Business Corporation, LLC, or LP. |
| Status | Whether the entity is Active or in another condition. |
| Formation / Registration Date | The date the entity was formed in New York or registered as a foreign entity. |
| County | The New York county of the entity's office. |
| Process Address | The address to which the Secretary of State forwards any legal process served on the entity. |
| Registered Agent | A registered agent, if the entity has designated one in addition to the Secretary of State. |
Two official references help you go further:
How to View and Download a Company's Filings
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Open the entity’s record
Search by name, DOS ID, or assumed name and open the record.
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Note the DOS ID
Record the DOS ID — you need it (plus the exact name) to file the Biennial Statement.
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Order copies if needed
Order certified copies or a certificate of status from the Division of Corporations for a fee.
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File the Biennial Statement
Use the e-Statement Filing Service to file the $9 Biennial Statement in the anniversary month.
Biennial Statement: New York corporations and LLCs file a Biennial Statement every two years for $9, due in the entity’s anniversary month. You need the exact name and DOS ID to file online.
New York Business Search - Common Questions
Is the New York business search free?
Yes. The Department of State's Corporation and Business Entity Database is free to search.
What is the DOS ID?
It is the Department of State ID number for the entity, and the most reliable identifier when business names are similar.
Does New York require a registered agent?
The Secretary of State is the default agent for service of process for every entity. A separate registered agent is optional and, if designated, appears on the record.
Does New York require an annual report?
New York uses a Biennial Statement filed every two years for $9, due in the entity's anniversary month. You need the exact name and DOS ID to file online.
Can I search by a DBA?
Yes. The database lets you search by assumed name in addition to entity name and DOS ID.
A name is available in New York. 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.