Did you know the California Secretary of State Business Search Programs Division has over 17 million records online? You can find details on registered businesses in California, from new companies to long-standing ones. This tool makes it easy to check on businesses in the Golden State.
In this guide, we’ll cover the California Secretary of State business search’s main features. You’ll learn how to use the online services, understand business information, and search for specific details. Whether you’re starting a business, investing, or just curious, this guide will help you use California’s business database easily.
Introduction to the California Secretary of State Business Search
The California Secretary of State’s Business Programs Division is key in managing business records. It handles business formations, filings, and makes company info public. For those in California, the Secretary of State’s online search tool is a must for checking on companies.
Overview of the Business Programs Division
The Business Programs Division offers many services for business registration and compliance. It handles formation documents, keeps public records, and has a database for searching businesses. The division’s online tools help users find business records and check for state compliance.
Accessing the Online Services for Business Filings
The California Secretary of State’s office has a range of online services. The “Bizfile California” platform lets businesses do many things online. This includes searching for entities, reserving names, filing documents, and checking records. With over 140 filings available, managing state compliance is easy.
In short, the California Secretary of State’s Business Programs Division is the main place for business records. Its online tools, like business registration and verification, are great for checking on companies and following state rules.
Understanding Business Entity Information
When you search for a business online, you’ll find important details. This includes the entity number, when it was registered, and where it’s located. You’ll also see who handles legal documents for it. These details help you check if a business is active in California.
Entity Number and Registration Details
The entity number is unique to each business in California. Corporations start with “C” followed by 7 digits. LLCs and LPs have a 12-digit number without a letter prefix. These numbers show when and where a business was formed.
Entity Status Definitions
The California Secretary of State’s tool shows a business’s current status. This can be:
- Active Domestic: The business is allowed to operate in California after filing its documents.
- Active Foreign: The business is registered to do business in California.
- Canceled: The business’s filing was canceled for not paying a fee.
- Suspended or Forfeited: The business’s rights were suspended or taken away for not filing statements.
- Dissolved: The business filed a Certificate of Dissolution, ending its activities in California.
- Surrendered: The business gave up its right to do business in California.
- Merged Out: The business merged out of existence in California.
- Converted Out: The business changed to another type or jurisdiction.
- Term Expired: The business’s term ended as stated in its Articles of Incorporation.
- Inactive: The business converted to a federal entity, consolidated, or is inactive for other reasons.
- No Documents Found: The corporation or LLC didn’t file a Statement of Information.
Knowing these status definitions is key. It helps you verify a business’s status and ensure it follows state laws.
Searching for Business Entities
The California Secretary of State’s online search tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs and business owners. It lets you search for companies by name, entity number, or address. With just a few clicks, you can find lots of info on California’s registered businesses.
Search Options and Tips
To make the most of the California business search, it’s key to know the search options and tips. The tool has filters like entity type and status. For instance, you can look for active corporations or dissolved LLCs. Using a “begins with” search can also help if you know part of the business name.
The search results give you detailed info on each entity. You’ll see the registration date, status, and contact details. This info is great for market research, checking if a business is legit, or finding competitors or partners. By using the business name search tool, search california company records, and california business filings lookup, you can make smart choices for your business.
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| Search Feature | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Search | Search for businesses by name | Free |
| Entity Number Search | Search for businesses by unique entity number | Free |
| Business Address Search | Search for businesses by registered address | Free |
| Advanced Search | Filter results by entity type, status, and more | Free |
| Trademark Search | Search the state’s trademark database | $10 per search |
By using the California Secretary of State’s search tools, you can find a lot of useful info. Whether you’re looking at the competition, checking if a company is real, or just exploring California’s business scene, these tools are very helpful.
Statements of Information
In California, corporations and LLCs must file Statements of Information with the Secretary of State. These filings update information on officers, directors, and more. You can use the california corporation search online and california llc search tools to find these updates.
Filing and Accessing Statements of Information
New businesses in California must file their first Statement of Information within 90 days. Domestic and Foreign Corporations, and Agricultural Cooperatives, file annually. LLCs and Not-For-Profit Corporations file every two years.
The california business filings lookup and california secretary of state business search services let you see recent filings. You can also order past statements online or in person.
| Entity Type | Filing Frequency | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Corporations (Profit and Non-Profit) | Annual | $25 |
| LLCs | Biennial | $20 |
| Agricultural Cooperatives | Annual | $25 |
| Not-For-Profit Corporations | Biennial | $20 |
Remember, there’s a $250 late penalty for Profit entities and $50 for Non-Profit Corporations. Keeping up with these filings is key to staying in good standing with the California Secretary of State.
California Secretary of State Business Search
The California Secretary of State’s business search tool is a great resource. It helps you find and check information on registered businesses in the state. You can quickly get details like entity names, when they were registered, and their status.
With over 140 filings, name reservations, and orders for certificates online, it’s very useful. It helps people and companies make smart choices about their business or their partners and customers.
The tool’s free online access to over 17 million corporate, LLC, and partnership images is impressive. It gives you lots of info, like names, numbers, and when they were formed. You also get their status, where they are, and who to contact for legal matters.
Need certificates, certified copies, or free business documents? The California Secretary of State’s online platform has you covered. You can print copies of important documents like formation and changes. This makes it easy to keep up with business details in the state.
