Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported. This means we may earn a commission when you click on some of our links.

California Secretary of State – CA SOS Business Search

The California Secretary of State website is the go-to resource for anyone looking to start a business in California or gather information about existing businesses.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of searching California business entity records and registering your own business entity in the state.

Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about starting a business in California.

California Secretary of State Business Programs Division
Address: 1500 11th Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 653-6814
Website: www.sos.ca.gov
Email: Individual contact forms for different business functions can be found at

The California Secretary of State website can be found at www.sos.ca.gov. The website provides various services related to business, governance, and voting in the state of California.

How to Find Business Entity Records for Businesses in California

To search for a business in California, you need to go to the Business Search page of the California Secretary of State website.

You can search for registered corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships documented with the California Secretary of State. You can also access PDF copies of over 17 million imaged documents associated with business entities.

However, the search does not currently include information for entities such as Limited Liability Partnerships (e.g., law firms, architecture firms, engineering firms, public accountancy firms, and land survey firms), General Partnerships and other entity types.

To search for a business, simpy enter all or part of its name in the search box.

The advanced dropdown options allow you to refine your search by entity type, business status and filing dates.

In the example below, we searched for businesses containing the word ‘auto’, which brought up 499 California businesses.

For each business, you can see its initial filing date, status, entity type, and the person (or ‘agent’) who formed the company.

Selecting a specific business will give you more information about that business entity. For instance, if we select ‘Dealin Dan Auto Sales’ then we can see the business’s standing, its address, and the address of the business agent.

Even if you only know part of the business name, you can enter it into the Name box and the search results will display a list of business that have that word in their name. 

For example, if you are searching for a guitar shop, but you only remember that it has the word guitar in the name, entering ‘guitar’ and hitting search will bring up the following results.

There is also the option to view additional business history or request access to view more business documents.

Using this method to look for a business is useful if you want to learn more about a specific business. It’s also helpful if you’re planning to register a business in California and want to check if another business already has the same name or if you want to find out about potential competitors.

If you’re starting a business, the next thing to do after searching for similar businesses is to register your own business entity. We’ll explain how to do this next.

Register an LLC Now

Zenbusiness
  • Get started with $0, + applicable state fees
  • Service fast and easy
  • Guarantee 100% accuracy
Northwest Registered Agent
  • Same day filing available
  • Affordable pricing options
  • Adhere to a strict ethical code
Bizee
  • First year free
  • Many services available
  • Technical Support

How to Register a Business Entity in California

To register a business in California, you need to go to the Forms section of the Secretary of State website.

From here, you can choose from a range of forms to suit the type of business entity you wish to register.

For example, to form an LLC in California, you would select the first form: ‘ Articles of Organization – CA LLC’.

Application Process & Costs

As you can see above, it currently costs $70 to form an LLC in California.

The fees involved vary depending on the type of business entity you are forming.

For instance, forming a Non-profit Mutual Benefit Corporation costs just $30, whereas forming a General Stock Corporation costs $100.

Once you have chosen the correct form, you can complete the details online.

However, you will need to create an online account with the California Secretary of State before you can proceed.

FAQs

What are the subtypes of business entity in California?

he subtypes of business entities in California include limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships.

What is the difference between a corporation and an LLC in California?

Corporations and LLCs are both types of business entities where the business is a separate legal entity from its owners. LLCs offer more flexibility in management and tax arrangements.

Does LLC have to be in the name of a business entity in California?

Yes, in California, all LLCs must include the abbreviation ‘LLC’ or the words ‘Limited Liability Company’ as part of their business name.

What are the benefits of an LLC in California?

The main benefit of an LLC is that it legally separates the business from the business owner, limiting the owner’s legal and financial liability. Registering an LLC is also more cost-effective and straightforward compared to a corporation, offering flexible management and tax options.

How much does it cost to register a business in California?

You need to pay a $70 filing fee in order to register a LLC in California.

What is the annual fee for an LLC in California?

California businesses must pay an annual flailing fee of $25. For most businesses, there is also a minimum $800 tax that must be paid annually.

How long does it take to get an LLC in California?

If you apply for your LLC online via the California Secretary of State website, you will receive your LLC immediately after completing the application form and paying the registration fee. Alternatively, if you choose to register your LLC by completing a paper form and mailing it to the California Secretary of State, the process usually takes around three weeks.

Register an LLC Now

Zenbusiness
  • Get started with $0, + applicable state fees
  • Service fast and easy
  • Guarantee 100% accuracy
Northwest Registered Agent
  • Same day filing available
  • Affordable pricing options
  • Adhere to a strict ethical code
Bizee
  • First year free
  • Many services available
  • Technical Support