New Jersey Secretary of State – NJ SOS Business Search

New Jersey Secretary of State Business Portal
Address: Department of State, Business Action Center, P.O. Box 820, Trenton, NJ 08625-0820
Telephone: 1(866)-534-7789
Website: www.state.nj.us
E-Mail: nj.gov/state/dos-directory

Lookup a Business Entity

Step 1 – Start

Search a business entity (Corporation, LLC, Limited Partnership) in New Jersey by using the Secretary of State’s Website. You will have the option to lookup by Name, ID Number, Principal Name, or Registered Agent the following Entity:

Previously Filed Documents – The best way to obtain information about a business. We will continue to show how to do this in Step 2.

Name Availability – Free
Status Reports – $6.25 fee.
Lists – Purchase a list of entities with a specific term or matching description.

Once you chose your option and have entered your selected keywords, you will be brought to the Results Page (As Seen Below).

Step 2 – Choose Your Entity

Now you are able to view all the matching listings to the terms you entered. The Secretary of State will give you a preview of the entity’s Name, ID Number, City, Type, and Original Filing Date. When you have found your listing, click on the ‘Order Copies’ box and click ‘Continue’.

Step 3 – Add Document to Cart

You want to make sure that if you are just seeking to get entity information you click the ‘Order Non-Cettified Copy’ to make sure you pay the least amount ($6.45). After you have selected this click the ‘Add to Cart’ button on the bottom of the page.

Step 4 – Pay and Download

After you have paid the fee you will be allowed to download the information card. This will contain all the details on file with the Secretary of State including the entity’s ID Number, Type, Status, Filing Date, Stock Amount, State of Jurisdiction, Month of Annual Report (including last filed), Registered Agent (Name and Address), Fictitious Names, and all Officers (President, VP, Treasurer, etc.)

Step 5 – Steps to form your new Business in New Jersey

• Business name availability search (above)
• Internet domain availability search for website and email.
• Choose your entity type (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership, or Non-Profit Org)
• Obtain IRS EIN Number (employer identification number).  Create New IRS EIN Number
• Create Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws that include describing the business purpose of the entity, naming the registered agent, directors, registered address, operating guidelines, dissolution provisions, and other information.
• Determine if the new entity requires any federal, state, or local business licenses.
• Determine payroll tax requirements.
• Determine federal, state, and local tax filing requirements.
• Establish the business physical and/or mailing address, phone number, voicemail, website, email address and business cards.