Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only. State databases can change, and EntityBrief is not a government agency. Always verify business records through the official state website.

Quick Answer

To look up a California business, access the official California Secretary of State bizfile Online search portal. You can search for registered LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships by business name, entity number, or executive name. Basic search information and PDF filings are available for free.

Important CA Tax Note

An active status in the Secretary of State's database does not guarantee the LLC is in compliance with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Every CA LLC owes a mandatory $800 annual franchise tax, and failure to pay can lead to suspension by the FTB, even if the Secretary of State status is temporarily listed as active.

All official entity lookup queries must be executed through the California Secretary of State Business Search portal.

Official Portal Link: CA bizfile Online Portal (Official link marked for verification). Avoid third-party sites that charge fees to pull public search results.

Follow these steps to search the California database by business name:

  1. Navigate to the bizfile Online Search portal.
  2. Select the option to search by "Search" under the Business Entities section.
  3. Enter the name of the entity in the search box. For broader results, search only the unique keywords of the name (e.g., search "Golden Gate Tech" rather than "Golden Gate Tech, LLC").
  4. Select either "Keyword" (returns names containing the terms), "Starts With", or "Exact Match" to narrow your search.
  5. Click the search icon. A list of matching entities will appear displaying their Entity Name, Entity Type, Entity Number, and Status.

How to Check if a California LLC is Active

When search results load, look at the "Status" column:

  • Active: The LLC is in good legal standing with the Secretary of State and is authorized to transact business.
  • Pending: The formation documents are received but not fully approved.
  • Dissolved / Cancelled: The entity has terminated its legal existence.
  • Suspended / Forfeited: The entity's powers have been suspended, usually due to failure to file the Statement of Information or failure to pay Franchise Tax Board taxes.

To keep a CA LLC active, you must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) within 90 days of forming and then every two years.

Can You Find the Registered Agent?

Yes. Click on the legal name of the entity from the search results to open the detailed record page. Scroll down to the "Agent for Service of Process" section. This displays the name of the registered agent and their physical street address. Under California law, this address must be a physical street location in California where legal notices can be delivered (no P.O. Boxes allowed).

Can You Check Good Standing?

You can check basic good standing status online for free. If you see "Active," the entity is in good standing with the Secretary of State.

However, if you need formal proof for banks, courts, or out-of-state transactions, you must order a Certificate of Status (California's equivalent of a Certificate of Good Standing). This can be ordered online through the bizfile portal for a fee (typically $5).

Before You Form an LLC with that Name

If your lookup reveals that a name is not currently registered by anyone else, you may want to form your business. Before doing so, check the following:

  1. Verify the name complies with California designator rules (must contain "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company").
  2. Perform a federal trademark search through the USPTO database to prevent trademark infringement.
  3. Check domain name and social media availability for brand consistency.

When you are ready, consult our guide on how to start a California LLC and read the general overview of starting an LLC. Additionally, learn about the requirements for an EIN and when to draft an operating agreement.