How to Conduct a Secretary of State Business Search in California
As a business owner, it’s crucial to know the legal status of your company. This is where the California Secretary of State Business Search comes in. It’s a free tool that allows you to search the California Business Database for information regarding any business registered in the state. In this article, we will discuss how to conduct a secretary of state business search in California.
Step 1: Visit the Official California Secretary of State Website
The first step is to go to the official California Secretary of State website. Once on the homepage, go to the ‘Business Programs’ tab and select ‘Business Search’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Search for the Business
Once you are on the business search page, you can search for a business using several criteria. You can search by the business name, entity number, or officer name. For instance, if you don’t know the entity number, you can search by the business’s name or by the name of the person in charge.
Step 3: Review Business Information
Once you have entered the criteria, you will get a list of businesses that match your search. From here, you can review the business information, including the entity number, the business name, the address, the formation date, and the status of the business.
Step 4: View Business Details
By clicking on the entity number, you can get more detailed information about the business, such as the registered agent, the number of shares, and any additional filings made by the entity.
Step 5: Get Certified Copies of Business Documents
Suppose you need a certified copy of a business document such as the articles of incorporation or the statement of information. In that case, you can order it online by clicking on the ‘Order Copies’ link when you are viewing the business details.
Conclusion
Conducting a Secretary of State Business Search in California is a vital tool for any business owner. With this free tool, you can quickly and easily access important information that will help you make critical business decisions. It’s easy to use, and the results are available instantly. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you are up-to-date with the legal status of your business in California.
