How to Check a California Business
California registers its corporations and LLCs with the California Secretary of State, whose bizfile Online portal is the authoritative answer to 'is this company real?' Status, registered agent, and filing history are public — and checking them is how you spot trouble before it costs you.
California's bizfile Online replaced the old business search in 2022; filing images back decades are now free downloads, which title and diligence people quietly love. Content reviewed July 30, 2026 by the SearchSystems editorial team.
Official Registries
California Secretary of State Electronic Filing Corporation
Official Free
The official California registry (bizfile Online). Search by company name, agent, or ID; status and filing history are free.
SEC EDGAR — Public Companies
Official Free
For publicly traded companies, EDGAR holds the federal filings — annual reports, ownership, and registration statements, free.
🌐 sec.gov
IRS — Tax-Exempt Organization Search
Official Free
Verify any nonprofit's 501(c)(3) status and see its Form 990 filings — the federal layer state registries don't show.
🌐 irs.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'good standing' mean in California?
The entity is current on its state filings and fees. It says nothing about solvency or honesty — just that the paperwork is up to date.
The company isn't in the registry. Scam?
Maybe — or it's a sole proprietorship (often not required to register), or registered in another state and doing business here. Check Delaware and neighboring states before concluding.
Who is the registered agent?
The person or company designated to receive lawsuits and official mail. It's often a service firm, not the owner — but it's where legal papers go.
Can I see who owns the company?
Sometimes. Officer and organizer names appear in many states' filings, but ownership itself often doesn't — LLC members can stay private in most states.
Related California Records
Round out the picture: California license lookups verify the professionals behind the company, California court records show if it's been sued, and recorded documents reveal its liens and mortgages.