How to Search Companies / Corporations (Start Here)
Business entity filings — corporations, LLCs, partnerships — are registered at the state level with the Secretary of State. There is no single national business registry.
What this page covers: Federal business databases (SEC filings, SBA) and links to multi-state corporate search tools. What it does not cover: Individual state business entity searches (those are on each state page).
Where to start: For publicly traded companies, start with SEC EDGAR. For general business searches, go to the Secretary of State for the state of incorporation.
Common mistake: A business can be incorporated in one state and operate in another. Check Delaware — many companies incorporate there for legal reasons.
Company Information | SEC EDGAR
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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database for SEC information on public companies.
Insurance Companies - NAIC
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Search this National Association of Insurance Commissioners service for insurance companies as well insurance company complaint and financial.
SBA | Business Guide
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U.S. Small Business Administration guide to launching, managing, and growing your business.
SEC EDGAR | Company Search
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Search SEC filings, company information, and financial disclosures through the EDGAR full-text search.
SEC EDGAR | Full-Text Search
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Search millions of SEC filings, company disclosures, and financial documents.
USAGov | Start a Business
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Federal guide to starting and registering a business including state-by-state resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a national business registry? ▼
No. Each state maintains its own through the Secretary of State. SEC EDGAR covers only publicly traded companies.
Why are so many companies incorporated in Delaware? ▼
Delaware has a specialized business court, well-developed corporate law, and business-friendly statutes.
Can I find out who owns a company? ▼
For public companies, ownership is in SEC filings. For private companies, state filings show the registered agent and sometimes officers.
Other Federal Databases
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