How to Look Up LLC Names

Any LLC can be found by the state in which it is operating. You may need to locate the name of a LLC either to prove they are in or were in business or track the name of certain members or owners of the LLC. The process of finding names for LLCs can be done with just a computer with an Internet connection.

Instructions

1. Record the full business name of the LLC for which you are looking. The spelling of the LLC must be correct to ensure you are finding the right business. If you have limited information on the LLC, you can still conduct searches with partial names of the business.

2. Note the state where the LLC is operating. Some LLCs may operate in one state, but may have been established in another. Find any information you can either on the LLC website or the owner to determine the original state in which the articles of organization were filed.

3. Visit the Secretary of State or Department of State website where the LLC was formed. Most states have a Secretary of State corporations division where business entities can be searched. Other states, like New York, may have a Department of State that provide the same service. Click on the corporations division and business entity search. Input the full name of the business or partial name and conduct your search.

4. Visit Dun & Bradstreet's website to conduct a search for the LLC for which you are looking. If you are unable to find the LLC through the Secretary of State, Dun & Bradstreet is an alternative. Dun & Bradstreet is a credit bureau for businesses that reports a business and their payment history to their creditors. If you do not find your intended LLC on Dun & Bradstreet's website it does not mean they are not in business. The LLC may not have any creditors that report the LLC payment history to Dun & Bradstreet or the LLC never registered their business with Dun & Bradstreet.

5. Visit the Better Business Bureau online. If the LLC has negative or positive feedback, they might be located with the Better Business Bureau. Visit the Better Business Bureau online and conduct an online search for the business name. Contact your local Better Business Bureau in the state the LLC is located to determine if they are registered or have any complaints, as well.

Resources

• Statelocalgov: State Government Offices, Local US Government, City Government and Federal Government
• D&B: Dun & Bradstreet
• BBB: Check Out a Business or Charity