How to Look Up an LLC in the US
Updated September 30, 2026 · USACIP
Short answer
Search the business entity database of the state where the LLC was formed — usually on the Secretary of State website — using its exact name. The record shows the LLC’s legal name, filing number, formation date, status and registered agent; some states also list managers or organizers. Members and owners are often not public.
Find the official business entity search for the state where the LLC was formed, with tips on reading the record.
Business search by stateWhere to search
- 1
Find the state of formation
An LLC is registered in one “home” state and may also register as a foreign LLC in each other state where it does business. Contracts and invoices often say “a Delaware limited liability company” or similar.
- 2
Open that state’s business search
Search for “[state] Secretary of State business search”. Delaware’s is run by the Division of Corporations; a few states use a different agency name.
- 3
Search by name, then by file number
Try the distinctive part of the name without “LLC”. Once you find the record, note the file or entity number — it is the unambiguous identifier.
- 4
Read the record
Check status, formation date, registered agent and address, and any listed managers. Many states also let you view or order filed documents such as the articles of organization and annual reports.
What an LLC record usually does not show
- Members (owners) — many states do not require them in public filings.
- Revenue, profit or credit history — private companies do not file financial statements publicly.
- The EIN (federal tax ID), which is not a public record for most companies.
Searching several states at once
If you do not know the state, USACIP (usacip.com) searches the state registries it has connected together with SEC and IRS records in one query, and tolerates typos and missing “LLC/Inc.” suffixes. Coverage differs by state; when a company is not found there, go to the official registry of the likely states.
FAQ
How do I find out who owns an LLC?
Check the state record for managers, organizers or annual-report signatories, and the filed documents themselves. If the state does not publish members, ownership usually is not available from public records.
What is the difference between a domestic and a foreign LLC?
A domestic LLC is registered in its home state; a foreign LLC is the same company registered to do business in another state. The home-state record is the primary one.
What does “administratively dissolved” mean?
The state dissolved the LLC, typically for failing to file an annual report or pay fees. It can often be reinstated, but until then it should not be operating.