OpenCorporates Alternatives for US Company Search
Updated September 30, 2026 · USACIP
Short answer
For US companies the authoritative sources are the state business registries, SEC EDGAR, SAM.gov, USAspending.gov, the IRS exempt-organization search and OFAC’s sanctions search. Aggregators such as OpenCorporates and USACIP save time by combining records; which one fits depends on whether you need global registry coverage or a US due-diligence view that adds sanctions, court, SEC and federal-contract data.
The options
- State business registries (Secretary of State) — the official record of status, formation date and registered agent; free, one state at a time.
- SEC EDGAR — filings of public companies and private offerings (Form D); free.
- SAM.gov and USAspending.gov — federal contractor registration and federal awards; free.
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search — nonprofit status and Form 990 filings; free.
- OFAC Sanctions List Search — US sanctions screening; free.
- OpenCorporates — an open database of company registry records from many countries.
- USACIP — a US-focused company page combining state registry records with SEC, IRS, OFAC, SAM.gov, USAspending.gov and federal court data; free search and registration details, a free risk check of one company with a free account, paid plans for more companies, financials and federal contracts.
How to choose
Need one company in one known state? The state registry is enough. Need companies across many countries? A global registry aggregator fits. Checking a US counterparty before a deal — status, sanctions, lawsuits, public filings, government contracts — is what USACIP is built for.
Whatever tool you use, registries update on their own schedules; confirm anything important at the official source.
FAQ
Is there a free US company search across all states?
There is no single official federal registry of companies; each state keeps its own. Aggregators combine them to varying degrees, and coverage should always be checked for the state you care about.
Is USACIP free?
Search and registration details, including address and registered agent, are free. A free account adds a full report of one company — everything on its page: OFAC sanctions, liens, court cases, SAM.gov and officers. Paid plans start at $9 per month.