What if you could uncover the full history of a business in seconds—without leaving your desk? That’s exactly what the Montana Business Entity Search offers. Whether you’re forming a new LLC, verifying an existing company, or investigating corporate filings, this free public database is one of the most underrated transparency tools in the U.S.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to use it effectively—step by step. You’ll learn how to access formation documents, locate registered agents, and explore advanced filters to drill down into the right records. We’ll also compare it to other databases under Montana’s Secretary of State system and answer key questions for business owners.
What Is the Montana Business Entity Search?
Montana Business Entity Search is an online archive and lookup database created by the Montana Secretary of State. It provides the ability for anyone to search for business entities registered in Montana, based either on name or file number, as well as get associated public records, including:
- Entity type and status
- Registered agent
- Filing and formation dates
- Mailing and principal addresses
- Official documents (e.g., Articles of Organization, Annual Reports)
This search platform is one part of Montana’s comprehensive effort to support corporate transparency and keep business filings accessible to the public. It is intended for use by people doing business (like entrepreneurs), legal professionals, journalists, and even private investigators.
Why the Montana Business Entity Search Matters: Real-Life Use Cases
- Small business owners can confirm that their LLC was correctly registered and track upcoming annual report deadlines.
- Lawyers use it to investigate the status of business entities in legal disputes.
- Journalists rely on the filings to verify corporate ownership in investigative reporting.
- Out-of-state investors use it to verify that a Montana company is legitimate before signing deals.
Let’s look at how to navigate it.
How to Use the Montana Business Entity Search
Basic Search
Start your search directly on the official Montana Business Entity Search portal.
You’ll see a basic search bar where you can input:
- Entity name (e.g., “Big Sky Builders”)
- File number (if known)
The results include:
- Company name (clickable)
- Status (Active/Dissolved)
- Registration date
- Registered agent
Advanced Search
Click Advanced Search to filter results using the following:
- Entity Type (LLC, Corporation, Partnership)
- Status (Active, Inactive)
- State or County
- Registration or Expiration Date Range
Advanced Search comes in handy, particularly if you’re dealing with a lot of companies with generic names (or you simply want to see patterns, i.e., all LLCs formed in Gallatin County in the last 12 months).
What You Can Learn from a Montana Business Entity Search Profile
Click on any entity name in the results, and you’ll access a full company profile, including:
- Filing Number
- Entity Type and Subtype
- Status and State of Formation
- Principal and Mailing Addresses
- Registration and Expiration Dates
Want to see the official paperwork?
Click on “View Filings” to download documents like:
- Articles of Incorporation or Organization
- Annual Reports
- Amendments
- Mergers or Dissolutions
Need to update business filings? Use the “Filing Actions” section to file amendments or submit annual reports directly.
Other Useful Tools on Montana’s Business Entity Search Portal
The Montana Business Search page is part of a broader ecosystem. Here are four additional search options provided by the Montana Secretary of State:
1. Notary Search
Look up Montana-commissioned notaries by name or commission number.
2. Liens (UCC) Search
Find Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings related to secured transactions.
3. Trademark Search
Explore trademarks registered in Montana.
For deeper trademark research, we also recommend reading our guide on using the USPTO Trademark Database.
4. CRA Search
Check on statutory reporting for Campaign Regulatory Act disclosures.
Montana Business Entity Search: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to look up an LLC in Montana?
Go to https://biz.sosmt.gov/search/business and type the LLC name into the search bar. Use “Advanced Search” for more specific filters like county or registration year.
How much does it cost to set up a Montana LLC?
As of 2025, filing Articles of Organization for a domestic LLC costs $35 in Montana. Additional costs apply for expedited services or professional assistance. [Source: Montana Secretary of State – Business FAQ]
How do I find out if my LLC name is available in Montana?
Use the same Business Entity Search tool. If your proposed name doesn’t appear, it may be available. For formal name reservation, Montana charges a $10 fee. [Source: MCA 35-1-103]
How to get your LLC in Montana?
- Choose a unique name.
- Designate a registered agent with a Montana address.
- File the Articles of Organization online via the SOS portal.
- Pay the $35 fee.
- File your first annual report within 75 days after formation.
Do LLCs pay taxes in Montana?
Montana does not impose a state-level LLC tax or franchise fee. LLCs must file annual reports and may be subject to federal taxes and state income tax, depending on LLC structure (e.g., single-member, multi-member, electing S-Corp, etc.).
How long does it take to get an LLC approved in Montana?
Standard processing is 5–10 business days. Expedited service (24 hours or less) is available for an extra fee. Approval is confirmed via email and updated in the Business Search system.
Final Thought
The Montana Business Entity Search is a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to validate, research, or manage companies registered in the state; it is easy to use, has excellent filters, and enables users to easily access documentation that is public. It is a must-have tool … not just for business owners, but also for attorneys, compliance officers, and reporters.
While most states charge for access and/or limit the accessibility of what you can see, Montana has a unique model of accessible, transparent business data. Other states would be wise to follow.
