When you want to find your way around a business in New Hampshire, the fastest and most reliable way to start is New Hampshire’s Business Entity Search. Whether you are a potential investor, a competitor, or just a citizen wondering to find out more information, understanding how to search, use, and verify business records, from the state of New Hampshire’s official online database, can provide you with an invaluable insight.
This post will demonstrate how to utilize New Hampshire’s official Business Inquire portal, the host is the Secretary of State, how to interpret the information, and why this resource is more important than you realize.
What Is the New Hampshire Business Entity Search?
The New Hampshire Business Entity Search is a publicly available records tool of the NH Secretary of State’s Corporation Division. Through the NH Business Search you can obtain current registration information on all business entities that have registered to do business in New Hampshire.
The portal is designed for:
- Verifying the existence and legal status of a business
- Looking up a company’s registered agent or office address
- Viewing filing history and name changes
- Checking the standing of an LLC or corporation
- Investigating trade names, trademarks, and principal purposes
This is the official registry and should always be your go-to when conducting due diligence.
How to Use the New Hampshire Business Entity Search System Effectively
Step 1: Access the Search Portal
Visit quickstart.sos.nh.gov and click on “Business Search.”
Step 2: Choose Your Search Criteria
You can search the database using any of the following options:
- Business Name
- Business ID
- Filing Number
- Registered Agent Name
The most common method is by Business Name. You can input full names or just a part of the name to generate a list of matching businesses.
Step 3: Review Search Results
The search results display basic data including:
- Business Name
- Business ID
- Homestate Name
- Previous Name (if applicable)
- Business Type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- Principal Office Address
- Registered Agent Name
- Status (e.g., Good Standing, Dissolved)
Each business name is clickable and leads to a comprehensive profile.
Step 4: Access Detailed Records
Click on a business name to view all available details, organized into the following sections:
Business Details
- Name, Type, Status
- Business Creation and Expiration Dates
- Business ID and Jurisdiction
- Mailing and Principal Office Addresses
- Business Email, Phone, Fiscal Year End
Principal Purpose
- NAICS Code and Subcode (Standard business classification)
Trade Name and Trademark Info
- Trade Names used
- Ownership info (name, title, address)
- Trademarks filed
Filing History
- All past and recent filings
- View and download documents
Address History
- Historical changes in office or mailing addresses
Linked Entities
- Other businesses associated with the same registered agent
These records are often used in litigation, journalism, compliance checks, and investment analysis.
Real-World Example Using the New Hampshire Business Entity Search
Let’s say you want to verify a company called “GraniteTech Solutions” operating in Concord, NH. You type in “GraniteTech” into the Business Name field.
The result might include:
- Business ID: 812938
- Status: Good Standing
- Registered Agent: Susan Kellerman
- Creation Date: April 2, 2016
By clicking on the business name, you’d gain access to their registered address, trademark filings, NAICS classification (perhaps 541512 – Computer Systems Design), and renewal history. If you were considering entering a contract with them, this data would be essential for confirming their legitimacy.
Practical Applications of the New Hampshire Business Entity Search Database
- Small business owners have the opportunity to test a business name for availability before registering it.
- Lawyers and compliance officers will typically perform some type of search to determine whether or not there are any registration lapse or inactive status.
- Consumers can research companies prior to making purchases. Whenever someone has issues or is lodging complaints, often times they can find the company to contact for resolution.
- Journalists and other investigators will use it to identify shell-type entities and trace ownership to other companies.
Tips for Effective Searching in the New Hampshire Business Entity Search
- Use partial words if unsure of exact spelling.
- Use the Business ID for faster and exact results.
- Review the filing history to understand any legal or structural changes.
- Cross-reference with NAICS codes for industry classification.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Hampshire Business Entity Search
What is the annual fee for an LLC in NH?
The annual report fee for an LLC in New Hampshire is $100. It must be filed with the NH Secretary of State every year by April 1st. Late fees may apply if missed.
Why is my LLC not in good standing in NH?
An LLC may lose its “Good Standing” status if it fails to:
- File its annual report on time
- Maintain a registered agent
- Pay the necessary fees
You can check your status using the Business Entity Search and rectify the issue through the Corporation Division.
How to start an S Corp in NH?
To form an S Corporation:
- Register as a corporation through the NH Secretary of State
- File IRS Form 2553 for S Corp election
- Fulfill all New Hampshire and federal tax requirements
Consult a tax advisor or lawyer before proceeding.
Where do I register my business in New Hampshire?
All business registrations go through the NH QuickStart portal. This includes LLCs, Corporations, Trade Names, and Nonprofits.
Can you run a business out of your home in NH?
Yes, but check with your local zoning ordinances. Some municipalities may require a home occupation permit.
How do I register my LLC in NH?
- Go to quickstart.sos.nh.gov
- Create an account
- Select “Form a New Business”
- Provide name, address, registered agent, and purpose
- Pay the filing fee ($100)
- Submit your application for review
Secrets Buried in the New Hampshire Business Entity Search
If you also want to research trademark ownership or federal financial filings, you may want to search outside the state-level database for the content as well. For example, you can use the USPTO Trademark Database and US federal trademark verification or follow legal disclosures using the EDGAR Database Guide, which provides the SEC’s official database for public company filings. These resources complement the New Hampshire Business Entity Search by providing a legal and financial context.
