Washington Business Entity Search: A Complete Expert Guide

When you want to verify whether a business in Washington State truly exists—or discover critical details about its legal standing—you don’t need to rely on guesswork. The Washington Business Entity Search, maintained by the Washington Secretary of State, is one of the most powerful open databases for corporate transparency in the United States. With just a name, UBI number, or registered agent, you can uncover official records that go far beyond surface-level information.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to use the database, why it matters for professionals and everyday citizens alike, and the kind of details you can actually uncover.

Why the Washington Business Entity Search Matters

Business records are not just paperwork—they are the backbone of accountability. From spotting fraudulent companies to conducting due diligence before signing contracts, this database allows:

• Consumers to check if a company is legally registered.
• Entrepreneurs to see if their preferred business name is available.
• Researchers and journalists to investigate corporate histories.
• Attorneys and investors to validate compliance and ownership structures.

Just like the EDGAR database helps investors track SEC filings, the Washington Secretary of State’s system is the go-to source for business identity and governance information in the state.

How to Access the Washington Business Entity Search

The database is publicly accessible via the Washington Secretary of State’s Corporations & Charities Filing System:
👉 Washington Business Search Portal

You don’t need to register or pay a fee to start searching.

Search Options Explained: Washington Business Entity Search

The Washington system offers two main search tools:

1. Standard Corporation Search

• By Business Name or UBI (Unified Business Identifier)
• Operators:
  • Contains
  • Begins With
  • Exact Match

Example: Typing “Evergreen” and selecting Contains will display all entities with “Evergreen” in their name.

The results include:

• Business Name
• UBI
• Business Type
• Principal Office Address
• Registered Agent
• Status (Active/Inactive)

Clicking the business name leads to a full entity profile.

2. Advanced Business Search

The advanced tool is designed for professional users who need to narrow results. Options include:

• Business Type & Status (Corporation, LLC, Nonprofit, Active, Inactive, etc.)
• Date Ranges for incorporation, registration, or expiration.
• Registered Agent or Governor Search by name or address.

This is especially useful for law firms, real estate professionals, or compliance officers conducting background checks.

What You Can Find in a Washington Business Entity Search Profile

Clicking on a business name reveals a comprehensive record that goes beyond the surface. Information is divided into multiple sections:

Business Information

• Business Name
• UBI Number
• Business Type & Jurisdiction
• Principal Office Address & Mailing Address
• Expiration Date
• Formation/Registration Date
• Inactive Date (if applicable)
• Period of Duration
• Nature of Business

Registered Agent Information

• Registered Agent Name
• Street Address & Mailing Address

Governors

• Title (e.g., Member, Director, Officer)
• Governor Type (Individual or Business Entity)
• Full Name of Individuals or Business Entities

Historical Records

• File History: all documents filed with the state (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, annual reports).
• Name History: previous names or aliases the business has operated under.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Washington Resources

• Digital Archives – Researchers can explore historical filings here: Washington State Digital Archives.
• Commercial Registered Agents List – An up-to-date directory of professional agents is available: List of Commercial Registered Agents.

These resources are invaluable for anyone investigating corporate structures over time.

Practical Example: Using the Washington Business Entity Search to Check a Local Business

Imagine you are considering a contract with a Seattle-based consulting firm. By entering the company’s name into the search portal, you immediately see:

• Its UBI number (a unique identifier for Washington businesses).
• Its business type (LLC or Corporation).
• Whether it is in “Active” or “Inactive” status.
• Who its registered agent is, including their official address.

If the business status is inactive or its registered agent cannot be verified, that’s a red flag worth exploring before moving forward.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the Washington Business Entity Search

1. Visit the Corporations & Charities Filing System.
2. Choose Corporation Search or Advanced Search.
3. Enter either a business name, UBI, or registered agent.
4. Select your filter (Contains, Begins With, Exact Match).
5. Review results, paying attention to status and registered agent.
6. Click the business name for full details, including history and governance.

Related Open Data Resources

If you are researching Washington businesses, you may also find value in exploring:

• DC Property Records Guide – A model for understanding how property databases work across states.
• DC Rent Control Database Guide – For those researching real estate compliance.
• EDGAR Database Guide – Essential for tracking SEC filings for publicly traded companies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to look up a business in Washington State?

Use the Washington Business Entity Search by entering a business name or UBI. Results provide registration details, status, and governance.

Is a business license required in Washington State?

Yes. The majority of businesses in Washington State must obtain a Business License from the Department of Revenue. This is in addition to any requirement to register with the Secretary of State.

How to register an LLC in Washington State?

You will need to file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State for Washington. The form may be filed online through the Corporations & Charities Filing System.

How do I know if a business name is available in WA State?

You may be able to use the business entity search tool to determine whether a name is being used by another entity. If no entity is found, this suggests that the name is available, however, it is up to the Secretary of State to approve.

How do you check if your business name is available?

You should check with the Secretary of State’s database. Furthermore, if you are concerned about any federal trademarks that could conflict, you should check the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).

How do I check if my business name is?

You can plug the name into the Washington Business Entity Search and see if there are active or inactive businesses with that name or one similar.

Conclusion: Why the Washington Business Entity Search Database Matters

The Washington Business Entity Search is more than just a registry. It’s a transparency mechanism designed to protect consumers, support professionals, and use the legal system to ensure businesses operate within the law of Washington State. Whether you want to verify a new partner, check compliance, or hold or reserve a business name, the Business Entity Search is an important first step.

Sources

• Washington Secretary of State – Corporations & Charities Filing System
• Washington State Digital Archives – Business Records Archive
• Washington Secretary of State – Commercial Registered Agents List
• TheDatabaseSearch.com – EDGAR Database Guide
• TheDatabaseSearch.com – DC Property Records Guide
• TheDatabaseSearch.com – DC Rent Control Database Guide

Explore Other U.S. State Business Entity Databases (A–Z)

Below you can access detailed guides to official business entity search portals for each U.S. state and territory. Use the drop-down list to explore step-by-step instructions for accessing each database.