When you think about verifying a company in Indiana, it may seem like walking through a maze. Here is the reality: Indiana Business Entity Search is one of the most open and user-friendly public business look-up tools in the world. The information sets forth in this guide will provide you with step-by-step directions to navigate the Indiana Secretary of State public database to obtain the business data you need, whether you are a business owner, a journalist, due diligence professional, or just a curious citizen.
What Is the Indiana Business Entity Search?
The Indiana Business Entity Search is a public database maintained by the Indiana Secretary of State’s Business Services Division. It allows users to search and view detailed records on corporations, LLCs, nonprofits, partnerships, and other registered entities operating in the state.
This free tool is used by:
- Entrepreneurs researching business name availability
- Legal and compliance professionals performing due diligence
- Journalists investigating business records
- Job seekers verifying employers
- Vendors and partners vetting Indiana-based businesses
Unlike many state systems that feel outdated or overly technical, Indiana’s interface is refreshingly intuitive once you understand how to use it.
How to Search for a Business in Indiana
There are two search modes available:
1. Business Search (Simple Mode)
This is ideal for basic lookups. Here’s what you can search by:
- Business name (with options for “contains,” “starts with,” or “exact match”)
- Business ID (a unique identifier)
- Filing number
- Registered agent name
- Incorporator or governing person name
2. Advanced Search (For Deeper Filtering)
Use this when you want to narrow down search results with multiple filters. Criteria include:
- Business type (corporation, LLC, nonprofit, etc.)
- Status (active, inactive, revoked, etc.)
- Name type (legal or assumed)
- Street address
- City
- ZIP code
What Information Does the Database Provide?
Once you perform a search, results appear in a list with:
- Business ID
- Business name
- Name type
- Entity type
- Principal office address
- Registered agent name
- Business status
Clicking the Business ID reveals detailed information across several sections.
Business Details Include:
- Business Name
- Entity Type (e.g., LLC, Corporation)
- Creation Date
- Principal Office Address
- Jurisdiction of Formation
- Business Status (active, dissolved, revoked)
- Expiration and Inactive Dates
- Business Entity Report Due Date
- Years Due
Governing Person Details:
- Title (e.g., Member, Manager, Director)
- Name
- Address
Registered Agent Info:
- Type (individual or company)
- Name
- Address
Filing History:
This is a goldmine for legal and compliance professionals. It includes:
- Filing Date
- Effective Date
- Filing Number
- Filing Type (with access to original documents in many cases)
Name History:
See whether the business has changed its name in the past, and track assumed names (DBAs).
Certified Copies:
Users can request official copies of filings directly through the system.
Real-World Example: Verifying a Landscaping Business
Imagine you’re considering hiring “Maple Ridge Landscaping, LLC” for a large contract in Indiana. You want to verify that they’re legitimate and in good standing.
- You enter “Maple Ridge Landscaping” in the Business Search.
- You find the matching LLC.
- You click the Business ID to see it’s been active since 2018, is registered with a local Indiana address, and the agent is still listed.
- You check their Business Entity Report Due Date to confirm compliance.
- You download a PDF of the latest filing document.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ve confirmed the company exists, is active, and is up to date on filings.
Why It Matters: Business Transparency in Practice
This system isn’t just for paperwork junkies. It’s a powerful tool for:
- Reducing fraud risk: Confirming that a business exists and is compliant.
- Verifying legitimacy: Checking governing persons and registered agents.
- Filing reports: Business owners can monitor due dates and file on time.
- Investigative research: Journalists and watchdog groups can track corporate histories.
Indiana’s model offers a level of transparency that other states would do well to emulate.
FAQ: Indiana Business Entity Lookup
How do I search for a business entity in Indiana?
Go to bsd.sos.in.gov/publicbusinesssearch, choose Business Search or Advanced Search, and enter your query. You can search by name, ID, agent, or even zip code.
How to look up business entities?
Use the Indiana Secretary of State’s online search to find details about any registered company, including status, filing history, governing persons, and more.
What happens if you don’t file a business entity report in Indiana?
Failure to file your biennial Business Entity Report can lead to administrative dissolution or revocation of your business status. It may also result in penalties and the loss of good standing.
Where to file an Indiana business entity report?
Business entity reports can be filed online via the INBiz portal at inbiz.in.gov, which is the state’s one-stop business management platform.
Expert Sources
- Indiana Secretary of State Business Entity Search Tool
- INBiz Official Filing Portal
- Indiana Code Title 23 — governing business entities
- National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS): Best practices in business registry access
Pro Tip: Bookmark the Indiana Business Search page for quick access during due diligence reviews, vendor onboarding, or investigative work.
If you’re also interested in exploring how to access detailed filings for publicly traded companies, check out our in-depth EDGAR Database Guide to learn how to navigate the SEC’s powerful financial disclosure system.
