Looking to find out who really owns a New York LLC? Or what if that maybe shady-looking business name you’ve heard about is maybe legit? The New York Business Entity Search tool can help you figure it out. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, a journalist, or just curious, this public tool is a helpful, public database to instantly access the foundational records of corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofits registered in New York.
In this article, we will discuss how to use the tool, what type of information can be discovered, what it may matter–and where it may fall short. If you have hit the dead end of Googling a company name, this would be your next stop.
What Is the New York Business Entity Search?
The Corporation and Business Entity Database maintained by the New York Department of State’s Division of Corporations is a publicly accessible tool that includes:
- Business corporations
- Not-for-profit corporations
- Limited partnerships (LPs)
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Assumed name (DBA) filings
Although the database is up to date, it is reliant on information as submitted by the entities themselves; although it is not comprehensive, it is well worth a visit.
Common Use Cases for the New York Business Entity Search
- Due diligence before entering a contract
- Verifying the legitimacy of a vendor or partner
- Researching competitors
- Finding registered agents or executive contacts
- Investigating nonprofit registrations
New York Business Entity Search: Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Database
The New York Business Entity Search interface is simple but powerful. Here’s how to get started:
1. Go to the Official New York Business Entity Search Page
👉 https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/
2. Choose Your Search Type
From the “Search By” dropdown menu, select one of the following:
- Entity Name
- DOS ID
- Assumed Name
- Assumed Name ID
3. Enter the Search Term
Input a keyword, company name, or ID. Use wildcards or partial names for broader results.
4. Adjust Search Functionality (Optional)
Change the matching criteria:
- Begins With
- Contains
- Partial Match
5. Filter by Entity Type
Select one or more from:
- Corporation
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Partnership
- Non-Profit, etc.
6. Click “Search the Database”
Your results will appear below the form. Click any entity name to view full details.
What Information You’ll Find in the New York Business Entity Search Records
Clicking on a result opens a comprehensive profile of the business. Here’s what you can find:
📁 Entity Details
- Entity Name
- Foreign Legal Name (if applicable)
- Entity Type
- Law Section under which it was formed
- Initial Filing Date
- Jurisdiction (e.g., Delaware, New York)
- Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
🏢 Contact and Location Information
- Chief Executive Officer’s Name & Address
- Principal Executive Office
- Registered Agent (if any)
- Address for Service of Process
📜 History Tabs
- Name History
- Filing History
- Assumed Name (DBA) History
- Merger History
💼 Stock and Structure
- Number of Shares
- Share Value
- Corporate Duration or Dissolution Date
🧾 Example: Let’s Investigate a Known Entity
Suppose you’re investigating “Hudson Creative, LLC”. You search by name, filter for “Limited Liability Company”, and click on the matching record. Here’s what you might see:
- DOS ID: 4101770
- Status: ACTIVE
- County: New York
- Initial Filing Date: 2011-06-01
- CEO Address: 1123 Broadway, Suite 1018, New York, NY
- Registered Agent: None listed (Service of Process goes to the Secretary of State)
This simple inquiry gives you essential legal and structural information—without paying for a background report.
Things You Can’t Do With This Tool (And Shouldn’t Try)
Before you start digging too deep, it’s worth noting a few important limitations:
- ❌ You can’t use it to check name availability. There’s a separate tool for that.
- ❌ It won’t verify tax status, EIN, or licenses.
- ❌ Historical data may be incomplete or inaccurate, as the Department relies on self-reported filings.
If you need to confirm legal standing, reach out to the Division of Corporations directly at (518) 473-2492.
Pro Tips for Using the New York Business Entity Search Effectively
- Try partial matches if you’re unsure of spelling.
- Cross-reference with IRS EIN lookup or OpenCorporates. You can also learn more about how to use the IRS database for tax-exempt organizations in this detailed guide on The Database Search.
- Use the filing history to track major changes like mergers or status changes.
- If the entity is a nonprofit, check if they’re listed in the IRS Exempt Organization Search.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New York Business Entity Search
How do I find a business entity in New York?
Visit https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/, select your search criteria (name, DOS ID, etc.), enter your query, filter if needed, and hit “Search the Database.”
How do I search available business names in NY?
Use the Corporation & Business Entity Name Availability tool. The main database is not for name availability checks.
How do I find out who owns a company in NY?
Ownership information (i.e. whether it is a CEO or principal officer) may be listed here in the business entity profile. Since there may be more detailed ownership of the business, you will need to look at public filings, or third party commercial databases.
How can I look up NY EIN?
The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is not publicly available using this tool. Nevertheless, some nonprofits and publicly traded companies provide EINs in regulatory filings, or in databases like GuideStar, or OpenCorporates.
Final Thoughts
The New York Business Entity Search is a useful tool for anyone who wants to learn how a business registered in New York is legally formed or what the current status of that company is. It is simple, free, and surprisingly feature-rich for a state resource. Whether you are researching a vendor, looking someone up as a client, or are just curious about who is behind some business, this database is a credible first stop.
But, consider its limitations, and consider other resources when appropriate. Transparency, after all, usually requires better visibility!
You can also explore local-level monitoring through tools like the NYC311 Monitoring Tool, which provides insight into city service requests and civic trends.
For those interested in financial transparency and public company data, the EDGAR database guide offers a comprehensive overview of how to navigate SEC filings.
