In North Dakota, when you are conducting business, you don’t ever guess who you are working with, you look it up. The North Dakota Business Entity Search is not just a lookup tool – it is a key to fully understanding the legal, operational, and financial standing of any registered entity in North Dakota. Whether you are forming a new LLC, verifying a contractor, or researching a potential business partner, this tool allows you to do your homework.
In this guide, we will outline how to use the system, what information it can provide, and ways to get real value from the information, whether you are a new entrepreneur or a seasoned legal researcher.
What Is the North Dakota Business Entity Search?
The North Dakota Business Entity Search is a publicly accessible tool maintained by the North Dakota Secretary of State. The ND Business Entity Search allows access to search registered businesses in the state using a name, or the unique System ID. The Entity Search is part of the FirstStop portal, which is one of several products under a larger initiative to catalog and digitize North Dakota’s public records.
The business entity database provides information on:
- Formation type (e.g., LLC, Corporation, LLP)
- Filing status (active, inactive, or dissolved)
- Registered agent information
- Principal and mailing addresses
- Standing in the state (compliance with state reporting requirements)
- Initial and most recent filing dates
- Entity history (accessible via the “View History” feature)
Why the North Dakota Business Entity Search Matters
In today’s compliance-heavy environment, conducting due diligence isn’t optional—it’s essential.
- Are you partnering with a company? Check their legal status.
- Are you hiring a contractor? Confirm their license.
- Are you starting a new venture? Research your future competition.
This database helps eliminate guesswork in decision-making, whether you’re investing money, signing contracts, or analyzing the market.
How to Use the North Dakota Business Entity Search
Step 1: Access the Database
Go to the North Dakota Business Search portal.
Step 2: Choose Search Criteria
You can search by:
- Entity Name (full or partial)
- System ID (if known)
Click “Search” to view results.
Step 3: Understand the Result List
Each match displays:
- Form info
- SOS Control ID
- Status
- Standing
- Filing Date
Step 4: View Full Business Record
Click on an entity name to see a detailed profile:
- Filing Type, Status, Standing (AR, RA, Other)
- Formed In
- Initial Filing Date
- Term of Duration
- Addresses (Principal and Mailing)
- AR Due Date
- Registered Agent
You can also use the “View History” function to access a full record of filings.
Advanced Features for Professional Users
The Business Entity Search portal includes an “Advanced Search” option that allows for more refined filters, such as:
- Entity type
- Date ranges for filings
- Standing status
This is particularly useful for law firms, financial auditors, or investigative journalists looking to analyze multiple businesses in a sector or verify compliance statuses in bulk.
Other Useful Searches Available in North Dakota
The FirstStop portal also provides additional public record databases:
- Trademark Search – For those dealing with IP law or product branding. (Also, see our expert guide on how to search the USPTO Trademark Database)
- Contractor Search – Verify licenses and standing for construction or service contractors.
- Lobbyist Search – Track lobbying disclosures.
- Charitable Organization Search – Evaluate nonprofits operating in the state.
- Notary Search – Confirm credentials of a notary public.
Real-World Example: Checking a Potential Partner
Let’s say you’re planning to enter a joint venture with “Dakota Solar Solutions.”
- You enter “Dakota Solar” in the search bar.
- The result shows “Dakota Solar Solutions LLC,” status: Active, standing: Good, with an initial filing date of 2017.
- On clicking the name, you see:
- Registered Agent: James W. Evans
- Address: 5401 University Dr., Bismarck, ND
- AR (Annual Report) Due Date: 04/01/2026
This tells you they’re up to date with filings and in good legal standing—a green flag for collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you need a business license in North Dakota?
Not all businesses require a license at the state level, but some professions and regulated industries do. Always check with the ND State Licensing Board or local city/county offices.
How to look up a business in North Dakota?
Use the FirstStop Business Search by entering either the business name or system ID. Click on the name in the results for detailed information.
How do I register a foreign business in North Dakota?
You must file a Certificate of Authority with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Foreign entities must appoint a registered agent in North Dakota and submit appropriate formation documents.
How much does an LLC cost in North Dakota?
As of 2025, the filing fee for a domestic LLC is $135. Additional fees may apply for annual reports or amendments.
How long does it take to get an LLC in North Dakota?
Online filings typically process within 1-2 business days, while paper filings may take longer.
How to register an LLC in ND?
- Choose a business name
- Appoint a registered agent
- File Articles of Organization online via FirstStop
- Pay the filing fee
- File annual reports to maintain good standing
Conclusion
The North Dakota Business Entity Search is not solely for attorneys or accountants, but for anyone who wants to make well-informed, confident plans in the state. With its easy to use interface, robust data fields, and common search categories to cross-reference results, it raises the standards for transparency.
In a world where credibility is the currency, this database supplies users with facts instead of presumptions.
