The Texas business entity search is an essential tool for entrepreneurs, attorneys, lenders, and anyone who needs to verify a company’s legal status in the state. Consequently, the Texas Secretary of State maintains a searchable database of every registered business entity in Texas — from sole-proprietor LLCs to major corporations — that is accessible to the public online. This guide covers how to use the Texas business entity search, what information you can find, and the best tools for different research needs.
Texas Secretary of State Business Search
The primary Texas business entity search tool is operated by the Texas Secretary of State at sos.state.tx.us. Furthermore, the database covers all entities registered to do business in Texas including domestic corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and foreign entities that have registered to operate in the state. As a result, anyone can verify a company’s legal existence, registration status, and basic filing information through this official state database.
How to Search Texas Business Entities
- Go to sos.state.tx.us and navigate to Business Organizations or Registered Business Search
- Search by entity name using a full or partial name — partial searches return multiple results
- Search by entity file number if you have the specific registration number
- Review the results list for entities matching your search criteria
- Click on an entity record to see its type, formation date, registered agent, and current status
- Use SOSDirect (requires a paid account) for complete document retrieval including formation documents and amendments
What the Texas Business Search Shows
A basic Texas Secretary of State business entity search returns the entity name, entity type (LLC, Corporation, Limited Partnership, etc.), file number, formation date, registered agent name, registered office address, and current status — active, inactive, or forfeited. Furthermore, the search shows whether the entity is a domestic Texas entity or a foreign entity registered to do business in Texas. As a result of the information available, most due diligence needs for basic business verification can be satisfied through the free public search.
Texas Business Entity Types
- Texas LLC — Limited Liability Company, the most common small business structure in Texas
- Texas Corporation — Incorporated business entity with shareholders and a board of directors
- Limited Partnership (LP) — Partnership with general and limited partners, common in real estate and investment
- Professional Corporation (PC) — Corporation formed by licensed professionals (doctors, lawyers, engineers)
- Nonprofit Corporation — Tax-exempt entities formed for charitable, educational, or religious purposes
- Foreign Entity — Out-of-state businesses registered to operate in Texas
Verifying a Texas Business
To verify whether a Texas business is legitimate, search the Secretary of State database and confirm the entity shows as Active with a current registered agent on file. Furthermore, a valid Texas LLC or corporation will have formation documents on file and a consistent registration history without gaps or forfeiture periods. As a result, any business claiming Texas registration can be quickly verified through the official state database — a critical step for due diligence in vendor relationships, investments, or any business transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a business entity in Texas?
Search for Texas business entities using the Texas Secretary of State’s SOSDirect system at sos.state.tx.us or the free public search tool at mycorporations.com. Enter the business name or entity number to find registration status, registered agent, and filing history.
What information does the Texas business entity search show?
The Texas Secretary of State business search shows the entity name, entity type (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.), registration date, registered agent name and address, current status (active or inactive), and state of formation for out-of-state entities registered in Texas.
Is the Texas business entity search free?
A basic Texas business entity search is available free at the Texas Secretary of State website. More detailed document retrieval through SOSDirect requires a paid account. Third-party services also offer business entity lookups at varying price points.
How do I verify if a Texas business is legitimate?
Verify a Texas business by searching the Texas Secretary of State database at sos.state.tx.us. A legitimate Texas LLC or corporation will show as active with a current registered agent and valid formation documents on file with the state.
Can I search for out-of-state businesses registered in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Secretary of State database includes foreign entities — corporations and LLCs formed in other states — that have registered to do business in Texas. These appear in the search alongside domestic Texas entities.
Find more Texas government resources in our Texas Guide. You can also read our Texas Inmate Search guide for TDCJ offender search information. Additionally, our Texas Unemployment guide covers TWC resources for Texas workers and businesses.