Search the business registry

    United States business registry search

    Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.

    Search Company Records in United States

    3 free lookups per day. No sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamLast verified June 2026Primary source: SEC EDGAR

    How do I search the business registry in United States?

    The United States business registry is operated by SEC EDGAR. It covers Corporation (C-Corp), S-Corporation. Search by business name to find the registered entity behind a trading name — free, no signup.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Search the trading name you were given

      Start with the name on the invoice, website or contract. It is often a trading name rather than the registered legal name.

    2. 2

      Identify the legal entity behind it

      SEC EDGAR records the legal entity. Matching a trading name to its registered entity is the whole point of a registry search — the two are frequently different.

    3. 3

      Check the entity type

      United States recognises Corporation (C-Corp), S-Corporation. Entity type determines liability and who is legally responsible, so it matters before you contract.

    4. 4

      Note what the registry does not cover

      Sole traders and unregistered activity may not appear at all. An absent record is not automatically proof of fraud — it can simply mean the business is not required to register.

    Open SEC EDGARAll United States records

    Frequently asked questions

    What does the United States business registry cover?

    SEC EDGAR records Corporation (C-Corp), S-Corporation. Businesses that are not legally required to register — commonly small sole traders — may not appear.

    Can I search the United States business registry by trading name?

    Yes, and that is usually the practical starting point. The registry will link the name to the registered legal entity where the two differ.

    Is a business registry search free in United States?

    Yes. Name search and the public entry on SEC EDGAR are free. Only certified documents are chargeable.

    What if a United States business has no registry entry?

    It may not be required to register, or it may be trading under a different legal name. Ask for the registration number directly before assuming either.

    How do I look up a US company?

    For public companies, search SEC EDGAR by company name to find filings like 10-K annual reports and 8-K material events. For private companies, you'll need to search the specific state's Secretary of State website where the company is incorporated.

    People also ask about search the business registry in United States

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the United States company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the SEC EDGAR / State Registries are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official United States business registry?

    The SEC EDGAR / State Registries is the official public register of companies incorporated in United States. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://www.sec.gov/edgar.

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