Check if a United States Company Is Active

Check if a United States company is activeSearch the company by name or registration number and read its status field. On SEC EDGAR, an "active" or "registered" status means the entity is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not trading legally.Steps

Find the company Search by name or registration number to open the correct record.

Read the status field The status is the register's own verdict on whether the entity currently exists. Treat anything other than active/registered as a red flag before contracting.

Check the last filing date An entity can be nominally active but years behind on filings. A long gap since the last filing is a warning sign even when the status reads active.

Confirm at the source Status changes propagate from SEC EDGAR at https://www.sec.gov/edgar. For a decision with money attached, confirm there.

Frequently asked questionsHow do I know if a United States company is still trading?The register's status field is the authoritative answer. An active/registered status on SEC EDGAR means the entity is currently on the register. It does not by itself prove the business is operating, so also check the most recent filing date.What does "dissolved" or "struck off" mean?The entity has been removed from the register and can no longer legally trade or enter into contracts. Any invoice or agreement issued under that name after removal should be treated as invalid.Is checking company status in United States free?Yes — status is part of the free public record on SEC EDGAR. No account is needed.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.Source: SEC EDGARLast verified: 2026-06-01