Where U.S. Businesses Can Find Their Company Registration Number

In the United States, when a business is formed, it must be registered with the appropriate state agency, typically the Secretary of State (SOS) or a similar body. Once registered, businesses are issued a State Business Registration Number, which serves as a unique identifier for the company within that state.

This number is critical for legal compliance, tax filings, annual reports, and various state-based requirements. Here’s a breakdown of how businesses can find their state business registration numbers and specific resources for each state.

What Is a State Business Registration Number?

A State Business Registration Number is a unique identifier assigned to a company when it registers with the state. It is distinct from the Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is a federal number issued by the IRS. The state registration number is used primarily for compliance and reporting at the state level.

Where to Find Your State Business Registration Number:

Articles of Organization (LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporations): These documents are issued when a business is first formed and registered with the state. The registration number is typically included in the header or footer of these documents.
State Business Search Tools: Most states provide online business search tools, where you can search for your business name and retrieve your registration number. These tools are public and accessible to anyone.
State Tax Filings: Many state tax filings, such as sales tax reports or franchise tax documents, will include the business registration number.

State Business Registration Number Resources by State

Here is a list of each state’s business registration resources, including links to the relevant Secretary of State or Business Entity Search Tool, where you can find your company’s registration number.

Alabama

Authority: Alabama Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Alabama Business Entity Search

Alaska

Authority: Alaska Division of Corporations
Business Search Tool: Alaska Business Search

Arizona

Authority: Arizona Corporation Commission
Business Search Tool: Arizona Corporation and LLC Search

Arkansas

Authority: Arkansas Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Arkansas Business Entity Search

California

Authority: California Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: California Business Search

Colorado

Authority: Colorado Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Colorado Business Database

Connecticut

Authority: Connecticut Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Connecticut Business Entity Search

Delaware

Authority: Delaware Division of Corporations
Business Search Tool: Delaware Entity Search

Florida

Authority: Florida Department of State
Business Search Tool: Florida Division of Corporations Search

Georgia

Authority: Georgia Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Georgia Corporations Division Search

Hawaii

Authority: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Search Tool: Hawaii Business Entity Search

Idaho

Authority: Idaho Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Idaho Business Search

Illinois

Authority: Illinois Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Illinois Business Entity Search

Indiana

Authority: Indiana Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Indiana INBiz Business Search

Iowa

Authority: Iowa Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Iowa Business Entities Search

Kansas

Authority: Kansas Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Kansas Business Entity Search

Kentucky

Authority: Kentucky Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Kentucky Business Search

Louisiana

Authority: Louisiana Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Louisiana Business Filings Search

Maine

Authority: Maine Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Maine Business Search

Maryland

Authority: Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation
Business Search Tool: Maryland Business Search

Massachusetts

Authority: Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Business Search Tool: Massachusetts Corporation Search

Michigan

Authority: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Business Search Tool: Michigan Business Entity Search

Minnesota

Authority: Minnesota Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Minnesota Business Search

Mississippi

Authority: Mississippi Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Mississippi Business Search

Missouri

Authority: Missouri Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Missouri Business Entity Search

Montana

Authority: Montana Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Montana Business Search

Nebraska

Authority: Nebraska Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Nebraska Business Search

Nevada

Authority: Nevada Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Nevada Business Search

New Hampshire

Authority: New Hampshire Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: New Hampshire Business Search

New Jersey

Authority: New Jersey Department of Treasury
Business Search Tool: New Jersey Business Search

New Mexico

Authority: New Mexico Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: New Mexico Business Search

New York

Authority: New York State Department of State
Business Search Tool: New York Business Entity Search

North Carolina

Authority: North Carolina Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: North Carolina Business Search

North Dakota

Authority: North Dakota Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: North Dakota Business Search

Ohio

Authority: Ohio Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Ohio Business Search

Oklahoma

Authority: Oklahoma Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Oklahoma Business Search

Oregon

Authority: Oregon Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Oregon Business Registry

Pennsylvania

Authority: Pennsylvania Department of State
Business Search Tool: Pennsylvania Business Entity Search

Rhode Island

Authority: Rhode Island Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Rhode Island Business Search

South Carolina

Authority: South Carolina Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: South Carolina Business Search

South Dakota

Authority: South Dakota Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: South Dakota Business Search

Tennessee

Authority: Tennessee Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Tennessee Business Search

Texas

Authority: Texas Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Texas Business Search

Utah

Authority: Utah Department of Commerce
Business Search Tool: Utah Business Entity Search

Vermont

Authority: Vermont Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Vermont Business Search

Virginia

Authority: Virginia State Corporation Commission
Business Search Tool: Virginia Business Entity Search

Washington

Authority: Washington Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Washington Business Search

West Virginia

Authority: West Virginia Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: West Virginia Business Search

Wisconsin

Authority: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Business Search Tool: Wisconsin Business Entity Search

Wyoming

Authority: Wyoming Secretary of State
Business Search Tool: Wyoming Business Search

Disclaimer:

This article provides general information regarding state business registration numbers across the U.S. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, it may include errors or outdated details. Laws and processes change frequently, and users are encouraged to consult the official resources for the most current and accurate information. Users are responsible for collecting and providing correct information for their business needs, and the author assumes no liability for inaccuracies.