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New York Business Entity Search

The New York Department of State’s Public Inquiry search lets you look up business entities and assumed names filed with the Division of Corporations. Searching and viewing records is free, and no login was required in our review.

Official agency: New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations

Open Official Government SearchOpens apps.dos.ny.gov in a new tab. This is the official government site, not EntityLocator.

Direct links on the official site

Search methods offered

  • Search By: EntityNameLook up a business by name.
  • Search By: DOS IDLook up a business by its Department of State ID.
  • Search By: Assumed NameLook up an assumed name.
  • Search By: Assumed Name IDLook up an assumed name by its ID.
  • Search FunctionalityBaseWord, Contains or BeginsWith, used with name searches.
  • Entity type (status selector)Despite its label, this selector filters by status: AllStatuses, Active, Inactive or Suspended.
  • Entity listCheckboxes for Corporation, LimitedLiabilityCompany, LimitedPartnership and LimitedLiabilityPartnership.

How to search

  1. Open the official New York Public Inquiry page using the button above. The search in the website header is a separate site search and does not look up businesses.
  2. Under Search By, choose EntityName, DOS ID, Assumed Name or Assumed Name ID.
  3. Enter the business name, DOS ID, assumed name or assumed-name ID.
  4. Optionally narrow by status using the selector labeled “Entity type”. For a name search, choose BaseWord, Contains or BeginsWith under Search Functionality.
  5. Tick the entity categories you want under Entity list.
  6. Select Search the Database.
  7. Review the matching names, IDs, types, statuses, filing dates and counties, then select a row to open the record.

What you can expect to find

  • The results table has the columns Name, DOS ID #, Assumed Name ID #, Status, Entity Type, Date of First Filing and County. In the corporation we tested, the assumed-name ID cell was blank.
  • A record can show the name, DOS ID, entity type, entity status, initial DOS filing date, effective initial filing date, foreign formation date, county, jurisdiction, statement status and next statement due date.
  • A record can also show service-of-process mailing information, the chief executive officer’s name and address, and the principal executive office address.
  • The record page has tabs for Name History, Filing History, Merger History and Assumed Name History. We confirmed the tabs exist but did not review their contents.
  • Not every record fills in every field. A separate Registered Agent Name and Address section existed but was blank in the corporation we reviewed.

Limitations, fees and notices

  • Searching and viewing records is free. Copies and certificates are separate services. The official pages list plain copies at $5, certified copies at $10, and a Certificate of Status at $25 (the last per the official FAQ).
  • Electronic copies are available for entities formed or authorized on or after July 30, 1990, according to the copies page. Do not assume every historical document can be downloaded.
  • The public database is for entities already on file. It is not a name-availability determination. A written availability inquiry costs $5 per submitted name, and the answer applies to a point in time and is not name approval.
  • The service-of-process recipient is not the same as the registered agent. Read the labels on the record.
  • The database covers business and not-for-profit corporations, limited partnerships, LLCs, LLPs and miscellaneous businesses, plus assumed-name filings for corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships. It is not an exhaustive list of every New York business or every DBA.
  • The site disclaims guaranteed completeness and accuracy. The official FAQ says the information is updated daily.

Sources and research notes

Sources reviewed: . Official sites change; always confirm current details on the government site.

Research for this guide used the official New York site in a web browser. A name search and one corporation record were tested; fees and policies come from official pages and the FAQ.

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