Whether you’re a customer, investor, or new founder in the USA, there will be times you need to find business California information fast. Maybe you want to check if a company is real, see if a name is available, or look up your own business ID number for taxes.
All of that is public information. You just need to know where to look and what each database actually shows.
This guide shows you, in plain English, how to find business California registration data, licenses, and ID numbers using free, official tools. You’ll also see what competitors usually skip: local licenses, DBAs, and what to do when your search comes up empty.
What “Finding a Business in California” Actually Means
When people say they want to “find a business” in California, they may be trying to:
- Check if a company is legally registered
- Confirm the correct legal name for contracts or payments
- See if a business name is available before forming an LLC or corporation
- Look up a company’s status (active, suspended, dissolved)
- Get the California business ID / entity number
- Find the registered agent for service of process
- Verify local licenses (city business license, county DBA)
- Confirm professional licenses (contractors, doctors, etc.)
There is no single “master” database that shows everything. Instead, you use a few main tools:
- California Secretary of State (SOS) Business Search
- Local city and county business license / DBA records
- State tax and permit agencies for seller’s permits and payroll accounts
- Professional licensing boards (for regulated professions)
Once you know how each one works, it becomes very easy to find business California information for most companies.
Quick Answer: Fastest Way to Find a California Business
If you only need the basics (legal name, status, and ID number), this is the shortest path:
- Go to the California Secretary of State Business Search
(search “California SOS business search” in your browser). - Choose the right search (Corporation / LLC / LP / LLP).
- Type the business name (or entity number) and click Search.
- Click the correct result to open the business detail page.
- Read the info:
- Exact legal name
- Entity number (California business ID)
- Status (active, dissolved, suspended, etc.)
- Formation date and jurisdiction
- Registered agent and business address
For most people, this one search is enough to find business California records and confirm the company is legitimate.
Step 1: Use the California Secretary of State Business Search
Most people who want to find business California records start with the California Secretary of State (SOS) online Business Search. This is the official state database for corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs.
1. Access the official database
- Open your browser.
- Search for:
California SOS business searchorbizfile Online business search. - Click the official
.ca.govresult (do not use paid ads or look‑alike sites).
You should see search options for different entity types.
2. Search by business name
If you don’t know the entity number:
- Select Corporation, LP/LLC, or the matching option.
- In the name field:
- Remove punctuation (no commas or periods).
- Drop endings like “Inc.”, “LLC”, or “Corp.” if you are not sure.
- Type part or all of the name.
- Click Search.
If you see too many results, narrow it:
- Add more of the name.
- Include city if the site offers filters.
- Check for spelling changes (e.g., “Center” vs “Centre”).
3. Search by entity number (business ID)
If you already know the entity number (from past documents), searching is even easier:
- Select the same entity type the business is (LLC vs corporation).
- Enter the entity number exactly as shown.
- Click Search to go straight to the record.
The entity number is what many people call the “California business ID.”
4. Understand the result page
Click a result to view details. You’ll usually see:
- Entity Name – the official legal name
- Entity Number – California business ID used by state agencies
- Status – active, suspended, dissolved, canceled, merged, etc.
- Registration Date – when it was formed or registered in California
- Jurisdiction – California or another state/country
- Address – business and mailing addresses
- Agent for Service of Process – person or company that receives legal papers
- Filing History / Documents – some filings may be listed or downloadable
How to use this:
- To verify a company: make sure the name and status match what they claim.
- To check if a name is taken: if a similar name exists with “active” status, you may need a different name.
- To get your business ID: copy the entity number exactly for tax and legal forms.
You can repeat this process for any company when you need to find business California status details or confirm that a name is already in use.
Step 2: Find Your California Business ID Number
Many guides stop at the name search. But owners and accountants often need the business ID (entity number) for tax filings, payroll, and licenses.
What is the California business ID?
For most entities, this is the:
- Corporation Number (usually 7 digits) for corporations
- LLC ID (often 12 digits) for LLCs
- It may be called:
- “Entity Number”
- “California Corporation Number”
- “California SOS File Number”
This is not your federal EIN from the IRS.
Where to find your California business ID
You can locate it in several places:
- SOS Business Search
- Search for your company and copy the Entity Number from the detail page.
- Formation documents
- Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization stamped by the SOS.
- Notices from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
- Many FTB letters show both your California business ID and federal EIN.
- Your accountant’s or attorney’s records
- They often keep digital copies of your filings.
There is also a detailed explanation of California business ID numbers in resources like:https://kb.phillipsgrouptax.com/article/35-how-do-i-find-my-california-business-id-number
which walks through additional examples and screenshots.
Step 3: Check Local Business Licenses and Fictitious Names
The SOS database does not show everything. Many small businesses operate as:
- Sole proprietors
- General partnerships
- Local shops with only a city license
- Businesses using a fictitious business name (DBA)
For those, you need local records to fully find business California operations in your area.
City business licenses (business tax certificates)
Most California cities require a basic business license (often called a business tax certificate) if you:
- Operate a storefront
- Work from home within city limits
- Provide services in that city
How to search:
- Go to your city’s official website (e.g.,
City of Los Angeles,City of San Diego). - Look for sections like:
- “Business License Search”
- “Business Tax Records”
- “Business Registry”
- Use the search by business name or sometimes address.
Not all cities offer full online lookup, but many do.
County fictitious business names (DBAs)
If a business uses a name different from the owner’s legal name or the entity’s legal name, they must file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) statement with the county.
Example:
- Legal entity: “Smith Holdings LLC”
- Store sign: “Sunset Auto Repair”
“Sunset Auto Repair” is the fictitious business name.
Seller’s permits and tax-related registrations
Other state departments issue specific registrations:
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
- Issues seller’s permits for businesses that collect sales tax.
- Website:
https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/
- Employment Development Department (EDD)
- Handles state payroll tax accounts for employers.
- Website:
https://edd.ca.gov/
These agencies do not always offer full public lookups, but their notices and accounts will list your IDs if you are the owner.
Step 4: Verify Professional and Contractor Licenses
Some businesses and individuals must hold professional licenses in addition to being registered with the state (or even without a separate entity).
Examples:
- Contractors
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals
- Accountants, some financial professionals, and more
You can check these through:
- California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) license search
- Website:
https://search.dca.ca.gov/
- Website:
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for construction and trades
- Website:
https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
- Website:
Always use these when hiring contractors or regulated professionals, even if you already used the SOS search.
Other Ways to Find Business Information in California
Government databases are best for legal and regulatory details. But you can also use other tools to find business California profiles, reviews, and contact details:
- Google Maps – search by name or address, see reviews and photos
- Yelp and other review sites – see reputation and customer feedback
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – complaints, ratings, and accreditation
- Local Chamber of Commerce – member businesses in your city or region
- Industry associations – trade groups often maintain member directories
These sources are not official, but they give context and help you judge a company’s reliability and history.
What to Do If You Still Can’t Find the Business
Sometimes you still cannot find business California registration records, even when you are sure the company exists. Common reasons:
- The business is a sole proprietorship using the owner’s personal name and has no entity filing.
- The name you see is a brand, not the legal or DBA name.
- You are spelling the name differently than it appears on filings.
- The business only has a city license, not a state‑level entity.
- The company is registered in another state and uses a different name in California.
Tips to Search California Business Records Like a Pro
Here are simple tricks that make it much easier to find business California information on the first try:
- Drop endings first
- Start with “Sunrise Plumbing” instead of “Sunrise Plumbing LLC.”
- Use fewer words, then narrow down
- Search “Sunrise” first. If results are huge, add more words.
- Ignore capitalization and punctuation
- Databases usually don’t care about case or commas.
- Check both LLC and corporation searches
- Some businesses change entity type or may be registered as a corporation even if they say “Company.”
Common Mistakes When Searching for California Businesses
Avoid these errors that often waste time:
- Relying only on Google
- Search engines help you find websites, not legal records.
- Assuming the store name is the legal name
- The name on the sign may be a DBA or brand.
- Ignoring suspended or dissolved status
- A company that is not active may not legally do business.
- Mixing up EIN and California business ID
- EIN is federal (IRS). Entity number is state (SOS).
Helpful Official and Reference Resources
Here are some useful links related to what you’ve just read:
- California Secretary of State Business Search
- Search official business entities and get California entity numbers.
- (Search for “California SOS business search” to reach the current URL.)
- Additional how‑to guides from private sites:
- California business name search overview:
- California LLC name search walkthrough:
- California business ID number explanation:
Use these as references, but rely on .ca.gov sites for the official records.
Conclusion
If you know where to look, it is straightforward to find business California data for almost any legitimate company. Start with the Secretary of State Business Search for entity status and ID numbers. Then add city, county, and professional license checks for a full picture.
By combining these tools, you can:
- Verify that a business is real and active
- Check whether a name is already taken
- Find your own California business ID for taxes and filings
- See who stands behind a local shop or brand name
The key is to use official sources first, then fill in the gaps with local records and reputation sites.
FAQs
Is it free to search for businesses in California?
Yes. The main tools you use to find business California records are free on the California Secretary of State website and most city and county sites.
Do I need an account or login to search?
No. You do not need any login or subscription to find business California entities in the SOS search. The information is public.
How do I check if a business name is taken in California?
Use the SOS Business Search to find business California entities with similar names. If an active corporation or LLC is already using the same or very similar name, you will likely need a different one.
Can I search by address or phone number?
The SOS site does not usually let you search by phone number, and address search is limited. But you can still find business California listings in online maps.