New York Business Entity Search (2024)

FAQs

How to search an LLC in NY? ›

In New York, you can find the database here: https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/. You can search for a business using the entity's name, Department of State (DOS) ID, assumed name, and assumed name ID. You can define the search criteria in several ways.

To determine who owns a business in the state of New York, you'll need to refer to the Department of State website and conduct a name search. The search results will display a few details, including the business owner's name.

How do I find out who owns a business in NYC? When you conduct a business name search on the New York Business Entity Database, the results will list the name of the CEO or principal. It will also list the name and address of the registered agent on file so that legal documents can be served.

If you would like additional information, please contact the Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code by e-mail (corporations@dos.ny.gov), in writing, or by calling (518) 473-2492.

Name Availability Search

The County Clerk's office will conduct a search on its system at the time of the filing to check the availability of the name. You can also search all New York businesses to see if your intended name is already in use by searching the State's Corporation and Business Entity Database.

Alternatively, if you live in a state that does not allow the filing of an anonymous LLC, you can use a double LLC/Holding company setup. For instance, if an owner must be listed, then make the owner an anonymous company from another state. New York does not allow the withholding of owner information.

The New York LLC Transparency Act (NY LLCTA) will become effective as of Jan. 1, 2026, and will require limited liability companies (LLCs) formed, or qualified to do business, in the state of New York to disclose individual beneficial owner information to the New York Department of State (NYDOS).

Where can I find public company ownership? ›

Finding Ownership Information: The American Perspective

This information can be accessed through the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) EDGAR database. To find such information, navigate to EDGAR and search a public company name or share symbol. Once the company profile is found, follow the link to filings.

DBA stands for “doing business as”. A DBA name is also referred to as a “trade name”, “assumed name”, or “fictitious business name”. The purpose of registering a DBA name is to notify the public that a particular person or business entity is conducting business under a name other than its legal name.

The primary difference between an LLC and a corporation is that an LLC is owned by one or more members while a corporation is owned by shareholders. Both types of entities have the significant legal advantage of helping to protect assets from creditors and providing an extra layer of protection against legal liability.

Business owned by a person or partnership

You will want to check the county clerk/recorder's office where the business is to find out the business owner's name. You will be looking up Fictitious Business Name (FBN) records. The records will show that the business could be owned by a person or another type of business.

Please contact the Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231 or a representative at (518) 473-2492 or email us with any questions you may have.

Organizers form an LLC by filing the Articles of Organization, pursuant to Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law, with the Department of State. Organizers prepare, sign and file the Articles of Organization that creates the LLC. Any person or business entity may be an organizer.