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New York . Business search

Search New York business records like a pro.

New York businesses are recorded publicly through NYS Department of State Business Entity Database. This guide explains how to search by name, document number, registered agent, or officer; what each status means; and how to avoid common mistakes.

Search New York businesses now →

Four ways to find a New York entity

1. By entity name

Drop the LLC/Inc/Corp suffix to widen results.

2. By document number

Unique identifier NYS Department of State Business Entity Database assigns. Best for unambiguous lookup.

3. By registered agent

Useful for due-diligence and identifying related-party structures.

4. By officer or director name

Find every entity where a specific person is listed.

What entity status means in New York

StatusWhat it means
Active / Good StandingEntity exists, current on filings.
Active (not in good standing)Entity exists but missed something.
Administratively DissolvedNew York dissolved for failure to file or pay. Can be reinstated.
Voluntarily DissolvedArticles of Dissolution filed. Cannot be reinstated.
Merged / ConvertedEntity merged into another or converted.

Five common NYS Department of State Business Entity Database search mistakes

  • 1. Including the entity designation.
  • 2. Assuming Active means current on filings.
  • 3. Confusing Administratively Dissolved with Voluntarily Dissolved.
  • 4. Checking only the entity name.
  • 5. Trusting the search for good standing certification.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I do a New York business search?
Use the NYS Department of State Business Entity Database system or run a search through File.Business.
What does Active mean in a New York business search?
Active means the entity legally exists. Does NOT mean current on filings.
What does Administratively Dissolved mean?
New York dissolved for failure to file or pay. Reinstatement available.
Can I search by registered agent in New York?
Yes. Useful for due diligence.
Is the New York business search free?
Yes. NYS Department of State Business Entity Database provides free entity searches.
How current is the New York business search data?
NYS Department of State Business Entity Database updates within 1 to 3 business days.
Can I get a Certificate of Good Standing through the search?
No. New York charges $25. File.Business orders it for you.

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Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records + Uniform Commercial Code or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records + Uniform Commercial Code. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records + Uniform Commercial Code as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed New York attorney or CPA.

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File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.