How to Look Up an LLC in California (2026)
To look up an LLC in California, search the Secretary of State's bizfile Online business search tool. It's free. It doesn't require an account.
Search by the LLC's name or by its entity number. This pulls up the record, showing the entity's status, formation date and Agent for Service of Process.
We've reviewed California business filings for years. We tested the state's search tools firsthand. The steps below match what bizfile Online actually shows you.
Quick Summary
- Skip paid lookup sites, since bizfile Online is the state's own free, official database.
- A name search can return several similar LLCs. Check the entity number and status before assuming you found the right one.
- Leaving off the new leading "B" is the most common reason a new entity's number search comes up empty.
| Search Method | What to Enter | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| By entity name | The LLC's name, leaving off the "LLC" suffix for broader results | General lookups and name-availability checks |
| By entity number | The California entity number (include the leading "B" for entities registered under the new 12-character ID format) | An exact match when you already know the number |
| Statement of Information | Open the entity's record in bizfile Online and view its filed Statement of Information | Finding the LLC's manager or member name and Agent for Service of Process |
How to Look Up an LLC in California
The California Secretary of State runs bizfile Online. It's the central public record for LLCs filed in the state, and each search below starts there.
1. Search by Entity Name
Open the bizfile Online business search and choose the entity name option. Enter the LLC's name and drop the "LLC" suffix. The shorter string returns more matches.
The results list shows each matching entity's name, status and entity number. You can confirm you found the right one before opening the full record.
2. Search by Entity Number
If you already know the LLC's exact entity number, switch to the entity number search field. This gives a direct match.
New corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships now receive a 12-character ID. It starts with the letter B, so include that letter when searching a new entity [1]. Entities filed before this update keep their original numbers. General partnerships and limited liability partnerships aren't affected.
Either search opens a detail page. It shows the entity's status, formation date and entity type. It also lists the Agent for Service of Process name and address. A suspended or dissolved status means the LLC is no longer in good standing with the state.
The detail page also links to the entity's filed records, like its Articles of Organization and Statement of Information. You can open the actual filing instead of relying on a summary.
Contact the California Secretary of State
The Secretary of State's Business Entities line takes calls and emails. Reach out with questions the search tool can't answer [2].
Here's how to reach the Secretary of State's Business Entities office directly if you need a person on the line:
- Phone: (916) 657-5448
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Email: the LLC filings contact form on the Secretary of State's website
Call when you want someone to walk you through a search. Email works better for document requests. Use it when you want a written record of the answer.
Why You Might Need to Look Up a California LLC
Three common situations send most people back to the California business search before they take any real next step:
- Confirming a potential partner, vendor or client is active and in good standing before signing an agreement.
- Checking whether a business name is still available before starting an LLC in California under that name.
- Finding a firm's Agent for Service of Process and address so legal documents reach the right place.
Researching another company's agent is different from picking your own. If you're choosing an agent for your own LLC, compare the best registered agent services in California before you decide.
A quick bizfile Online search answers most basic questions about a California LLC. Verify a firm's standing yourself instead of taking someone's word for it. Save the entity's detail page link if you plan to recheck its status later. Standing can shift over time.
For any other state, see our national guide on how to look up an LLC. It covers other states' registries too.
FAQs
Does California Require "LLC" in the Company Name?
Yes, California requires the company name to include an LLC designator, either "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." This keeps the entity type clear and separates it from corporations and partnerships on the record.
Do I Need a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) in California?
No, a fictitious business name isn't required just to form an LLC in California. You only need one if the LLC operates under a name different from its registered legal name, and DBA filings go through the county instead of the Secretary of State.
How Do I Find Out Who Owns an LLC in California?
You can find who owns a California LLC by opening its Statement of Information. The Articles of Organization doesn't list owners, but the Statement of Information shows the manager, or each member if there's no manager, as a public record through bizfile Online.
How Do I Find My California LLC Entity Number?
You can find your California LLC's entity number through bizfile Online by searching the company's name. If the LLC registered recently, its number is a 12-character code beginning with the letter B, which you'll need to include when searching by number.
How Often Must a California LLC File a Statement of Information?
California LLCs must file a Statement of Information within 90 days of registering, then every two years after that. You can find whether an LLC's filing is current by checking its record on bizfile Online.
References:
- https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/bizfile
- https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/contact
