Searching for information on LLCs in Pennsylvania can be overwhelming. There are so many sources of information, and it can be difficult to know where to start.
That's why we, as a team of legal experts, decided to share our personal experience in this area and conduct several hours of research behind this article.
This article will provide an overview of the process of looking up an LLC in Pennsylvania and offer some tips to make the Pennsylvania LLC name search process easier.
How Do I Lookup an LLC in Pennsylvania?
In order to look up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Pennsylvania, you can use the corporation search feature on the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations website under the Pennsylvania Department of State website [1].
Here are the step-by-step instructions when doing a Pennsylvania LLC name search:
- Visit the Department of State website and select the 'Business Entities' option from the top menu.
- On this page, there is a search box where you can enter the business name of the business you are looking for.
The Pennsylvania business name search results will return a list of matching Pennsylvania existing businesses, along with their registration number and status.
Information for Pennsylvania LLC Look Up
What information can you obtain now that you have learned to look for an LLC in Pennsylvania?
As previously stated, some of the information you will be able to find will include:
- Registered Agent in Pennsylvania - The person responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
- Address - where your business will be located and where customers can come to find you.
- Business entity name - the name of the business search field
- Registration number - A unique identifier assigned to an LLC by the state of Pennsylvania.
If you want to view more detailed information about a Pennsylvania LLC or a business entity, you can order a certified copy of the LLC's formation documents from the Department of State.
These documents will provide you with information such as the names and addresses of the LLC's members and managers.
Pennsylvania Search Options
Aside from searching by business name using the Pennsylvania business entity search tool on the Pennsylvania Department of State website, you may also use the business registration number, business ID number, or agent to look up information about the business or an LLC [2].
Another way to do a Pennsylvania business search is to search for the business in the county where it is registered. To find out which county an LLC is registered in, you can contact the Department of State or look up the information online.
Once you have the county information, you can contact the county recorder's office to request copies of filings made by the LLC. Some readers purchase services discussed on the website of the Department of State, so you know you're getting quality information.
Finally, you can search Pennsylvania court records to find LLCs. This may be useful if the Pennsylvania LLC is involved in a lawsuit or has filed any legal documents with the state.
Reasons to Look up an LLC in Pennsylvania
A good reason to look up an LLC in Pennsylvania is to make sure that your chosen LLC name is not confusingly similar to an existing business registered in the state or is part of a list of restricted names.
Examples of names that will be categorized as confusingly similar are:
- The use of a different corporate designator
- The use of the plural
- The use of an article, such as “a” or “the”
- The use of a geographic designator after the company name
- The use of a numerical or spelled number after the company name
Examples of names that will be categorized as confusingly similar are:
- Governmental names
- Blasphemy or profanity
- Banking names
- Insurance names
- Educational names
- Professional names
- Public utility names
- Young men’s Christian association names
FAQs
How Do I Know If My PA LLC Is Active?
To know if your PA LLC is active, visit the Pennsylvania Department of State's Business Entity Search website and enter the LLC's name. If the Pennsylvania LLC is active, it should appear in the search results.
How Do I Find Out If A Company Is Registered In PA?
To find out if a company is registered in PA, you can go to the Department of State's website and search for the company by name. If the company is registered, you will be able to view its registration information, including its registered address and contact information.
Does PA Require A Registered Agent For An LLC?
Yes, PA requires an agent for an LLC. The agent is the person or business that agrees to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC. They must have a physical address in Pennsylvania and be available during business hours.
Where Can I Get Advice About Starting A Business In Pennsylvania?
To get advice about starting a business in Pennsylvania, consider subscribing to a Pennsylvania business newsletter. Pennsylvania business newsletters provide readers with helpful tips and tricks, as well as information on new products and services.
Looking Up an LLC in Pennsylvania
To summarize, opening an LLC in Pennsylvania is a simple process.
Looking up an LLC in Pennsylvania can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and information, it can be done, even with the business bank account.
The first step is to decide what type of information you are looking for and then choose the best search method based on that information.
