Search Washington business names using the Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Filing System. The database allows users to review a company’s information and compare new business name ideas with existing entities. Performing a name search can help determine whether a name is available to register a new business, although SOS approval will still apply.
Business Entity Search
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Business Entity Search
1. Use the SOS Corporation Search
2. Find Business Names
To look up an entity or discover business name availability, scroll down to the Corporation Search, enter a business name into the search bar, and click Search.
To refine the search results, click the Advanced Search button and use as many parameters as needed, such as business type, status, formation date, or agent info (see image).
3. View Matching Names
Performing a name search can yield two different outcomes:
1. No Results. If the business name provided does not match any records in the SOS database (see image), the name might be available for a new business. However, approval will also depend on statutory requirements concerning registering and naming new entities.
2. Matching Results. When the search yields a list of results, it means the business name provided matches one or more entities registered in the database, and the name is unlikely available for a new business.
To find out details of a particular business from the search results list, click on their name in the far left column.
4. Explore Entity Details
Clicking on a name brings up company information that has been recorded with the SOS:
- Business name
- UBI number
- Business type
- Business status
- Principal office street address
- Principal office mailing address
- Expiration date
- Jurisdiction
- Formation date
- Duration
- Inactive date (if applicable)
- Nature of business
- Registered agent name and address(es)
- Governor information
Furthermore, a list of the company’s filed SOS documents and alternate names can be found by clicking Filing History or Name History.
