Business Records let you locate a company by name, owner, or address via Texas SOS. To answer how to search business records, start with the legal name—this covers how to find a business by name. A business records search then adds filing number or registered‑agent details if the first query returns many matches. You can run a business search by owner or a business lookup by address to confirm office. The tool shows if entity is active, suspended or dissolved.
Business Records also provide the legal business name, entity type, formation date, and registered agent address that contracts often require. A business registration search reveals the filing number, state of formation, and any amendments such as mergers or conversions. You can view these details in the online business records lookup, which often includes annual reports and statements of information. This public business information helps you verify registration status and avoid partners that are inactive or revoked.
How to Search Business Records
You can search Texas Business Records through the Secretary of State online database, which holds formation and filing data for every entity registered in the state. The search tool lets you look up a company by legal name, assumed name, filing number, registered agent, or principal office address. To explore further official documentation and local county filings, you can consult hidalgo county tx. Results show the current entity status, formation date, and a list of filed documents you can open for free. The database updates each business day, so the status you see reflects the most recent filing on file.
The search matters because companies change names, move offices, change ownership, or dissolve without notice to the public. Running a Business Records search before signing a contract, hiring a contractor, or buying from a new vendor confirms the entity exists, who runs it, and whether it owes state fees. Skipping this step exposes you to fraud, unpaid judgments, and contracts with parties that no longer operate.
Official Search Portal: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml
Steps to Search
- Open the Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect search page in your browser.
- Choose “Search by Name” from the dropdown if you have the legal or assumed name.
- Enter the business name in the search field, leaving out punctuation such as commas and periods.
- Select “Active only” if you want only companies in good standing, or leave the default to see all records.
- Click “Submit Search” and scan for the matching legal name, filing number, and entity type.
- Click the filing number link to open the full record, including filed documents and the registered agent name and address.
Search by Business Name
A name search is the most common starting point and the fastest way to confirm a company exists in Texas. The search box accepts partial matches, so entering “Acme Construction” pulls up “Acme Construction LLC,” “Acme Construction Services Inc.,” and any DBA filings under that phrase. Each result shows the legal name, filing number, entity type, and status. If you only know part of the name, type the words you have and review the list of similar matches.
Name searches do not require exact spelling, but they do require that you search the exact wording the company filed with the state. A sole proprietor who operates as “Bob’s Plumbing” without filing an assumed name will not appear in this database, because sole proprietorships do not register with the Secretary of State.
Search by Business Owner
The Texas database does not list individuals as the primary search field for Business Records, so a direct owner search returns limited results. You can find ownership data by opening a specific entity record and reading the annual report or statement of information, which lists members, managers, or directors. If you know the owner’s name but not the business name, search the assumed name database instead, because many sole proprietors file their personal name as a DBA.
For LLCs, the members are listed on the latest public filing. For corporations, the directors and officers appear in the most recent annual report. Ownership changes only appear after the company files an updated report, so older records may show different names than current operation.
Search by Address
An address search confirms where a business lists its principal office or registered agent. Enter the street number and name without abbreviations such as “St” or “Ave,” and the database returns entities registered to that location. This search works best for confirming a company operates from a stated address before you deliver goods, sign a lease, or wire funds.
Address searches also catch mail forwarding services and registered agent offices, which serve as the official contact for many companies. If the search returns a registered agent address rather than a principal office, the company may operate elsewhere but has designated that agent for state correspondence.
Search by Business ID or Filing Number
The filing number is the unique identifier the state assigns to each entity at formation. It starts with the entity type code followed by a sequence, such as “0801234566” for a Texas LLC or “0012345678” for a Texas corporation. Enter this number into the SOSDirect search box and select “Search by Filing Number” to pull up the exact record, bypassing any name-matching confusion. Banks, landlords, and government agencies routinely ask for this number when you apply for a loan, sign a lease, or bid on a contract.
You can find the filing number on prior tax filings, formation certificates, or earlier correspondence from the Secretary of State. Once you have the number, the search takes seconds and returns the full record with no ambiguity.
Search by Registered Agent
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal and tax documents on behalf of the business. Searching by agent reveals every entity that uses a specific agent, which helps you confirm a company has a working agent on file. This search is useful for verifying that an entity has not lapsed, because an entity with no active registered agent falls out of good standing within a year.
Enter the agent’s name in the search box, select “Search by Registered Agent,” and review the list of entities. The result shows the entity name, filing number, and the address on file for that agent. If you serve as the registered agent for multiple companies, this search shows all of them in one view.
Search by Entity Type
The entity type filter narrows results to corporations, LLCs, partnerships, nonprofits, or foreign entities. This filter matters when you need to confirm a company’s legal structure before drafting contracts or filing permits. Banks require the exact entity type for lending documents, and government agencies ask for it when you apply for tax identification or grants.
To use this filter, choose “Entity Type” from the dropdown on the search page, then select the type from the secondary list. You can combine this filter with a name search or address search to narrow results further.
Search by Business Status
Status searches show whether a company is active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, or reinstated. Filter the results by selecting a status from the dropdown menu, or use the “Active only” toggle to remove inactive records. This filter protects you from signing contracts with companies that no longer operate or that have lost their right to do business in Texas.
An active status means the entity has filed all required reports and paid all state fees. An inactive status means the entity exists on record but has not filed a required document or payment. A forfeited status means the Texas Comptroller has revoked the entity’s right to transact business for unpaid taxes. A dissolved status means the owners filed paperwork to end the entity.
Business Record Information
The standard Business Records display panel shows eight core data points for every Texas entity. Each point answers a specific question a researcher, lender, or partner asks before doing business. The state updates these data points each time a new filing appears in the system.
Legal Business Name
The legal name is the exact name on the formation document, including punctuation, capitalization, and entity designator such as “LLC” or “Inc.” This name appears on contracts, tax filings, bank accounts, and court documents. It differs from any assumed name the company operates under, which is a separate filing.
If a name includes “&” instead of “and,” the record shows that exact character. Changing the legal name requires filing an amendment with the Secretary of State and paying the applicable fee.
Assumed or Trade Name
An assumed name, also called a DBA (“doing business as”) or trade name, lets a company operate under a name different from its legal name. A sole proprietor who files “Jane Smith” as an assumed name can run “Jane’s Bakery” without forming an LLC. The assumed name record shows the legal name of the underlying entity or individual, the assumed name, the county of filing, and the expiration date.
Texas assumed names expire after 10 years and require renewal to stay active. The Secretary of State database shows both active and expired assumed names, so a search may include records that no longer grant operating rights.
Business Entity Type
The entity type identifies how the business is structured under Texas law. Common types include Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Limited Partnership (LP), and Nonprofit Corporation. Each type has different tax treatment, liability protection, and filing requirements. The entity type appears next to the legal name on every record and on the formation certificate.
The entity type does not change without filing a conversion document, which restructures the company from one type to another. A conversion appears in the filing history.
Business Identification Number
The filing number is the state’s 10-digit identifier for the entity, separate from the federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. The filing number starts with a three-digit prefix that indicates the entity type. Texas uses prefixes such as “080” for LLCs and “001” for domestic corporations. The number stays the same for the life of the entity, even if the legal name changes.
Lenders, landlords, and government agencies routinely ask for this number to verify the entity before issuing credit or permits.
Formation Date
The formation date is the day the Secretary of State accepted and filed the formation document. For Texas entities, this is the effective registration date shown on the formation certificate. The formation date sets the start of the entity’s fiscal year, the start of its annual report cycle, and the start of its standing with the state.
Foreign entities that register in Texas show the original formation date in their home state plus the Texas registration date, which is when the foreign qualification filing was accepted.
Business Status
The current status shows whether the entity may transact business in Texas. “Active” means good standing, “Inactive” means missing filings or fees, “Forfeited” means the Comptroller revoked the right to do business for unpaid franchise tax, and “Withdrawn” or “Dissolved” means the owners ended the entity. The status updates each time a new filing enters the system.
Status changes happen automatically when the entity misses a required filing or fails to pay franchise tax, and the changes appear on the record within days.
Principal Business Address
The principal office address is the main physical location where the company conducts business. This address appears on the formation document and on every annual report. It can be the same as the registered agent address or a separate location, depending on where the owners operate.
The address on file may be a home address, a commercial office, or a registered agent location. Changing this address requires filing an amendment or updating the next annual report.
Registered Agent Information
The registered agent is the person or company designated to receive service of process, tax notices, and state correspondence. The agent must have a physical street address in Texas and be available during business hours. The record shows the agent’s name, the registered office address, and whether the agent is an individual or a commercial registered agent provider.
Changing the registered agent requires filing Form 401-A for corporations or the equivalent for LLCs and paying the applicable fee. The new agent’s name and address replace the old one in the public record.
Business Entity Types
Texas recognizes seven main entity types, each with its own formation document, fee, and filing cycle. The Secretary of State database categorizes every record by type, and the type determines the forms, tax treatment, and liability rules that apply.
Corporations
A corporation is a legal entity owned by shareholders and managed by directors and officers. Texas corporations file a Certificate of Formation under the Texas Business Organizations Code and pay a filing fee. Corporations issue stock, hold annual shareholder meetings, and file annual reports listing directors and officers.
Corporations pay franchise tax and file a Public Information Report each year. The public record shows the corporation’s filing number, formation date, registered agent, and most recent report.
Limited Liability Companies
An LLC combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility of a partnership. Texas LLCs file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. The owners are called members, and the managers (if any) handle daily operations. LLCs file an annual report and pay franchise tax based on revenue.
The public record shows the LLC’s filing number, the most recent management structure, and the registered agent. Members do not appear on the public record unless the LLC includes them in its annual report.
Partnerships
A general partnership is two or more people who carry on a business for profit without forming a separate entity. Texas does not require partnerships to register with the Secretary of State, so they do not appear in this database. Limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships do register and do appear.
A limited partnership has at least one general partner and one limited partner, with the general partner bearing full liability. A limited liability partnership (LLP) registers to limit partner liability for professional malpractice. Both file a Certificate of Formation and pay the applicable fee.
Sole Proprietorships
A sole proprietorship is a business operated without registering a corporation, LLC, or partnership. The IRS treats the sole proprietorship and the owner as the same taxpayer. Texas does not require sole proprietors to register with the Secretary of State, so they do not appear in this database unless they file an assumed name.
The sole proprietor may file an assumed name (DBA) with the county clerk or the Secretary of State, which then shows up in the assumed name database.
Nonprofit Organizations
A nonprofit corporation is formed under the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act and files a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. Nonprofits do not have owners or shareholders. They have members (if any) and directors. Texas nonprofits file periodic reports and may apply for state and federal tax-exempt status separately.
The public record shows the nonprofit’s filing number, formation date, registered agent, and most recent filing. Donors and grantmakers check the record to confirm the nonprofit exists and is in good standing before contributing funds.
Professional Entities
A professional entity is a corporation, LLC, or partnership formed to provide licensed professional services such as law, medicine, accounting, or engineering. Texas requires these entities to register with the Secretary of State and to maintain the appropriate professional licenses. The public record shows the entity type with a “Professional” designation.
Professional entities follow the same filing requirements as standard entities but face additional oversight from their licensing board.
Foreign Business Entities
A foreign entity is one formed outside Texas that registers to do business in Texas. The entity files an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Texas Secretary of State. The application includes a certificate of good standing from the home state. The Texas record shows the home state, the original formation date, and the Texas registration date.
Foreign entities file the same annual reports and pay the same franchise tax as domestic entities. The record updates each time the entity files a new document with Texas.
Business Ownership and Management
The Texas Secretary of State database tracks ownership and management through annual reports and statements of information. These filings list the people who run the company, hold ownership stakes, or receive legal notices on its behalf. The data appears in the filing history attached to each entity.
Business Owners
Business owners are the individuals or entities that hold an ownership stake in the business. For corporations, owners are shareholders, listed in annual reports and on stock ledgers. For LLCs, owners are members, listed in the Certificate of Formation and in annual reports if the LLC elects to disclose them. Sole proprietors are the same person who owns the business.
The public record may or may not list individual owners, depending on the entity type and what the entity chooses to disclose. Lenders and buyers often request ownership disclosure before extending credit or completing an acquisition.
Members and Managers
Members are the owners of an LLC, and managers are the individuals or entities the LLC designates to handle daily operations. A member-managed LLC has all members involved in operations, while a manager-managed LLC appoints specific managers. The Certificate of Formation identifies the initial members and managers, and subsequent changes appear in amendments or annual reports.
The public record shows the names of managers if the LLC files a Public Information Report listing them. Members do not always appear in the public record.
Corporate Officers
Corporate officers are the individuals appointed by the board to run the corporation’s operations. Common officer roles include President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers appear in the annual report or Public Information Report. The public record shows the names of officers currently serving.
Officer changes do not appear in the public record until the corporation files an updated report. Banks and government agencies verify officer information before issuing credit or granting permits.
Directors
Directors are the individuals elected by shareholders to oversee the corporation’s strategy and major decisions. Texas corporations must have at least one director, and the names appear in the annual report. Director names do not appear in the formation document but do appear in subsequent filings.
Director information helps shareholders, lenders, and regulators identify who controls the corporation’s decisions. Updates appear each time the corporation files a new report.
Partners
Partners are the individuals or entities that co-own a partnership. General partners manage the partnership and bear unlimited liability, while limited partners contribute capital but do not participate in management. The Certificate of Formation lists the partners and their roles.
Partnership records show partner names, addresses, and contribution amounts. Changes to the partnership require filing an amendment with the Secretary of State.
Registered Agents
The registered agent is the person or company designated to receive service of process and official correspondence on the entity’s behalf. The agent must have a physical address in Texas and be available during business hours. Many entities use commercial registered agent providers, while smaller entities often use an owner or attorney.
Changing the registered agent requires filing Form 401-A (for corporations) or the equivalent for other entity types. The new agent’s information replaces the old one in the public record.
Ownership and Management Changes
Ownership and management changes occur when owners sell their stake, partners leave the partnership, or officers and managers change roles. These changes require filing amendments or updated annual reports with the Secretary of State. The public record reflects the change once the new filing enters the system.
Unreported changes do not appear in the public record, which can mislead lenders, buyers, and partners. Verifying current ownership requires reviewing the most recent annual report or requesting a current ownership statement directly.
Business Registration Information
Business Registration Information covers the data the Secretary of State collects at formation and updates throughout the entity’s life. This information answers who the entity is, when it was formed, where it operates, and whether it remains in good standing.
Formation Records
Formation records include the Certificate of Formation, the Certificate of Limited Partnership, or the Application for Certificate of Authority for foreign entities. These documents establish the entity under Texas law and include the legal name, registered agent, principal address, and the names of the initial organizers. Formation records appear as the first filing in the entity’s filing history. Copies of these documents are available online through SOSDirect.
Registration Date
The registration date is the day the Secretary of State accepted the formation document. For domestic entities, this date equals the formation date. For foreign entities, the registration date is the day Texas accepted the Certificate of Authority application, which is separate from the entity’s formation date in its home state. The registration date sets the start of the entity’s annual report cycle in Texas. Foreign entities follow the same annual cycle as domestic entities once they register.
Entity Status
The entity status indicates whether the business can legally transact in Texas. Active status means the entity has filed all required documents and paid all fees. Inactive status means a required filing is overdue. Forfeited status means the Comptroller revoked the entity for unpaid franchise tax. Dissolved or Withdrawn status means the owners ended the entity. Status changes happen automatically when the entity misses a deadline or fails to pay a required fee. The Secretary of State updates the public record within days of the change.
State of Formation
The state of formation is the state where the entity was originally formed. Domestic entities show Texas as the state of formation. Foreign entities show their home state, such as Delaware, Wyoming, or California. The state of formation determines which state’s laws govern the entity’s internal affairs.
Lenders and buyers often require confirmation of the state of formation before completing transactions, because the state of formation affects governance, taxation, and dispute resolution.
Registration Number
The registration number is the Secretary of State’s filing number, a 10-digit identifier assigned at formation. This number stays the same for the life of the entity, even if the legal name changes. Banks, landlords, and government agencies use this number to verify the entity’s identity and standing. The registration number also appears on the entity’s formation certificate and on every subsequent filing receipt.
Foreign Entity Registration
A foreign entity registers in Texas by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority. The application includes a certificate of good standing from the home state, the home state formation date, and the Texas registered agent. The Secretary of State assigns a Texas filing number and begins tracking the entity in the Texas database.
Foreign entities follow the same annual reporting and franchise tax requirements as Texas entities. Failure to maintain the foreign registration can result in forfeiture and loss of access to Texas courts.
Business Registration Updates
Business registration updates include amendments, annual reports, statements of information, and any other filing the entity submits. Each update adds a record to the filing history and may change data such as the registered agent, principal address, or management structure. The public record reflects the most recent update when you run a search. Entities that fail to file updates fall into inactive or forfeited status, which prevents them from maintaining contracts, obtaining loans, or defending lawsuits in Texas courts.
Assumed Name and DBA Records
Texas allows individuals and entities to operate under a name different from their legal name by filing an assumed name, also known as a DBA (“doing business as”) or trade name. Assumed name filings are public records and appear in a separate database from Business Records, but the two connect when you need to identify the underlying legal entity.
Assumed Business Names
An assumed business name is any name a person or entity uses to conduct business that is not the legal name. Texas requires assumed business name filings under the Business & Commerce Code for the protection of those who deal with the business. The filing includes the assumed name, the legal name of the underlying entity or individual, the county of business, and the address. Assumed business name filings protect consumers by requiring transparency about who actually owns the business operating under the assumed name.
DBA Records
A DBA record is the filed document that registers an assumed name with the county clerk or the Secretary of State. Texas allows DBAs to be filed at the county level or, for entities, with the Secretary of State. The DBA record shows the assumed name, the legal name of the registrant, the registrant’s address, and the filing date. DBAs expire after 10 years in most counties and require renewal. Searching the assumed name records shows both active and expired filings.
Trade Names
A trade name is another term for an assumed name or DBA. Texas law uses “assumed business name” and “trade name” interchangeably. The Secretary of State database treats them as the same filing type. Trade names appear in the assumed name search tool, not in the Business Records database. Searching by trade name is useful when you know the brand name but not the legal entity behind it. Once you find the trade name, the record identifies the underlying entity or individual.
Assumed Name Registration
Assumed name registration requires filing the proper form with the county clerk (for individuals and general partnerships) or with the Secretary of State (for entities). The filing includes the assumed name, the registrant’s legal name, the county of business, and the registrant’s address. The filing fee varies by county for county-level filings and is set by statute for Secretary of State filings. Registration lasts 10 years and may be renewed before expiration to avoid losing operating rights under the assumed name.
Assumed Name Owners
The assumed name owner is the individual or entity that filed the assumed name. The record shows the owner’s legal name, address, and the county of business. For entities, the owner matches the legal entity on file. For individuals, the owner is the person filing the DBA. The owner information helps researchers confirm who controls the business operating under the assumed name.
Assumed Name Status
The assumed name status indicates whether the filing is active or expired. Active assumed names grant the right to use the name for the duration of the filing. Expired assumed names no longer grant operating rights, and any continued use violates Texas assumed name statutes.
Renewing an assumed name requires filing a new assumed name certificate before the current one expires. The Secretary of State database updates the status upon renewal or expiration.
Business Filing Records
Filing records include every document the entity submits to the Secretary of State, from formation through dissolution. The filing history attached to each entity shows the type of filing, the date filed, and the document image. These records answer questions about the entity’s history, structure, and changes over time.
Formation Documents
The formation document is the original filing that creates the entity. For corporations, it is the Certificate of Formation. For LLCs, it is the Certificate of Formation. For limited partnerships, it is the Certificate of Limited Partnership. For foreign entities, it is the Application for Certificate of Authority. The formation document includes the legal name, registered agent, principal address, and organizer information. The formation document is the first entry in the filing history and remains available for the life of the entity.
Amendments
An amendment is a filing that changes information in the formation document, such as the legal name, registered agent, principal office, or management structure. Texas requires entities to file amendments when these changes occur. The amendment shows the original information and the new information being substituted. Amendments appear in the filing history with the date filed and a brief description of the change. Multiple amendments may exist for a single entity over its life.
Annual Reports
Annual reports are required filings that confirm or update the entity’s current information. Texas requires most entities to file a Public Information Report and a franchise tax report each year. The annual report shows the current registered agent, principal address, directors, officers, or managers, depending on the entity type. Annual reports appear in the filing history as separate entries. Missing an annual report causes the entity to fall into inactive status.
Statements of Information
A statement of information is a filing that updates the entity’s current officers, directors, or managers. Some entity types file this in addition to the annual report. The statement of information shows the names and addresses of individuals currently serving in management roles. Statements of information help lenders, partners, and regulators confirm who currently controls the entity. The most recent statement appears at the top of the filing history.
Mergers and Conversions
A merger combines two or more entities into one surviving entity. A conversion changes an entity from one type to another, such as an LLC converting to a corporation. Both require filing the appropriate form with the Secretary of State and paying the applicable fee.
Mergers and conversions appear in the filing history with the date filed and a description of the transaction. The surviving entity’s record shows the merger or conversion, while the disappearing entity’s record shows the termination.
Dissolution Records
A dissolution record marks the end of the entity’s existence. Voluntary dissolution occurs when the owners file a Certificate of Dissolution or the equivalent. Involuntary dissolution occurs when the state revokes the entity for failing to meet filing or tax obligations. Dissolution records appear at the end of the filing history. Dissolved entities remain in the database for reference but cannot transact business or maintain contracts.
Reinstatement Records
A reinstatement record restores an entity that has been forfeited or involuntarily dissolved. To reinstate, the entity must file all missing reports, pay all outstanding fees and penalties, and submit a reinstatement application. Reinstatement records appear in the filing history once approved. Reinstatement returns the entity to active status and restores its right to transact business, defend lawsuits, and maintain contracts.
Business Status and History
The status field on a Business Record reflects the entity’s current standing with the state. Status changes happen automatically based on filings, payments, and state actions. Reviewing the status before engaging in business protects you from contracts with entities that cannot legally perform.
Active Businesses
An active business has filed all required reports, paid all state fees, and is in good standing with the Secretary of State and the Comptroller. Active entities may transact business, enter contracts, and defend lawsuits in Texas. The public record shows the entity as “Active” in the status field. Active status requires ongoing compliance with annual franchise tax filings and registered agent maintenance. Failure to meet these obligations causes the entity to fall into inactive or forfeited status.
Inactive Businesses
An inactive business exists in the database but has not met all filing or payment obligations. The entity may still appear on the Secretary of State website but cannot transact business or maintain contracts in Texas until it returns to active status. Inactive status typically results from a missed annual report or franchise tax payment. Bringing the entity back to active status requires filing the missing document or paying the outstanding amount.
Dissolved Businesses
A dissolved business has filed a Certificate of Dissolution or has been involuntarily dissolved by the state. Dissolved entities cannot transact business, enter contracts, or maintain legal standing in Texas. The record shows the dissolution date and reason. Dissolved entities remain in the database for historical reference but should not be relied on for ongoing transactions.
Revoked or Forfeited Entities
A revoked or forfeited entity has lost its right to transact business because of unpaid franchise tax or other state actions. The Comptroller sends a forfeiture notice before the action takes effect. Revoked entities must pay all outstanding taxes, penalties, and fees to be reinstated. Searching for an entity’s status before extending credit or signing contracts protects you from doing business with a forfeited entity.
Reinstated Businesses
A reinstated business was previously forfeited or involuntarily dissolved but has since been restored to active status. Reinstatement requires filing all missing documents, paying all outstanding amounts, and submitting the appropriate reinstatement form. The reinstatement record appears in the filing history. Reinstated entities return to active status and may resume business operations. The status field shows “Active” once reinstatement is complete.
Business Status History
The business status history tracks every status change the entity has experienced, from formation to the present. The status history appears in the filing history, showing dates and reasons for each change. Reviewing the history reveals whether an entity has a pattern of missed filings or frequent reinstatements, which can signal financial or management problems. Lenders and buyers review the status history as part of due diligence to assess the entity’s reliability and compliance.
Principal Office Address
The principal office address is the main physical location where the business operates. This address appears on the formation document and on every annual report. It can be a commercial office, a home, or any location where the business conducts its primary operations. The principal office address may differ from the registered agent address. Many businesses use a registered agent at one location and operate their business at another.
Mailing Address
The mailing address is where the entity receives general correspondence. The mailing address may be the same as the principal office address or a separate location, such as a post office box or a mail forwarding service. The mailing address appears on the formation document and on subsequent filings. Entities must keep their mailing address current to ensure they receive all state correspondence, including annual report reminders and tax notices.
Registered Office
The registered office is the physical address in Texas where the registered agent is available to receive service of process. The registered office must be a street address, not a post office box. The registered office appears in the entity’s public record and on every filing. The registered office may be the agent’s home, the agent’s office, or a commercial registered agent’s office. Changing the registered office requires filing the appropriate form.
Business Location
The business location is the place where the business physically operates and serves customers. The business location may differ from the principal office address, the mailing address, and the registered office. The Secretary of State database may not capture the actual business location unless it matches one of these addresses. Confirming the business location often requires additional research, such as checking county property records or visiting the address.
Contact Information
The Secretary of State database does not always include phone numbers or email addresses for entities. Contact information appears only if the entity includes it on a filing, such as a registered agent filing. For most entities, contacting the business requires using the registered agent as an intermediary. Researchers often use the registered agent to reach the entity, especially for legal service or formal notice.
Address Changes
Address changes require filing an amendment or updating the next annual report. The Secretary of State database updates the address once the new filing enters the system. Address changes do not appear immediately and may take several days to reflect. Failing to update the address can cause the entity to miss important state notices, leading to inactive or forfeited status.
Business Records and Public Information
Texas Business Records are public records under the Texas Public Information Act. The Secretary of State provides multiple access methods, including online search, document purchase, and in-person requests at the Austin headquarters. Researchers, businesses, and government agencies rely on this public access for due diligence, compliance, and verification.
Publicly Available Business Information
Publicly available Business Records include the entity name, filing number, status, formation date, registered agent, principal address, and filing history. The Secretary of State provides this information free of charge through the SOSDirect online search tool. Anyone with internet access can search the database without registering or paying a fee. This public access serves transparency in Texas commerce, allowing anyone to verify the existence and standing of an entity before doing business.
Online Business Records
Online Business Records are available through the SOSDirect portal at the Secretary of State website. The portal lets users search by name, filing number, registered agent, and address. Search results return the entity’s current status, filing history, and links to filed documents. Most searches return results within seconds. The online portal is the fastest and most common method for accessing Texas Business Records. The portal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Public Filing Documents
Public filing documents include formation certificates, amendments, annual reports, statements of information, mergers, conversions, dissolutions, and reinstatements. Each document is available as a PDF image through SOSDirect. Document images cost a small fee per page, charged at the time of download. Public filing documents support due diligence, litigation, alongside verified unclaimed money search resources, contract drafting, and regulatory compliance by showing the entity’s full history.
Records Available by Request
Some records require a written request rather than an online search. Apostille requests, certified copies, and historical records predating the online system may require submission of a formal request to the Secretary of State. The request process includes a fee and processing time. Records available by request serve legal proceedings, international filings, and other formal uses that require certified documents.
Restricted Business Information
Restricted Business Records include Social Security numbers, individual tax identification numbers, and certain personal information protected by state and federal law. The Secretary of State redacts this information from public filings. Restricted information includes details such as dates of birth and home addresses of individuals listed in management roles. Restricted information protects individuals from identity theft and other misuse while keeping the entity’s public data accessible.
Certified Business Records
Certified Business Records are official copies of filings with a state-issued seal and signature. Certified records are required for court proceedings, international transactions, and government filings. The Secretary of State charges a fee per certified document and processes requests within several business days. Certified records carry the full weight of an official state document and are required whenever proof of filing is necessary.
Search Problems
Searches do not always return the expected results. Common problems include missing records, similar names, outdated information, and recently filed entities that have not yet appeared in the database. Knowing how to handle these problems saves time and prevents incorrect conclusions.
Business Not Found
A “business not found” result means the database returned no matches for the search criteria. This result can mean the entity was never formed in Texas, was formed under a different name, was formed in another state and never registered in Texas, or was dissolved and removed from active records. The next step is to search by assumed name, search by registered agent, or check whether the entity is a sole proprietorship (which does not register with the Secretary of State). If the search still returns no results, the entity may not exist in Texas, or the name may be misspelled in the records.
Similar Business Names
Similar business names appear when multiple entities share parts of the same name. Texas allows multiple entities with similar names as long as the legal name is not identical. Searching for “Texas Construction LLC” may return “Texas Construction LLC,” “Texas Construction Services LLC,” and “Texas Construction Group LLC.” Each result is a separate company with its own filing number. Comparing the filing number, registered agent, and principal address helps confirm which entity is the one you are researching.
Incorrect Business Information
Incorrect Business Records appear when the entity filed outdated or inaccurate data, or when third parties submitted filings with errors. The Secretary of State updates the record once a corrected filing enters the system. Researchers should always check the most recent filing date and review the latest report for the most current data. If the entity refuses to update incorrect information, you may need to rely on other sources, such as direct contact or third-party verification services.
Outdated Business Records
Outdated Business Records occur when the entity has not filed an annual report or amendment to reflect current data. The record shows the last filed data, which may be months or years old. Researchers should treat the data as the most recent filing on record, not as a current snapshot of operations. Verifying current information requires requesting updated data directly from the entity or its registered agent.
Recently Formed Businesses
Recently formed businesses may not yet appear in the SOSDirect database because filings take time to process. Standard processing takes several business days, and expedited processing takes less time at a higher fee. Researchers searching for a newly formed entity should wait for the filing to clear or use the expedited search option. If the search returns no result for a recently formed entity, the filing may still be in process.
Recently Dissolved Businesses
Recently dissolved businesses appear in the database with a “Dissolved” status and a dissolution date. The record remains available for reference but shows that the entity no longer operates. Researchers should verify the dissolution date and confirm whether the entity has been reinstated before relying on the record. Recently dissolved entities may continue operations under a new entity, which requires a separate search.
Missing Filing Records
Missing filing records occur when a filing was lost, rejected, or never submitted. The entity’s filing history may skip expected documents, such as a missing annual report. Researchers can request a more complete filing history through the agency’s records request process or contact the entity to file the missing document. Missing filings often trigger inactive status, which prevents the entity from transacting business until the filings are completed.
Contact Details
The Secretary of State database tracks several addresses for each entity, including the principal office, mailing address, registered office, and registered agent address. These addresses determine where official correspondence is delivered and where the entity is considered to operate.
- Office of the Texas Secretary of State
- Business & Public Filings Division
- 1019 Brazos Street
- Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: (512) 463-5555
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Official Website Search Portal: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking up business records in Texas helps you verify a company’s legal status, find the person who runs it, and view official filings. The state’s online portal updates daily, so you get current information without paying for a third‑party service. Below are the most common questions and clear steps to get the data you need.
How can I search Texas business records by name?
Open the Texas SOSDirect portal, enter the exact legal name in the search field, and click Search. The result page shows the entity’s status, filing number, registration date, and registered agent. If the name returns several matches, refine the query by adding “LLC” or “Inc.” to narrow the list. Clicking the filing number lets you view a summary of all documents filed for that entity.
What steps let me find a business’s registration number in Texas?
Start at the Texas SOSDirect search page and type the business name. When the record appears, locate the field labeled “File Number.” That number is the official registration identifier used by the state. Write it down; you can use it later to pull a full filing history or request certified copies. The file number works across all Texas state databases, including the Comptroller’s tax search.
How can I check if a business is active or dissolved in Texas?
When you view a business record, look at the “Status” line near the top. It will read Active, Inactive, Dissolved, or Suspended. An Active status means the entity can legally conduct business. A Dissolved or Suspended label indicates the company failed to meet filing or tax requirements and cannot enter contracts until it is reinstated.
Why might a Texas business record not appear in the online search?
Several reasons cause a missing record. The business may be newly formed and not yet entered into the database; updates usually happen the next business day. It could also be a foreign entity that only filed a registration to operate in Texas, which appears under a different filing number. Finally, a typographical error in the name will prevent a match, so verify spelling and remove extra spaces.
How to Get Texas Articles of Organization Filed Records?
From the business’s detail page, click the link labeled “View Documents.” The portal opens a PDF of each filing, such as the Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation. You can download the file for free. If you need a certified copy, use the “Order Certified Copy” button, fill out the request form, and pay the small filing fee.