Every US state runs a public Secretary of State business entity search where you can look up your registered business and pull filed documents like your Articles of Incorporation.
What is a Secretary of State business entity search?
A Secretary of State business entity search is your state government's public database of registered businesses. Every US state and Washington, D.C. runs one. You can use it to confirm your business is in good standing, find your filing number, and download copies of the incorporation documents your state has on file.
Which business documents can I pull from my state's Secretary of State?
The exact documents vary by state, but most portals let you look up or request:
Articles of Incorporation (for corporations)
Articles of Organization (for LLCs)
Certificate of Good Standing
Business registration confirmation
Statement of Information or annual report filings
Registered agent details
Some documents are free to view or download. Others require a small fee that you pay directly to the state.
How do I find my state's business entity search?
Find your state in the alphabetical list below and open the link. Search by your registered business name, filing number, or (in some states) by owner name. If your business is registered in more than one state, run the search in the state where you originally filed your Articles.
Business entity search: Alabama through Missouri
Business entity search: Montana through Wyoming (plus Washington, D.C.)
What if I can't find my Articles of Incorporation on the state site?
If your state search returns your business but doesn't offer a downloadable copy of your Articles, most states let you request a certified copy for a small fee through the same portal. If you can't find your business at all, double-check the exact registered name, the state you filed in, and whether the filing is under a DBA or holding company. For a full walkthrough of pulling both your EIN letter and your Articles, see Getting Your EIN & Articles of Incorporation.
Do I need my EIN verification letter instead?
Your EIN verification letter (Form CP-575 or Form 147c) is issued by the IRS, not by your state. You won't find it on the Secretary of State portal. See Getting Your EIN & Articles of Incorporation for how to request a replacement from the IRS.
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