Search Washington Business Entities

Search by:

Uncover In-Depth Information on
Business Entities

Page Navigator

Uncover In-Depth Information on Business Entities
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Washington?
Why Conduct a Washington Entity Search?
Who Holds Data for Washington Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in Washington?
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Washington?
How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Washington?
How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Washington?
Additional Information Available on the Washington Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Washington

Tax advantages, pro-business programs, and a skilled workforce are just a few of the reasons why so many new business entities, from sole proprietorships to limited partnerships, register new business entities daily in Washington state. The most reliable and accurate source for information about Washington business entities is typically the Washington Secretary of State’s website.

Finding detailed information about Washington business entities is usually straightforward, whether for personal reasons, like confirming a company's legitimacy, or for business reasons, such as vetting a potential partner.

Choose Your Search Criteria

Corporation Search:
Search by full or partial business name or UBI. Advanced options include agent name, formation date, and more.
Charity/Fundraiser/Trust Search:
Search by registration number, EIN, UBI, or organization name. Advanced options include officer names, keywords, and status.

Review Search Results

After entering your criteria and clicking 'Search', you’ll see a list of matching business entities. Corporation search results show name, UBI, business type, address, registered agent, and status. Charity results display name, city, and program service percentage. Click a name to view more.

Access Detailed Information

After selecting a business name, you can view detailed records for corporations or charities.

Business Type
Principal Office Address
Mailing Address
Nature of Business
Registered Agent Information
Business Filings
Alternate Names (Charities)
Mission Statement (Charities)
Officer Details (Charities)
Filing History (Charities)

Further Assistance

Contact the Washington Secretary of State's office if you need assistance performing a business entity search.

How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Washington

Chambers of Commerce
Local chambers of commerce often maintain public directories of members, which sometimes include ownership details.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB sometimes publishes business profiles, including company ownership, plus customer reviews and complaints.
Other Public Records
Business licenses, real estate records, and court documents involving the business entity may reveal ownership.

Why Conduct a Washington Entity Search?

Entity searches may be used to verify critical information about Washington businesses, including:

Check a business’s registration status
Confirm ownership or ensure compliance
Protect against scams
Evaluate a company’s legitimacy before doing business

Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

Verifying a company’s credibility before entering a professional relationship helps build trust and reduce risk.

Investor Research

Business entity searches offer insight into ownership structure and legal standing for better-informed investment decisions.

Supplier Verification

Searches can confirm the legitimacy of suppliers or partners before entering agreements.

Fraud Prevention

Confirming ownership and registration details helps identify scams or fraudulent business practices.

Who Holds Data for Washington Business Entity Search?

The following agencies may hold relevant information about Washington business entities:

What Entities Can You Register in Washington?

Corporations

A corporation is a business entity separate from its owners. It offers limited liability protection and is taxed independently at the corporate level. In Washington, corporations must register and file bylaws with the Secretary of State.

Limited Partnerships (LPs)

LPs have general partners who manage the business and non-managing limited partners with liability protection.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

LLCs protect business owners' liability while allowing profits and losses to be reported on personal tax returns. In Washington, LLCs must file an operating agreement with the Secretary of State.

Nonprofit Corporations

Nonprofits are organizations created for public, charitable, educational, or religious purposes. They can qualify for tax-exempt status under federal and state law.

Sole Proprietorship

In a sole proprietorship, an individual operates the business as themselves, and the law treats the individual and business as the same.

How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name Is Taken in Vermont?

Starting a business in Vermont involves several steps, including ensuring your desired business name is available. A unique business name is essential to establishing your brand and avoiding legal complications. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the Vermont business naming rules.

You may use the Business Search page to check if your preferred business name is available.

Also, you may search through other databases to ensure your desired name is available. These platforms include:

How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Vermont?

Identify your business type and legal structure (profit, nonprofit, foreign corporation, professional corporation).
Choose a unique business name using the Business Name Rules and Availability tool.
File incorporation documents online.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
File for Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FINCEN.
Create an employer tax account with the Department of Labor.
Establish a Vermont tax account with the Vermont Department of Taxes.
Refer to the Register a Business in Vermont guide for more help.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Vermont?

The cost to start a business in Vermont varies depending on the type and size of the business. Typical costs include:

LLP Filing Fees
Domestic: $75, Foreign: $100
Other Business Entity Filings
Domestic and Foreign (Corporations, LLCs, Nonprofits, etc.): $125
Annual Report Filing Fees
Ranging from $15 to $200 depending on the entity type
Renewal Schedule
LLPs and MBEs renew before April 1st; Nonprofits renew biennially; Corporations and LLCs renew during the first 2.5–3 months of each fiscal year

Additional Information Available on the Vermont Secretary of State’s Website

Business Updates
Amendments, mergers, agent changes, and conversions.
Reports and Renewals
Annual and biennial reports, renewals, reinstatements.
End Registration
Terminate domestic or foreign business registration.
Copies and Certificates
Request plain, authenticated, or certified business records.
Other Services
Trademarks, data brokers, and additional support.

FAQs about Business Entity Searches in Vermont

Why would I need to search for a business entity in Vermont?
To check business structure, verify status, or assess investment potential.
What types of entities can I search for in Vermont?
Partnerships, LLCs, LPs, nonprofits, MBEs, corporations, cooperatives, professional corporations.
Where can I perform a business entity search in Vermont?
Use the Business Search page.
What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Vermont?
Business name, record owner, or registered agent name.
How do I find the official name of a Vermont business?
Search via the Business Search web tool.
Can I search for foreign entities in Vermont?
Yes, foreign entities conducting business in Vermont are searchable.
What information can I find in the Vermont entity search?
Status, type, address, reports, purpose, NAICS, agent info, filing history.
How do I verify if a Vermont business is in good standing?
Check status via the Business Search tool.
Can I search for an entity in Vermont by its owner’s name?
Yes, partial or full names of owners can be used.
How often is the Vermont business entity database updated?
Regularly updated to reflect registrations, amendments, and more.
Can I obtain copies of business filings in Vermont?
Yes, through the Certified Copies page or a request form.
How do I find out who the registered agent of a Vermont business is?
Use the Business Search page to view registered agent details.
How can I search for Vermont businesses by their tax ID number?
This option is not available in the current system.
What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Vermont search?
Try alternate spellings, verify the entity number, or use filters like 'start with' or 'exact match'.