How to Check U.S. Company Registration Information? The Complete Guide Is Here!

Do you want to know how to check the registration information of a U.S. company? Here is everything you need!

When conducting business in the United States, whether it's for investment, cooperation, or starting a business, understanding the registration information of the target company is a crucial step. It not only helps assess the reliability of the company but also avoids potential legal and financial risks. So, how can you efficiently and accurately obtain the registration information of a U.S. company? This article will provide a detailed explanation.

I. Basic Information on U.S. Company Registration

In the United States, company registration is managed by each state, so there are slight differences in the registration systems across states. Generally, companies need to file with the state’s business department or relevant authority and obtain a business license. For example, company registration in California is managed by the California Secretary of State, while New York State is handled by the New York Department of State.

According to the 2025 July report from the U.S. Department of Commerce on enterprise registration trends, there are approximately 35 million registered businesses nationwide, more than 80% of which are small businesses. This means that to obtain accurate company information, it is essential to use official channels for verification.

II. Common Methods for Inquiry

1. Official State Website Inquiry

Each state has its own official website that provides company registration information. For example, in California, users can access the online inquiry system at https//www.sos.ca.gov/business/eservices/ by entering the company name or number to get information such as company type, establishment date, shareholder details, and registered address.

Similarly, New York State company registration information can be checked at https//www.nysed.gov/businesses/corporate. These websites usually support multiple search methods, such as searching by company name, EIN Employer Identification Number, or company number.

2. Using Third-Party Business Information Platforms

In addition to official channels, many third-party platforms also offer U.S. company information query services. For example, LexisNexis, Dun Bradstreet, and ZoomInfo can provide more comprehensive company background information, including financial status, industry classification, and employee size.

Notably, in June 2025, Dun Bradstreet launched a new data integration feature that combines company registration information with credit scores and supply chain relationships, offering more accurate business analysis. This update has been well-received by many investors and traders.

3. Federal Tax Authority Inquiry

For companies involved in federal taxes, you can also check through the Internal Revenue Service IRS website. Although the IRS mainly handles tax registration, its database also includes some basic company information, such as EIN numbers and company types.

III. Issues to Be Aware Of When Inquiring

1. Information Varies by Company Type

U.S. companies are mainly divided into LLCs Limited Liability Companies, C-Corps C Corporations, S-Corps S Corporations, and others. Different types of companies have different requirements for registration information. For example, LLC registration information typically includes member details, while C-Corps list board members and executives.

2. Some Information May Not Be Public

Although most states require companies to disclose certain information, some may remain confidential due to privacy protection. For instance, the identity of shareholders or specific business addresses of some companies may not be fully disclosed. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek assistance from lawyers or professional consultants to obtain more information.

3. Pay Attention to the Timeliness of Information

Company information may change as the business develops, such as changes in company name or shareholder structure. When using the query results, it is recommended to regularly verify the latest information to ensure accuracy.

IV. Practical Case Analysis

Take an e-commerce cross-border cooperation case in September 2025 as an example. A Chinese company checked the registration information of a U.S. supplier through the California official website before cooperation and found that the company had multiple complaints. Ultimately, the Chinese company decided to suspend the cooperation, avoiding potential losses.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal in August 2025, some unscrupulous merchants used false registration information for fraud, causing significant economic losses to many small and medium-sized enterprises. Strengthening company information verification has become an important part of corporate risk management.

V. Conclusion

Checking the registration information of a U.S. company is one of the fundamental tasks in conducting international business. By using official channels and third-party platforms, companies can obtain accurate and reliable company background information, enabling more informed decisions. With the development of digital technology, future company information inquiries will become more convenient and transparent. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or trader, mastering this skill will give you a significant advantage.

We hope this article helps you better understand how to check the registration information of a U.S. company and supports your business journey.