A Quick Guide to Finding Company Registration Numbers in the US!

How to Quickly Find a Company's EIN in the United States

When doing business in or with U.S. companies, it is often necessary to look up an Employer Identification Number EIN, which serves as a company’s unique identifier-similar to a personal Social Security number. The EIN is essential for tax filings, opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and many other official procedures.

So, how can you quickly find a U.S. company’s EIN? This article outlines several practical methods, incorporating recent developments to help you efficiently access accurate information.

1. Request Information via the IRS Official Website

The Internal Revenue Service IRS is the official body responsible for issuing and managing EINs. If you are the company owner or an authorized representative, you can request your EIN directly through the IRS website.

If you are not affiliated with the company but have a legitimate reason to obtain its EIN, you may submit Form 147C, Request for Copy of Tax Return or Transcript. However, this method is typically only applicable between businesses that already have a working relationship, and you must provide a valid explanation for your request.

It's important to note that due to privacy concerns, the IRS does not allow unrestricted public searches for EINs. Therefore, this method is best suited for internal use or for companies already engaged in business together.

2. Review Public Documents and Business Correspondence

In many cases, a company’s EIN appears on publicly available documents such as

Invoices

W-9 forms Taxpayer Identification Number Request Form

Annual reports

SEC filings, especially for publicly traded companies

For example, when U.S. companies collaborate on tax-related matters, they often proactively provide their W-9 form, which includes the EIN. This is commonly requested from freelancers or international vendors before work begins.

Some large corporations also publish their EIN on investor relations pages or legal disclaimer sections of their websites for easy reference by partners.

3. Use Commercial Credit Reporting Platforms

Business credit agencies such as Dun Bradstreet DB, Experian Business, and Equifax Business offer detailed corporate information services, including EINs. While these services usually require payment, they are valuable tools for professionals who frequently verify U.S. company details, such as cross-border traders or legal advisors.

For instance, Dun Bradstreet assigns every registered business a unique DUNS number, and under this number, users can access various data points, including the EIN. Many platforms, such as Apple App Store and Google Play developer accounts, even require a DUNS number to verify a business’s identity during registration.

4. Search State Government Websites

Each U.S. state maintains its own business registration database. While most states do not explicitly display EINs, you can search for a company using its name and address to retrieve basic registration details and contact the company directly for its EIN.

Examples include

California Secretary of State website

New York Division of Corporations portal

These records typically include the company’s formation date, registered address, and principal officer, helping confirm its legitimacy.

5. Leverage Third-Party Business Databases and Platforms

With the growing participation of Chinese businesses in the U.S. market, third-party platforms have begun aggregating U.S. company data. Examples include

ZoomInfo Focused on enterprise data and contact information

Crunchbase Ideal for tech startup research

LinkedIn company pages Occasionally list EINs or other identifiers

These platforms often provide additional insights such as executive profiles, funding history, and industry categorization, making them useful for market research and business development.

6. Pay Attention to Data Security and Legal Compliance

While obtaining an EIN is crucial for business cooperation, it is equally important to ensure compliance with relevant laws and protect data privacy. Under U.S. regulations such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act FCRA, unauthorized use or distribution of business information is prohibited.

In 2025, a case involving the illegal purchase of business data led to a major data breach, resulting in multiple lawsuits. This incident reminds us that while convenience is important, compliance and data security should never be overlooked.

Conclusion

Locating a U.S. company’s EIN is not difficult if you know where and how to look. Whether through the IRS, commercial credit platforms, public documents, or state government portals, you can efficiently obtain the required information.

However, always ensure the source is reliable and the intended use of the EIN complies with legal standards. With the right tools and awareness, you can confidently navigate the U.S. business landscape.