Efficient Guide to Finding US Company Registration Codes

How to Efficiently Find U.S. Company Registration Codes A Comprehensive Guide

In the context of global economic integration, more and more businesses and individuals need to collaborate with U.S. companies-whether through cross-border trade, investment and mergers, or legal affairs. Accurately obtaining U.S. company registration codes, such as EIN and DUNS, has become increasingly important. However, due to the complexity of the U.S. company registration system, many people still feel confused about how to efficiently locate this information. This article provides a practical and systematic overview of several effective methods for finding U.S. company registration codes, supplemented by recent news to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

1. Common Types of U.S. Company Registration Codes

In the United States, different types of company registration codes serve various purposes. The most common ones include

EIN Employer Identification Number Issued by the Internal Revenue Service IRS, the EIN is used to identify business taxpayers, similar to China's Unified Social Credit Code. Almost all companies need to apply for an EIN to open bank accounts, file taxes, and hire employees.

DUNS Number Data Universal Numbering System Issued by Dun Bradstreet, the DUNS number is used for global business identification. Many U.S. federal agencies and large corporations require a DUNS number before entering into partnerships.

State ID Number Issued by the state where the company is registered, this number is used for state-level matters such as annual reporting and business licenses.

NAICS Code North American Industry Classification System Used to classify business industries, often for statistical and procurement purposes.

2. Efficient Methods to Find U.S. Company Registration Codes

2.1 Applying for or Locating an EIN via the IRS Website

The EIN is one of the most critical identifiers for U.S. businesses. If you are a U.S. company owner or authorized representative, you can apply for an EIN directly through the IRS website. However, due to privacy protections, the IRS does not offer a public search function for EINs.

Here are several legal ways to obtain another company's EIN

Review Tax Documents or Invoices EINs are often listed on tax returns, W-9 forms, invoices, or contracts.

Company Website or Annual Reports Some publicly traded companies disclose their EINs on investor relations pages or in annual reports.

Use Commercial Information Platforms Platforms such as Dun Bradstreet, ZoomInfo, and Crunchbase aggregate business data, some of which include EIN lookup services often requiring registration or payment.

2.2 Using the Dun Bradstreet Platform to Find a DUNS Number

The DUNS number is a globally recognized business identifier, especially important when applying for U.S. federal grants, procurement, or collaborating with large corporations. In 2025, the U.S. federal government announced that the DUNS number would become a core requirement in procurement processes, further increasing its importance.

To find a company’s DUNS number, visit the Dun Bradstreet website and search using the company name and address. Basic information may be available for free, while full business credit reports typically require a paid subscription.

2.3 Checking State Websites for State ID Numbers

Every U.S. company has a unique state identification number in the state where it is registered. To find this number, visit the Secretary of State website for the relevant state. For example

California California Secretary of Statehttps//www.sos.ca.gov/

Delaware A popular state for company registration, with a searchable company information database on its official website.

Typically, you only need to enter the company name or EIN to view registration status, incorporation date, registered address, and more.

2.4 Leveraging Third-Party Commercial Information Platforms

With the growing demand for compliance and due diligence, an increasing number of third-party platforms offer U.S. company information services, including

ZoomInfo Provides executive contact details, company contact info, and sometimes EINs.

Crunchbase Focuses on startups and investment data, allowing users to check funding history and registration details.

Bloomberg Business Ideal for finance and investment professionals, offering in-depth corporate data.

OpenCorporates The world’s largest open-source company database, supporting searches by country, company name, and registration number.

These platforms often require registration or a paid subscription but offer high value for cross-border collaboration and investment due diligence.

3. Recent News U.S. Pushes for Greater Business Transparency

In December 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act CTA, requiring nearly all U.S. companies to submit beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network FinCEN. While this measure does not directly disclose registration codes, it signals a growing emphasis on business transparency in the U.S.

For international users verifying U.S. company information, this means more official channels may become available for business registration lookups in the future. It also serves as a reminder to always follow legal and compliant methods when accessing company data to avoid privacy violations or legal breaches.

4. Key Considerations When Searching for U.S. Company Registration Codes

Legality of Information Sources Avoid using illegal methods to obtain EINs or other registration details, as this may violate U.S. privacy laws or the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Timeliness of Information Company registration details may change over time. It’s advisable to verify them regularly, especially before signing contracts or conducting major transactions.

Cross-Verification from Multiple Sources Information from a single source may contain errors. It’s best to cross-check using official websites, third-party platforms, and company documents.

5. Conclusion

Finding U.S. company registration codes is not inherently difficult-the key lies in understanding your specific needs and selecting the appropriate tools and platforms. Whether it's an EIN, DUNS number, or state ID, each serves a unique purpose and has its own lookup path. As the U.S. continues to enhance business information transparency and as third-party platforms evolve, accessing accurate U.S. company registration information is becoming increasingly convenient.

For professionals involved in cross-border business, investors, or legal practitioners, mastering these search methods not only improves work efficiency but also significantly reduces collaboration risks, providing solid support for global business expansion.