Can You Find U.S. Company Registration Info in China? A Clear Guide!

Can U.S. Company Registration Information Be Accessed in China? Let’s Find Out!

In recent years, as Sino-U.S. economic and trade exchanges have become increasingly frequent, more and more Chinese companies are engaging with U.S. businesses-whether for cooperation, investment, or procurement. Understanding the background of a potential partner has become more important than ever. So, can we access U.S. company registration information from within China? Let’s take a closer look.

1. Is U.S. Company Registration Information Publicly Available?

In the United States, company registration falls under the jurisdiction of individual states. Each state manages the registration details of companies incorporated there. Popular states for business registration include Delaware, California, and New York.

Generally speaking, most U.S. states allow the public to search for basic company information online, such as the company name, registration status, date of incorporation, registered address, and registered agent. These records are considered public records Public Record. As long as you know the exact company name and the state where it was registered, you can usually perform a search via the relevant Secretary of State website.

However, it's important to note that the level of disclosure varies from state to state. For example, some states do not publish detailed information about company shareholders or senior executives, while others require companies to submit annual reports that include lists of directors or senior management.

2. Can We Access U.S. Company Information Directly in China?

For users in China, directly accessing these U.S. state websites may present challenges, such as language barriers or internet access restrictions. However, with the increasing transparency of information and the development of cross-border services, it is now possible to access U.S. company registration data from within China through several methods

a. Search Directly on Secretary of State Websites

If you have a basic understanding of English, you can visit the official websites of the relevant states. For example

Delaware https//www.dos.delaware.gov/https//www.dos.delaware.gov/

California https//www.sos.ca.gov/https//www.sos.ca.gov/

By entering the company name, the system will display information such as its registration status, date of incorporation, and registered agent.

b. Use Third-Party Business Information Platforms

Some Chinese enterprise information platforms, such as Tianyancha and Qichacha, mainly focus on domestic companies but also offer limited overseas company search capabilities.

There are also specialized platforms for overseas company information

Dun Bradstreet DB - Provides global business credit reports, including U.S. companies.

ZoomInfo, Crunchbase - Useful for checking registration and operational details of U.S. startups and tech firms.

International Trade Administration ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce - Offers background check services for businesses, especially helpful for pre-export verification.

c. Seek Help from Professional Agencies

If you need more detailed background checks, such as financial status or litigation history, you can turn to foreign-related law firms, commercial investigation companies, or credit agencies in China. These agencies often have overseas partnerships and can provide more comprehensive insights.

3. Recent Case Real-World Application of U.S. Company Information

In 2025, a mid-sized Chinese manufacturing company planned to cooperate with a U.S. firm claiming to be based in California, with advanced technology and a strong customer base. To ensure safety, the Chinese company checked the U.S. company’s registration details via the California Secretary of State website and found that the company was indeed registered-but only for one year, with a registered address at a shared office space.

Further checks through third-party platforms revealed very limited public information, and no job postings were found on LinkedIn or other professional networks. This raised red flags, and the Chinese company decided to pause the cooperation while conducting further verification.

This case shows that even for U.S. companies, preliminary background checks using public resources can help avoid potential risks.

4. Important Notes Not All Information Is Complete

Although U.S. company registration data is relatively transparent, there are a few things to keep in mind

Some information is not publicly available, such as shareholder identities or beneficial owners, unless there is legal or regulatory disclosure.

Company names may be duplicated or frequently changed, so it’s best to verify using additional data like incorporation date and location.

False registrations may exist, even though the U.S. company registration process is formalized. This is especially possible in states with low registration barriers.

5. Conclusion

In short, yes, U.S. company registration information can be accessed in China-if you know the right tools and methods. Whether through official state websites, third-party platforms, or professional assistance, you can gather valuable background information on U.S. companies.

In today’s globalized economy, having access to such information not only supports better business decisions but also helps prevent potential risks. If you’re planning to work with a U.S. company, take the time to do your due diligence. Knowing your partner is the first step toward a successful and stable partnership.