The Texas Business Entity Search is an essential tool for entrepreneurs, investors, and legal professionals to verify and obtain detailed information about companies registered in the state. By using the official Texas Secretary of State (SOS) database, individuals can easily search for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other registered entities. In this comprehensive guide, we provide a step-by-step process, useful tips, and detailed explanations to ensure your search is accurate, effective, and compliant with Texas regulations.
Understanding the Texas Business Entity Search
The Texas Business Entity Search allows users to access public records about businesses registered with the Texas SOS. This includes:
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Business Name
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Entity Type (Corporation, LLC, Partnership, etc.)
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File Number
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Registered Agent Information
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Status (Active, Forfeited, Inactive)
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Filing History
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Formation Date
This tool is vital for due diligence, trademark verification, competitive research, and legal compliance.
Benefits of Using the Texas SOS Business Search
1. Verify a Company’s Legitimacy
Before entering into business agreements, you can confirm whether an entity is legally registered and in good standing.
2. Access Public Filing Information
Retrieve documents such as the Certificate of Formation, amendments, and status reports.
3. Identify Registered Agents
Registered agents are responsible for receiving legal notices. This information is useful for service of process or legal correspondence.
4. Avoid Naming Conflicts
Entrepreneurs can use the database to check name availability before registering a new business in Texas.
How to Perform a Texas Business Entity Search
Step 1 – Access the Texas SOSDirect Website
The Texas Secretary of State maintains the SOSDirect portal, which is the official online business entity search platform.
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Website: https://www.sos.state.tx.us
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Click on SOSDirect to begin your search.
Step 2 – Choose Your Search Criteria
The Texas SOS allows searches using:
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By Name – Enter the exact or partial business name.
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By File Number – Use the unique file number assigned to the entity.
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By Registered Agent – Search businesses associated with a specific registered agent.
Step 3 – Enter Search Details
When searching by name, use variations to capture possible matches. For example:
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If searching for “Lone Star Coffee LLC,” try “Lone Star Coffee” and “Lone Star.”
Step 4 – Review Search Results
Search results will display:
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Entity Name
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File Number
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Status
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Registered Agent Name
Click on the entity name for a detailed profile.
Step 5 – Purchase Official Documents (Optional)
For a small fee, you can order:
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Certificate of Fact – Status
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Copies of Filed Documents
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Certified Copies
These documents are often required for bank accounts, loans, or legal cases.
Texas Business Entity Status Types
When you search, you will encounter different status types:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | Entity is in good standing and authorized to operate in Texas. |
| Forfeited | Entity lost its right to operate due to unpaid taxes or non-compliance. |
| Inactive | Entity has been voluntarily or involuntarily dissolved. |
| Not in Good Standing | Entity is delinquent on filings or fees. |
Before registering your business, you must ensure the name is unique and compliant with Texas naming rules.
Steps:
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Go to SOSDirect.
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Use the Name Availability Search.
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Check for exact and close matches.
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Avoid prohibited words unless authorized (e.g., “Bank,” “Insurance”).
Texas Secretary of State Fees for Business Search Services
While basic search functions are free, obtaining official documents requires payment:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Fact – Status | $15 |
| Certified Copies | $1 per page + $15 certification fee |
| Name Reservation | $40 |
| SOSDirect Subscription | $1 per search + applicable document fees |
Tips for Effective Texas Business Entity Search
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Use Partial Words – Helps capture entities with variations in spelling.
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Include and Exclude Keywords – Improves accuracy in large search results.
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Search by Agent Name – Useful if you know the registered agent but not the business name.
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Check Entity History – Reviewing amendments helps understand business evolution.
Why the Texas SOSDirect Search is Important for Business Decisions
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For Investors – Helps assess a company’s legal standing.
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For Entrepreneurs – Ensures compliance before registration.
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For Attorneys – Provides verified records for legal cases.
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For Journalists – Confirms factual information about businesses.
Alternatives to Texas SOSDirect Search
While SOSDirect is the official source, third-party databases such as OpenCorporates or Manta offer aggregated data. However, only the Texas SOS provides legally recognized, up-to-date records.
Texas Business Entity Search for Foreign (Out-of-State) Companies
If your company is based outside Texas but operates within the state, it must register as a Foreign Entity. You can search for these registrations in SOSDirect using the same steps.
Maintaining a Good Standing Status in Texas
To avoid forfeiture or dissolution:
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File annual reports on time
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Pay state franchise taxes
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Keep registered agent information current
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Update formation documents as needed
Conclusion
The Texas Business Entity Search is an indispensable tool for verifying company legitimacy, accessing public business records, and ensuring name availability for new registrations. By using SOSDirect effectively, you can make informed decisions, prevent costly mistakes, and maintain compliance with Texas business laws.
