South Carolina Secretary of State Business Search
Free access to South Carolina's official Secretary of State business entity database (South Carolina Business Entities Online (businessfilings.sc.gov)). Search corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and verify business entities registered in South Carolina. Complete step-by-step guide and FAQ included.
South Carolina Business Database
Direct link to South Carolina Business Entities Online - Free South Carolina business search
How to Search South Carolina Business Entities
Step 1: Access the Official South Carolina Business Entities Online System
Navigate to the official South Carolina Secretary of State business entity search portal at businessfilings.sc.gov/businessfiling/Entity/Search. You can also access it through businessfilings.sc.gov/ or sos.sc.gov/online-filings/business-entities/file-and-search-online. These are the free, government-operated databases for all South Carolina business entities including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
Select how you want to search: by business name (most common), entity number, or registered agent name. The Business Entities Online system offers multiple search options: 'Begins With', 'Contains', or 'Exact Match'. You can search for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities. The system also allows you to file corporate documents and request certificates online.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Type the business name in the search field and select your search type (Begins With, Contains, or Exact Match). Try variations: with and without business suffixes (LLC, Inc, Corp, L.L.C.), partial names if exact match doesn't work, and check for common abbreviations. South Carolina's search is case-insensitive and supports different matching options. You can also search by entity number if you have it, or by registered agent name.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Browse the results list to find your business. Each result shows the business name, entity type, status, filing date, and other key information. South Carolina's database typically shows multiple results if there are similar business names, so review carefully to find the correct entity. Click on the desired entity to view its official business profile and relevant information.
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
The detailed view provides comprehensive information including business name, entity number, entity type, status, registered agent name and address, principal office address, filing date, expiration date, filing history, and access to official records. You can also request documents and certificates, including Certificates of Existence (Good Standing) and Certificates of Authority for out-of-state entities. Verify all information matches what you expect for the business you're researching.
Step 6: Verify Business Status and Request Documents
Check that the business status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing'. If it shows 'Inactive', 'Dissolved', 'Merged', 'Withdrawn', or 'Revoked', the business may not be in good standing with the state. Active status indicates the business is current with all required filings and annual reports. South Carolina requires annual reports to maintain active status. You can request certified copies of corporate filings and Certificates of Existence through the Business Entities Online system.
Official South Carolina Business Database
The South Carolina Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database through <strong className="text-white">South Carolina Business Entities Online (businessfilings.sc.gov)</strong>. This free government database contains information about all business entities registered in South Carolina.
What's Included in the Database:
- • Corporations: C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit corporations, Professional corporations
- • LLCs: Limited Liability Companies (domestic and foreign), Professional LLCs
- • Partnerships: Limited partnerships, Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- • Foreign Entities: Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in South Carolina
- • Professional Entities: Professional corporations and professional LLCs
- • Business Trusts: Statutory trusts and other business structures
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a business in South Carolina?
To search for a South Carolina business, visit the official South Carolina Business Entities Online portal at businessfilings.sc.gov/businessfiling/Entity/Search. You can also access it through businessfilings.sc.gov/ or sos.sc.gov/online-filings/business-entities/file-and-search-online. You can search by business name, entity number, or registered agent name. The database includes corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in South Carolina.
What is the official South Carolina Secretary of State business search website?
The official South Carolina Secretary of State business entity search portal is available at businessfilings.sc.gov/businessfiling/Entity/Search. You can also access it through businessfilings.sc.gov/ or sos.sc.gov/online-filings/business-entities/file-and-search-online. This is the free, government-operated Business Entities Online system where you can search for all business entities registered in South Carolina, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
What information can I find in the South Carolina SOS business database?
The South Carolina Business Entities Online system provides business name, entity number, entity type, status, registered agent name and address, principal office address, filing date, expiration date, filing history, and access to official records. You can also request documents and certificates, including Certificates of Existence (Good Standing) and Certificates of Authority for out-of-state entities.
Is the South Carolina business search free?
Yes, the South Carolina Secretary of State business entity search is completely free. The official search portal at businessfilings.sc.gov/businessfiling/Entity/Search provides free access to search and view business entity information. Some third-party sites may charge fees, but the official state database is free to use.
How do I verify a South Carolina business is legitimate?
To verify a South Carolina business, search the Business Entities Online system for the business name, check that the status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing', verify the registered agent and address match what you expect, review the entity number and filing date, check the filing history, request a Certificate of Existence if needed, and cross-reference with business licenses if applicable. Always use the official South Carolina Secretary of State database for verification.
Can I search South Carolina businesses by entity number?
Yes, the South Carolina Business Entities Online system allows you to search by entity number, which is the unique identifier assigned by the South Carolina Secretary of State to each business entity. You can also search by business name or registered agent name. The entity number is useful for finding specific businesses when you have the exact number.
What types of business entities are registered in South Carolina?
South Carolina registers various business entity types including corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), professional entities, and foreign entities registered to do business in South Carolina. All of these can be searched through the official Business Entities Online system at businessfilings.sc.gov/businessfiling/Entity/Search.
How do I check if a business name is available in South Carolina?
To check if a business name is available in South Carolina, use the official Business Entities Online search at businessfilings.sc.gov/businessfiling/Entity/Search. Use the search options (Begins With, Contains, or Exact Match) to search for the exact name you want to use. If no results appear, the name may be available. However, you should also check for similar names and consult with the South Carolina Secretary of State for official name availability confirmation before filing. South Carolina requires that business names be distinguishable from existing entities.
What is the Business Entities Online system in South Carolina?
The Business Entities Online system (businessfilings.sc.gov) is South Carolina's online platform that allows users to search for business entities, file corporate documents online, and request documents and certificates. It provides access to general information, registered agent details, and enables online filing of organizing documents for new entities and submissions for existing entities.
What is an entity number in South Carolina?
An entity number is the unique identifier assigned by the South Carolina Secretary of State to each business entity registered in the state. This number is used for official filings, searches, and record-keeping. You can search for businesses using their entity number in the Business Entities Online system.
How often do South Carolina businesses need to file annual reports?
South Carolina requires most business entities to file annual reports to maintain active status. The filing requirements and deadlines vary by entity type. Corporations and LLCs typically must file annual reports with the South Carolina Secretary of State. Check the entity's detailed information in the database to see filing history and status. Late filings may result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
Can I request documents and certificates through the South Carolina Business Entities Online system?
Yes, the South Carolina Business Entities Online system allows you to request documents and certificates online. You can obtain certified copies of corporate filings, Certificates of Existence (also known as Certificates of Good Standing), and Certificates of Authority for out-of-state entities. Online filings typically result in receiving a Certificate of Existence within 24 hours.
What search options are available in South Carolina business search?
South Carolina's Business Entities Online system offers multiple search options: 'Begins With' (finds entities whose names start with your search term), 'Contains' (finds entities whose names contain your search term anywhere), and 'Exact Match' (finds entities with names that exactly match your search term). These options help you find businesses even if you're not sure of the exact spelling or format.
About South Carolina Secretary of State Business Search
What is the South Carolina SOS Business Search?
The South Carolina Secretary of State business search is the official government database that contains information about all business entities registered in South Carolina. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business structures operating in SC.
When you search "secretary of state sc business search," you're looking for this official database to verify business registrations, check entity status, and conduct due diligence on South Carolina businesses.
What Information Can You Find?
- •Business entity name and type (Corporation, LLC, etc.)
- •Registration date and current status
- •Registered agent information
- •Principal office address
- •Officers and directors (for corporations)
- •Annual report filing status
Why Use the Official South Carolina SOS Database?
The official South Carolina Secretary of State database (South Carolina Business Entities Online (businessfilings.sc.gov)) is the most reliable source for business entity information. It's free, updated in real-time, and provides authoritative data directly from the state government. Unlike third-party services that may charge fees or have outdated information, the official database ensures you're getting accurate, current business entity data for South Carolina. Always verify business entities through the official SC SOS database before entering into business relationships or financial transactions.
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