What is a New York Entity Search?
A New York Entity Search is a lookup in the public database of business entities registered with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. Every domestic LLC and corporation formed in New York, and every out-of-state business registered to operate here, has a record in that database.
Our search tool queries that data directly, so you can run a business name search without leaving this page. Each result shows the entity's registered name, DOS ID, formation date, county, and entity type.
How to Use Our Business Name Search
- Enter a name or keyword. Type the full business name or its most distinctive word. Leave off endings like "LLC", "Inc.", or "Corp." to catch close variations.
- Filter by entity type (optional). Narrow results to LLCs, corporations, not-for-profits, or partnerships.
- Review the results. Compare the names returned against the one you have in mind, and note the DOS ID of any entity you need to reference later.
Understanding Your Search Results
- Entity Name
- The exact legal name on file with the Department of State, including its designator (LLC, Inc., Corp., L.P.).
- DOS ID
- The unique number the Department of State assigns to each entity. You'll use it on later filings such as the Certificate of Publication and the Biennial Statement.
- Formation Date
- The date the Department of State filed the entity's formation document. For a New York LLC, the 120-day publication deadline counts from this date.
- County
- The county where the entity's office is located, as listed in its formation document. For LLCs, this county determines which newspapers the notice must run in.
- Type
- The entity's legal form and jurisdiction, such as Domestic Limited Liability Company or Foreign Business Corporation.
NY LLC Name Lookup: Checking LLC Name Availability
Before you file Articles of Organization, run an NY LLC name lookup to confirm no existing entity already uses your name. The Department of State will reject a filing if the name isn't distinguishable from a name already on record.
New York LLC naming rules
- The name must include "Limited Liability Company", "LLC", or "L.L.C."
- It must be distinguishable from every other active entity name on file with the Department of State.
- Certain words, such as "bank", "insurance", "trust", "university", or "attorney", are restricted and may require approval from another state agency.
- The name can't imply that the LLC is formed for a purpose it isn't allowed to pursue.
NY Business Registration Lookup: Why People Search
Choosing a new name
Check LLC name availability before filing, so your Articles of Organization aren't rejected.
Vetting a vendor or partner
Confirm a company is registered in New York before you sign a contract or send payment.
Finding your DOS ID
Look up your own entity's DOS ID and formation date for compliance filings.
Tracking your deadline
Use the formation date to work out when your 120-day LLC publication window closes.
Entity Types You'll See in New York
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Domestic Limited Liability Company | An LLC formed under New York law |
| Foreign Limited Liability Company | An LLC formed in another state and registered to do business in New York |
| Domestic Professional Service LLC | A PLLC formed by licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or architects |
| Domestic Business Corporation | A for-profit corporation formed under New York law |
| Domestic Not-for-Profit Corporation | A nonprofit corporation formed under New York law |
| Limited Partnership / LLP | A partnership registered with the Department of State |
Search Tips
- Start broad. One distinctive word returns more matches than a full name.
- Try spelling variations, abbreviations, and numbers written both ways ("5th" and "Fifth").
- Leave out punctuation and designators like "LLC" or "Inc."
- If you're vetting a company, compare the formation date and county against what the business told you.
Found Your Name? Here's What Comes Next
Once you form your LLC, New York requires you to publish a notice of formation in two county-designated newspapers for six consecutive weeks, then file a Certificate of Publication within 120 days. We handle the whole process for a flat fee, starting at $349.
Formed your LLC? Satisfy Section 206.
Flat fee, all 62 counties, no expedite charges. We file your Certificate of Publication with NY DOS.
Start Your LLC Publication →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the New York Entity Search free?
If a name doesn't appear in the search, is it available?
What is a DOS ID?
Can I reserve an LLC name in New York?
Can I search foreign LLCs and corporations?
Disclaimer: Search results are compiled from public records of the New York Department of State and are provided for informational purposes only. LLC Publication Online is not affiliated with the Department of State. Name availability is determined solely by the Department of State at the time of filing.