Last Updated on March 16, 2023
Guide To Using The Kansas SOS Business Search Database
The Business Services Filing Center maintains records of all the business entities which are registered with the Secretary of State of Kansas. However, the Kansas Secretary of State doesn’t register fictitious names, sole proprietorships, trademarks, or trade names.
Entities registered and recorded in the Center include Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Companies, Limited Partnerships, and Limited Liability Partnerships.
Also see: How to start an LLC in Kansas
Quick Links
How to do a Kansas Business Entity Search
The Kansas Secretary of State facilitates an online tool where users can search for business entities registered with the Business Services Division of the Secretary of State of Kansas.
Below is our easy-to-read guideline to help you with your search for entities in Kansas.
Step 1. Visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s website to begin your search. You will be taken to the Business Entity Search Station (the page looks like the screenshot below).
Step 2. Next, click on the first bullet point (“Business Entity Database”). The page which appears looks something like the screenshot below.
Step 3. Next, you have to click on the search criteria, which include:
- Business entity name
- Kansas SOS Number – This is the state business entity ID number (not the EIN provided by the IRS)
- Keyword
- Resident agent’s full name
- Resident agent’s name; keyword
Step 4. Assuming you’ll search by name, click on “By business entity name” and type in the name in the “Name of Business” field. For this example, let’s type in the name “Embarq” (see the screenshot below for reference).
Step 5. Click on the “Search” button. The Results Page will then appear (it will be similar to the screenshot below).
Step 6. Click on the “View Record” button to access more information about the entity. Available information includes:
- Entity Name
- Mailing Address
- Entity Type (Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.)
- Current Status
- Resident Agent Information
- Business Entity ID Number
- Annual Reports
In addition, a Certificate of Good Standing can be purchased for a small fee of $10.
Step 7. If you’re the owner of an entity, you can update its name, mailing address, and Resident Agent, as well as file reports in the Business Summary Page.
Registered Agent
In Indiana, one of the requirements for a registered business is that a Registered Agent has to be named. This agent is a single point of contact in case the business needs to be served with legal papers or contacted by the state. One of the business owners often files as the entity's Registered Agent. When they file, their home address is often used (PO Boxes aren’t allowed), and the owner's name and address are now a public record that can be looked up by anyone. This can be a big concern, especially for home-based businesses. Using a commercial Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent will keep their personal address from being public record.
Kansas Business Licenses
The business name registration is different from business licensing in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue has more information regarding Kansas business licenses.
Also see: How to do a Kansas UCC search
Information on the Kansas (KS) SOS
Secretary of State Contact Information
534 S. Kansas Avenue, Ste. 1210
Topeka, KS 66603-3434
Fax: (785) 296-5563
Toll-free: (800) 4KANSAS (800-452-6727)
Topeka area: (785) 296-5059
Office:
As one of the constitutional offices of the state, the Secretary of State of Kansas oversees various public and governmental functions.
The current officeholder is Scott Schwab. He has been the Secretary of State of Kansas since 2011.
Functions:
Apart from being the custodian of the Great Seal of the State, there are numerous public affairs that the Secretary of State of Kansas takes care of. He safeguards the public archives, issues licenses, and gives authorizations.
The responsibilities of the Kansas SOS include electoral, economic, and administrative duties.