How to do a New Jersey Business Search

Last Updated on April 5, 2023

New Jersey state map

How to do a New Jersey Business Search

The business corporation registry is the recorder of every business and corporate entity that is incorporated in the state. The registry has all the filing and regulatory information stored in it which has given it the shape of a database. The various types of entities (also called a legal or business structure) that have their information stored in the registry are as follows:

  • Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Limited Companies
  • Limited Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships

Information on a sole proprietorship or general partnership can be found at the county clerk’s office, in the county where the business is located. There you can search by the name of the business owner and Trade Name (also referred to as the DBA name)

The Secretary of State of New Jersey facilitates an online business entity search tool that lets you search the database for any entity that is headquartered in the state. The type of searches that can be done is as follows:

  • Business Name
  • Entity ID
  • Principal Name
  • Registered Agent
  • Associated Name

Read on the following step-by-step procedure which will assist you in your search for registered entities in New Jersey.

Also see: How to start an LLC in New Jersey

Search by Name

Step 1. Visit the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.  Click on the link for “Business Entity Name Search.”

Step 2. Choose the type of search by clicking on one of the radio buttons. Here we have selected Business Name. Have a look at the screenshot below.
New Jersey Corporation Entity Search

Step 3. Type in the business name in the field. For a sample search, let us key in “CardCash” in the business name field. The screenshot below shows the same.
New Jersey Business Entity Search Details ListStep 4. Click on Continue, and the result page with a list of company names will appear as shown in the screenshot below.
New Jersey SOS Result

Step 5. You can order copies of formation certificates and status reports by clicking on the buttons on the result page itself.

Search for Name Availability

If you are looking to find a name for your new business, visit the Business Name Availability page to see if the name is available. Each corporation and Limited Liability Company must have a unique name.

Search by Keyword

Instead of searching by the business name, select the Search by Keyword button and try different variations of keywords to find the business you are looking for.

Search by Entity ID

A lesser-used search function, you can also search by the Entity ID, which is the number assigned by the Secretary of State.

Business Licenses

The business name registration is different from small business licensing in New Jersey.  The New Jersey Treasury Department has more information regarding New Jersey business licenses.

Also see: How to do a New Jersey UCC search

Information on SOS New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey SOS seal

The Office:
The Secretary of State of New Jersey is the constitutional office in the US state of New Jersey. The Secretary of State of New Jersey oversees the duties of the Department of State of New Jersey, which is the original office of the state.

Functionalities:

The Secretary of State of New Jersey is the guardian of the Great Seal of the State. Apart from this, the New Jersey Secretary of State is the regulatory body for the state archives and is the keeper of the public records.

The various divisions where the Secretary of State of New Jersey plays a significant role are as follows:

  • Business and Commercial Division
  • Elections Division
  • Council on Arts
  • The Historic Commission
  • Inspector General
  • The State Planning Commission

Contact Information for the Secretary of State, Enterprise Service

PO Box 450
Trenton, NJ 08646
Phone:609-292-9292
E-mail: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/digitaldirector.htm


Select the State Where the Corporation is Registered: