How to search Georgia business entities online
Updated August 2026
Official Resource
Georgia Official SOS WebsiteGeorgia's business entity search runs through the eCorp portal at ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch, operated by the Corporations Division of the Georgia Secretary of State's office. The division registers domestic and foreign corporations (profit, nonprofit, professional, and benefit), LLCs, limited partnerships, limited liability limited partnerships, and trademarks. General partnerships and sole proprietorships do not file with the Corporations Division.
Search options
eCorp offers five search approaches:
- Business Name — three sub-modes: Starts With, Contains, or Exact Match
- Control Number — the Georgia-assigned entity identifier; returns a single record
- Registered Agent Name — links a specific agent to all entities they represent
- Officer Name — finds entities by the name of a listed officer or manager
- Designated Agent Name — applicable for entities using designated agent services
The search is explicitly not a name availability check. A name appearing in results does not determine whether a similar name would be approved for a new entity — the Corporations Division makes that determination during the filing review process. The same eCorp portal also has separate Service of Process Search and Trademark Search tabs alongside Business Search.
Entity detail records
Selecting an entity from search results opens a full detail record. The search page states it "provides access to all the entity's information of record with the Secretary of State," which includes formation date, current status, registered agent, principal office address, officers or organizers, and filed documents. The detail page also provides direct links to order certificates and copies for the selected entity.
Certificates and copies
Certificates of Existence (the Georgia equivalent of good standing certificates) and certified copies of filed documents are ordered through eCorp. Online processing is immediate — no expedited fee required for online orders. The base fee is $20 for a certificate or for a certified copy (documents under 25 pages). An optional Raised Seal Blue Ink Certificate adds $25. Paper submissions processed within two business days carry an additional $60 fee.
Annual registration window
Georgia entities must file an annual registration each year between January 1 and April 1. A $25 late penalty applies to registrations submitted after April 1. One practical efficiency: Georgia allows filing up to three years of annual registrations at once through eCorp, which can reduce the recurring filing burden for stable entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different ways to search for a business in Georgia's eCorp system?
eCorp offers five search options: Business Name (Starts With, Contains, or Exact Match), Control Number for a single-record lookup, Registered Agent Name, Officer Name, and Designated Agent Name for entities using designated agent services.
Does a name showing up in Georgia's business search mean it's available to use?
No. Georgia's eCorp search is explicitly not a name availability check. A name appearing in results doesn't determine whether a similar name would be approved for a new entity — the Corporations Division makes that call during filing review.
Can I order a Georgia Certificate of Existence directly from the business search?
Yes. Selecting an entity in eCorp gives direct links to order a Certificate of Existence or certified copy for $20. Online orders process immediately with no expedited fee; an optional Raised Seal Blue Ink Certificate adds $25.
This guide is informational only and is not affiliated with the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division. Verify current procedures at the official state website. Last verified: August 2026.