How to search New York business entities online

New York business entity records are maintained by the New York Department of State (DOS), Division of Corporations. The public search database is at apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry. In New York, the Secretary of State functions as a department head within the DOS; there is no separate SOS office for business filings.

What the search covers

The database covers all entity types filed with the DOS Division of Corporations: domestic and foreign LLCs, business corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited partnerships, LLPs, and registered limited liability partnerships. Assumed business names (DBA) filed with the DOS are also searchable. Note that assumed names filed at the county clerk level are not in this database.

Search options

Three name-based search modes are available:

• Base Word — strips corporate designators (LLC, Inc., Corp.) and searches on the core words; the broadest option and the best starting point for availability checks
• Contains — returns all entities whose name includes your search string
• Begins With — returns entities whose name starts with your string

In addition to name searches, you can look up an entity directly by its DOS ID number, or search by Assumed Name for DBA registrations. Results display current status, filing date, county, registered agent, and principal office address where on file.

New York LLC — the newspaper publication requirement

New York imposes a publication requirement on newly formed LLCs that has no parallel in most other states. Within 120 days of the DOS issuing the Articles of Organization, the LLC must publish a notice of formation in two newspapers designated by the county clerk of the county where the LLC's principal office is located — one daily and one weekly. After publication, an Affidavit of Publication must be filed with the DOS. Failure to complete publication can result in the LLC's authority to conduct business in New York being suspended.

Publication costs vary significantly by county. In Manhattan and Brooklyn, the designated newspapers charge several hundred to over a thousand dollars. In upstate counties, costs are substantially lower. Plan publication costs into your total formation budget before selecting a principal office county.

Biennial Statements — New York's ongoing compliance requirement

Unlike most states that require annual reports, New York requires a Biennial Statement every two years for most entities. The filing is due in the anniversary month of the entity's formation. The fee is $9. New York sends reminder notices; late filings are subject to a $9 penalty. LLCs, corporations, and LLPs all follow this biennial cycle.

This guide is informational only and is not affiliated with the New York Department of State. Verify current procedures at dos.ny.gov/corps. Source: New York Department of State Division of Corporations, verified May 2026.