Ohio (OH) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

The Ohio Secretary of State offers a business search facility that provides a variety of ways to search for businesses that are registered in Ohio. You can view a range of information about these businesses which is publicly available information.

You can search their database by:

• Business name
• Agent or registrant
• Organizer or incorporator name
• Document ID or entity number

Search by business name

The Ohio business search database can be searched in several ways by business name which includes business name, exact business name and prior business name. You can also filter the results by active, cancelled, dead or all records.

A list of results will be displayed with details including entity number, name, business type, filing date and expiry date.

More information is available about the businesses displayed in the list by clicking on the show details button in the right-hand column. The business record includes information such as:

• Entity number
• Filing type
• Original filing date
• Business name
• Status
• Expiry date
• Agent/registrant information
• Filing details

You can also purchase a Certificate of Good Standing and download copies of documents that have been filed.

Search by agent or registrant

The Ohio business database can be searched by agent or registrant name.

The search results are listed in a table which includes entity number, name, business type, filing date and expiry date.

You can view any of the businesses in more detail by clicking on the show details button in the right-hand column. The business record provides a range of additional information about businesses including filing date and filing details plus more as listed above in search by business name.

Search by organizer or incorporator name

The database can also be searched by organizer or incorporator name and you can add a further filter of the location of incorporation.

The results are displayed in a list which includes entity number, name, business type, filing date and expiry date.

If you want to see further information about any of the businesses listed you can click on the show details button in the right-hand column. The publicly held details will be displayed which includes the agent details, filing date and filing details, plus more as detailed in search by business name.

Search by document ID or entity number

If you know a document ID or entity number for a business you can search for them on the Ohio database by this.

The results should be a single record as these numbers are unique to the business or document. You can view more information about the business by clicking on the show details button in the right-hand column of the search results which will display details such as agent details, filing date and history, plus more as listed in search by business name.

Contact details

Website: https://www.ohiosos.gov/

Phone: (614) 466-3910

Address: 180 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.00pm

How to register a business in Ohio?

Starting a business can be complex so below there are several steps to help you get your business registered:

1. The first step is to decide what you are going to call your business. You should also check whether the name is in use in Ohio by searching the Ohio business database.
2. The next step is to decide what business structure you are going to operate under such as a limited liability company.
3. The next step is to complete formation documents which vary depending on your business type. You can complete the filings online by registering for an account. The cost of filing business formation documents is $99 for most business types.
   • Corporations need to complete Articles of Incorporation
   • Limited liability companies need to complete Articles of Organization
   • Partnerships need to complete a Statement of Partnership Authority
   • Limited partnerships need to complete a Certificate of Limited Partnership
   • Limited Liability Partnerships need to complete a Statement of Domestic Qualification

How much does an Ohio business entity search cost?

There is no charge for searching for businesses on the Ohio business search database.

How can I get a business license in Ohio?

There is no statewide business license in Ohio, but most businesses will need to acquire some kind of license before they start operating. One of the main licenses is a vendor license or what is sometimes called a seller’s permit. You can search for licenses and permits on the Ohio.gov eLicense system.

Businesses may also be required to get local licenses which are managed at the city or county level, and you will need to contact your local office for details about licenses that could be generic business licenses or industry/profession licenses. Fees for licenses and permits vary depending on the license and location.