Pennsylvania (PA) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

A business search facility is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State which is designed to enable users to search their database for businesses that have been registered in Pennsylvania. They provide a basic and advanced search facility to find businesses and allow you to view publicly available information about those businesses.

You can search by:

• Business name
• File number

Search by business name

The Pennsylvania Business Search database can be searched by business name in a basic or advanced search. The advanced search enables additional filters which include a choice of contains or starts with, choice of filing types, choice of status and filing start and end dates.

The search results produce a list of all compatible businesses which include details about the businesses including business name, file number, initial filing date, status, entity type, formed in and address.

You can view more details about the businesses by clicking on the business name in the filing information column which is colored blue. This displays the publicly available information including:

• Business name
• File number
• Initial filing date
• Status
• Formed in (place)
• Filing type
• Filing subtype
• Registered office
• Filing history

You can also request a copy of certificates which incur a charge of $40 processing fee plus $3 per page.

Search by file number

If you know the file number for a business you can search the Pennsylvania Business Search database by the file number.

This search should result in a single record as the file number is unique to the business. The results will display the business name, file number, initial filing date, status, entity type, formed in and address. More information about the business can viewed by clicking on the filing information column highlighted in blue and additional information such as filing subtype, registered office and filing history.

Contact details

Website: https://www.dos.pa.gov

Phone: (717) 787-1057 or toll-free (888) 659-9962

Address: 401 North Street, Room 206, Harrisburg, PA 17120

Email: RA-CORPS@pa.gov

How to register a business in Pennsylvania?

If you are starting a business in Pennsylvania you will need to register your business before you start operating. These steps can help you to register your business:

1. You will first need to decide what you are going to call your business and check whether the name is already in use in Pennsylvania on the Pennsylvania Business Search database.
2. You will also need to choose which business structure you are going to operate under as this will determine which forms you need to complete and how you will operate.
3. You can then register your business which can be completed online by creating an account on the Business One-Stop Shop Hub

How much does a Pennsylvania business entity search cost?

The Pennsylvania Secretary of State does not charge for business entity searches on their business search database.

How can I get a business license in Pennsylvania?

There is no general Pennsylvania statewide business license but you will need to register your business and most businesses may need a sales tax license if they are selling goods or services in Pennsylvania. Other industry or professional licenses may be required depending on what your business does and you can search the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) for licenses.

Local and municipal registrations, licenses and permits may also be required and you should contact your local county or city office about these. Fees for all these licenses and permits will vary depending on the type and location.