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Pennsylvania Dept. of State | Business Entity Search

The Pennsylvania Department of State Business Entity Search is a publicly available tool provided by the state government. It allows you to check if a business name has been reserved in Pennsylvania, verify the status of an existing business, or gather general information about any business entity registered in the state.

Steps to Perform a Business Entity Search in Pennsylvania

1. Access the Pennsylvania Business Entity Search Page

Start by visiting the official Pennsylvania Business Entity Search page:

Visit the search page

2. Enter Your Search Criteria

You have two options for searching:

  • Simple Search: If you’re looking for a basic search, type the keyword or business name into the search box and click the “Select” button.

  • Advanced Search: Choose the “Advanced” option for more specific results. This provides additional search parameters like word placement and date filters. Once you’ve set your preferences, click the “Search” button to retrieve results.

Available Search Filters:

  • Contains
  • Starts With
  • Filing Type
  • Status
  • Filing Date

3. Review the Search Results

Once you’ve entered your search details, scroll down to see the list of results. Each business entity is displayed in a row with key information. To learn more about a specific business, click on the entity name.

Displayed Information Includes:

  • Filing Information
  • Initial Filing Date
  • Status
  • Entity Type
  • State of Formation
  • Address

4. View Detailed Information

After selecting a specific business entity, additional details will appear on the right side of the page. Here, you can review the entity’s public information, filing history, and request further documentation.

Key Details Provided:

  • Request a Certificate
  • Initial Filing Date
  • Status
  • State of Formation
  • Filing Type
  • Principal Address
  • Interested Individuals
  • View Filing History

Last updated October 28, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of businesses can I search for on the Pennsylvania Business Entity Search?

You can search for any business registered in Pennsylvania, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and non-profits.

Can I check if a business name is available for registration?

Yes, the Pennsylvania Business Entity Search allows you to check if a business name is already taken or available for use in the state.

How do I verify the status of a business in Pennsylvania?

After performing a search, you can check the current status of a business (e.g., active, inactive, or dissolved) in the results, which will include up-to-date status information.

Can I search for businesses that are no longer active?

Yes, you can search for inactive or dissolved businesses by selecting the appropriate status filters in the search options.

How can I obtain certified copies of business filings?

You can request certified copies of business filings directly from the Pennsylvania Department of State by selecting the “Request Certificate” option after viewing an entity’s details.