Need to verify a business? Here’s how:
Table of contents
Secretary of State Websites
Most states have online business search tools.
- Search by name.
- Verify registration status.
Online Business Directories
Yelp‚ Google Maps‚ and BBB offer business listings.
Local County Records
Check county clerk’s office for business licenses.
Industry-Specific Databases
Some industries have their own databases.
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)
Provides business credit reports and information.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Check for ratings and complaints.
State’s Professional Licensing Boards
Verify licenses for specific professions.
Use Search Engines
Google the business name with location.
Check Social Media
Find business pages on platforms like Facebook.
Legal Databases
LexisNexis or Westlaw for legal information.
Why Look Up a Business?
There are many reasons why you might need to look up a business. Here are a few common ones:
- Verification: Ensure the business is legitimate and legally registered.
- Due Diligence: Research a company before doing business with them‚ whether as a customer‚ partner‚ or investor.
- Contact Information: Find accurate contact details‚ including address‚ phone number‚ and email.
- Background Checks: Investigate a company’s history‚ reputation‚ and potential legal issues.
- Competitor Analysis: Research competitors to understand their strengths‚ weaknesses‚ and market position.
- Job Search: Learn more about a company before applying for a job.
Information You Can Typically Find
The specific information you can uncover when looking up a business varies depending on the source‚ but often includes:
- Legal Name: The officially registered name of the business.
- Doing Business As (DBA) Name: The name under which the business operates‚ if different from the legal name.
- Business Address: The physical location of the business.
- Contact Information: Phone number‚ email address‚ and website.
- Registration Status: Whether the business is active‚ inactive‚ or dissolved.
- Date of Incorporation/Formation: When the business was officially registered.
- Business Type: Corporation‚ LLC‚ sole proprietorship‚ etc.
- Principal Officers/Owners: Names of the individuals responsible for the business.
- Industry Classification (NAICS Code): The industry in which the business operates.
- License Information: Details about any required licenses or permits.
- Credit Rating: (From sources like D&B) An assessment of the business’s creditworthiness.
- Customer Reviews & Complaints: (From sources like BBB‚ Yelp‚ Google) Feedback from customers about their experiences.
- Legal History: (From legal databases) Information about lawsuits‚ bankruptcies‚ or other legal issues.
Tips for Effective Business Lookups
To get the most accurate and comprehensive results‚ consider these tips:
- Be Specific: Use the full legal name of the business if possible.
- Check Multiple Sources: Don’t rely on just one source of information. Compare results from different databases.
- Consider Location: If you’re unsure of the business’s location‚ start with a broad search and then narrow it down.
- Pay Attention to Dates: Make sure the information you’re finding is current and up-to-date.
- Beware of Similar Names: Double-check that you’ve found the correct business‚ especially if there are multiple businesses with similar names.
- Use Advanced Search Operators: When using search engines‚ try using advanced search operators like quotes (“business name”)‚ site: (site:bbb.org)‚ or intitle: (intitle:”business name”) to refine your search.
By utilizing these resources and tips‚ you can effectively look up a business and gather the information you need for informed decision-making.
