How to Perform an Iowa Business Entity Search

Conducting a thorough business entity search in Iowa is a crucial first step for entrepreneurs planning to start a business in the Hawkeye State. Whether you’re forming a new LLC, corporation, or simply checking on an existing company’s status, the Iowa Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool provides valuable information that can help you make informed decisions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of conducting a business entity search in Iowa, provide state-specific tips, explain what the results mean, and outline the next steps to take after completing your search.

What is the Iowa Secretary of State Business Entity Search Tool?

The Iowa Secretary of State manages the official “Iowa Business Entities Search” portal, which serves as the state’s central database for all registered business entities. This tool allows users to search for businesses by name or business number, providing access to crucial information about companies registered in Iowa.

The search database includes various business types such as:

• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
• Corporations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Limited partnerships
• Trade names/fictitious names
• Foreign business entities authorized to operate in Iowa

How to Use the Iowa Business Entity Search Tool: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to conduct a successful business entity search in Iowa:

Step 1: Access the Iowa Business Entity Search Portal

1. Visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at sos.iowa.gov
2. Navigate to the “Business Services” section
3. Click on “Business Entity Search” or “Search for a Business”
4. You’ll be directed to the Business Entity Search page

Step 2: Enter Your Search Criteria

The Iowa Business Entity Search tool offers multiple search options:

Search by Business Name:

1. Type the name (or first few letters) of the business you’re searching for in the “Business Name” field
2. You don’t need to include designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” for broader results
3. The search is not case-sensitive, so typing in lowercase or uppercase doesn’t matter
4. Special characters and punctuation are typically ignored in the search results

Search by Business Number:

1. If you know the business registration number, enter it in the “Business Number” field
2. This method provides the most precise results if you’re looking for a specific entity

Step 3: Review the Search Results

After clicking “Search,” you’ll see a list of matching businesses with the following information:

• Business Number (a unique identifier assigned by the state)
• Business Name
• Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved, etc.)
• Type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)

The results are displayed in a table format with up to 1,000 results per search. You can sort the results by clicking on any column header.

Step 4: Access Detailed Business Information

To view comprehensive information about a specific business:

1. Click on the blue “Business Number” link of the entity you’re interested in
2. You’ll be directed to the business details page, which includes:
   • Legal business name
   • Principal office address
   • Registered agent information (name and address)
   • Date of formation/registration
   • Current status
   • Next filing due date
   • Business type
   • Duration (perpetual or specific term)
   • State of domestic jurisdiction (for foreign entities)

Step 5: Access Additional Documents and Information

From the business details page, you can:

1. View filing history
2. Access copies of public documents (may require a fee)
3. Check if annual/biennial reports are up to date
4. Verify if the business is in good standing with the state

Iowa-Specific Search Tips and Quirks

Unique Aspects of the Iowa Business Entity Search:

1. No Login Required: Unlike some states, Iowa’s business search tool doesn’t require creating an account or logging in to perform basic searches.
2. Name Availability Search: The system shows similar or identical names, making it easy to check if your desired business name is already taken.
3. Partial Name Searches: You can enter just the first few letters of a business name to get broader results. For example, typing “CORN” will show “CORNERSTONE BUILDERS,” “CORN BELT INSURANCE,” etc.
4. Results Limitations: Each search will return a maximum of 1,000 results. If your search is too broad, you may need to refine it.
5. Document Access: While basic business information is free to view, obtaining certified copies of documents requires a fee and can be requested online or by mail.
6. Biennial Reporting: Iowa requires biennial reports (every other year) rather than annual reports, so status information updates may be less frequent than in some other states.

Sample Business Name Search Simulation

Let’s simulate a business entity search for “Hawkeye Construction”:

1. Enter “Hawkeye Construction” in the search field
2. Click “Search”
3. Results might show:
   • Hawkeye Construction LLC (Active)
   • Hawkeye Construction Services Inc. (Active)
   • Hawkeye Construction & Development Co. (Inactive)
4. Click on “Hawkeye Construction LLC” business number
5. The details page shows:
   • Business Number: 123456
   • Status: Active
   • Type: Limited Liability Company
   • State of Organization: Iowa
   • Filing Date: 05/10/2021
   • Registered Agent: John Smith
   • Registered Office: 123 Main St, Des Moines, IA 50309
   • Next Biennial Report Due: 04/01/2023

Understanding Iowa Business Status Designations

When viewing search results, you’ll see various status designations. Here’s what they mean:

• Active: The business is in good standing with all filings up to date
• Inactive: The business exists but is not currently operating
• Admin Dissolved: The business was administratively dissolved by the Secretary of State (usually for failing to file biennial reports)
• Dissolved: The business was voluntarily dissolved by its owners
• Revoked: The business’s authority to operate in Iowa has been revoked
• Name Reserved: The name is currently reserved but the business is not yet formed
• Expired: The business registration has expired
• Terminated: The business has been formally terminated

What to Do After Your Iowa Business Entity Search

If Your Desired Business Name is Available:

1. Reserve the Name (Optional): You can reserve your business name for 120 days by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Iowa Secretary of State and paying a $10 fee. This gives you time to prepare your formation documents without worrying about someone else taking the name.
2. Form Your Business Entity: Depending on your chosen business structure, you’ll need to file either:
   • Certificate of Organization (for LLCs) – $50 filing fee
   • Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) – fees vary
   • Application for Certificate of Authority (for foreign entities) – $100 filing fee
3. Register Your Name as a Trademark (Optional): If you want additional protection for your business name, you can register it as a trademark with the Iowa Secretary of State for $30.

If Your Desired Business Name is Taken:

1. Modify Your Business Name: Add additional words, change the spelling, or use a different name entirely.
2. Check Name Availability of Alternatives: Perform additional business entity searches to ensure your alternative name choices are available.
3. Consider a DBA (Doing Business As): If you really want to use a particular name but it’s already taken, you can register a “fictitious name” or DBA for $5, as long as it doesn’t create confusion with existing businesses.

How to Reserve a Business Name in Iowa

If your desired name is available and you’re not ready to form your business immediately, follow these steps to reserve it:

1. Download the Form: Get the “Application for Reservation of Name” from the Iowa Secretary of State website or through the Fast Track Filing system.
2. Complete the Form: Fill out all required information, including:
   • Your name and contact information
   • The business name you want to reserve
   • The type of entity you plan to form
3. Submit the Form: You can file online through the Fast Track Filing system or mail it to: Iowa Secretary of State Business Services Division First Floor, Lucas Building 321 E. 12th St. Des Moines, IA 50319
4. Pay the Fee: Include the $10 reservation fee. Online payments accept credit cards, while mail submissions require a check payable to “Secretary of State.”
5. Receive Confirmation: Once processed, you’ll receive confirmation that your name is reserved for 120 days.
6. Renewal (if needed): You can renew your name reservation once for an additional 120 days.

Iowa Business Registration Fees and Requirements

After conducting your business entity search and confirming your name is available, you’ll need to understand the fees associated with forming your business:

• LLC Formation: $50 (Certificate of Organization)
• Corporation Formation: $50 (Articles of Incorporation)
• Name Reservation: $10 (valid for 120 days)
• Foreign Entity Registration: $100 (Application for Certificate of Authority)
• Fictitious Name/DBA Registration: $5
• Biennial Report: $60 (due every other year by April 1 of odd-numbered years)
• Certificate of Good Standing: $5

Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Business Entity Searches

What does an “Admin Dissolved” status mean?

Administrative dissolution occurs when a business fails to file its biennial report or pay required fees. The business no longer exists as a legal entity, but the name remains unavailable for five years after dissolution.

How long does a name reservation last in Iowa?

Name reservations in Iowa last for 120 days and can be renewed once for an additional 120 days.

Are Iowa business entity search results always current?

The database is updated regularly, but there may be a slight delay between when documents are filed and when they appear in the search results. The most current information is typically available within 1-2 business days after filing.

Can I search for a registered agent in Iowa?

Yes, you can search by registered agent name, although this feature may provide numerous results if the agent represents multiple businesses.

What information is publicly available through the business entity search?

Publicly available information includes business name, registration date, status, registered agent, principal office address, and filing history. Personal information like Social Security numbers is redacted from public view.

What should I do if my desired business name is taken?

You’ll need to choose a different name that’s distinguishable from existing business names or consider using a DBA (doing business as) name for branding purposes while registering under a different legal name.

Resources for Iowa Business Entity Searches

• Iowa Secretary of State – Business Entity Search
• Fast Track Filing System
• Iowa Business Entity Forms and Fees
• Iowa Code Chapter 489 – Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act
• Iowa Secretary of State Business Services Division

Contact Information for the Iowa Secretary of State

Mailing Address:

Iowa Secretary of State
Business Services Division
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone: (515) 281-5204 Email: [email protected] Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time)

Explore Business Entity Search Guides for Other States

Expanding your business or researching entities in other states? Check out our comprehensive guides for conducting business entity searches in:

• How to Do a Business Entity Search in California
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Texas
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Florida
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in New York
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Illinois
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Delaware
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Ohio
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Michigan
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Minnesota
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Wisconsin