How to Do a Maryland Business Entity Search

Are you starting a business in Maryland or need to research an existing company? The Maryland Business Entity Search tool is an invaluable resource provided by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of using Maryland’s official business search portal, explain what the results mean, and provide expert tips to make your search more effective.

What is the Maryland Business Entity Search Tool?

The Maryland Business Entity Search is the official online database maintained by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation that allows users to search for information about businesses registered in Maryland. Using this tool, you can verify if a business name is available, check a company’s good standing status, find a business’s resident agent, and access other critical information.

Official Name: Maryland Business Express – Business Entity Search Official Website: https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress/entitysearch

Why You Might Need to Conduct a Maryland Business Entity Search

There are several reasons why you might need to use the Maryland Business Entity Search tool:

• Starting a business: To check if your desired business name is available
• Due diligence: To verify a company’s existence and status before doing business with them
• Legal proceedings: To find official business information for legal documents
• Finding a resident agent: To locate a company’s official point of contact
• Checking your own business: To confirm your company’s good standing status

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Maryland’s Business Entity Search

Step 1: Access the Official Search Portal

1. Visit the Maryland Business Express website at https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress/entitysearch
2. You’ll see the search interface prominently displayed on the page

Step 2: Choose Your Search Method

The Maryland Business Entity Search tool offers several ways to search:

• Business Name: The most common search method
• Department ID: If you know the unique 8-digit identification number
• Trade Name: To search for a registered “doing business as” (DBA) name
• Resident Agent: To search by the registered agent’s name

Step 3: Enter Your Search Criteria

For a business name search:

1. Select “Business Name” from the dropdown menu
2. Type the name you’re searching for in the search field
   • Pro Tip: For best results, use only the most distinctive part of the name
   • Example: Search for “Maryland Crafts” instead of “Maryland Crafts LLC”
3. Click the “Search” button

Step 4: Review the Search Results

The search results will display in a table with three columns:

1. Department ID: The unique 8-digit identifier assigned to the business
2. Business Name: The official registered name of the entity
3. Status: Current status (Active, Forfeited, etc.)

Step 5: Access Detailed Information

1. Click on the business name in the results to view detailed information
2. The detailed page provides comprehensive information including:
   • Department ID Number: The state’s unique identifier for the business
   • Business Name: Official registered name
   • Principal Office: Business’s primary address
   • Resident Agent: Name and address of the registered agent
   • Status: Current operating status
   • Good Standing: Whether the business is compliant with state requirements
   • Business Type: LLC, corporation, etc.
   • Date of Formation/Registration: When the business was established
   • State of Formation: For businesses formed outside Maryland

Understanding Maryland Business Entity Status Labels

When reviewing search results, you’ll encounter various status labels. Here’s what they mean:

Active

An “Active” status means the business is legally recognized and authorized to operate in Maryland. The business has filed all required documentation and is current on all filing requirements.

Forfeited

A “Forfeited” status means the business has lost its right to conduct business in Maryland. This typically happens when a business fails to file required annual reports, pay taxes, or maintain a resident agent. A forfeited business cannot legally operate until it completes the reinstatement process.

Not in Good Standing

This status indicates the business has fallen out of compliance with Maryland requirements but hasn’t yet been forfeited. Common reasons include:

• Missing annual reports or personal property tax returns
• Unpaid late filing penalties
• Issues with the Maryland Office of the Comptroller
• Lack of an active resident agent

Dissolved

A “Dissolved” status means the business has formally ended its existence, either voluntarily or by administrative action.

Cancelled

For foreign entities (businesses formed outside Maryland), a “Cancelled” status means they have terminated their registration to do business in Maryland.

Unique Features of Maryland’s Business Entity Search

Maryland’s business search system has several unique characteristics to be aware of:

1. Case Sensitivity: The search is NOT case sensitive, so “MARYLAND CRAFTS” and “Maryland Crafts” will return the same results
2. Partial Matches: The system returns partial matches, which can be helpful when you’re not sure of the exact name
3. Special Characters: The system generally ignores punctuation like periods, commas, and apostrophes
4. Entity Designators: Including “LLC” or “Inc.” in your search may limit results, so start with a broader search first
5. Trade Name Searches: Maryland allows you to specifically search for trade names (DBAs), which is helpful for businesses operating under names different from their legal entity names

Sample Business Name Search Simulation

Let’s walk through a simulated search for a company called “Chesapeake Digital Solutions LLC”:

1. Go to the Maryland Business Entity Search portal
2. Select “Business Name” from the dropdown menu
3. Enter “Chesapeake Digital” (omitting “LLC” for broader results)
4. Click “Search”

The results page might show:

• Department ID: F12345678
• Business Name: CHESAPEAKE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS LLC
• Status: Active

Clicking on the business name would reveal:

• Principal Office: 123 Harbor View Drive, Baltimore, MD 21230
• Resident Agent: Jane Smith, 456 Main Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Good Standing: Yes
• Business Type: Limited Liability Company
• Date of Formation: 06/15/2020

What to Do After Finding a Business’s Information

Once you’ve found the business information you were looking for, you might want to:

1. Order official documents: You can order copies of business filings, certificates of status, or other documents directly through the Maryland Business Express site
2. Contact the resident agent: If you need to serve legal papers or formally contact the business
3. Check good standing status: Verify if a business is compliant before entering into contracts
4. Get a Certificate of Status: Obtain official verification of a business’s standing (costs $20, plus a $20 expedited fee if needed quickly)

How to Reserve a Business Name in Maryland

If you’ve conducted a search and found your desired business name is available, you might want to reserve it while you prepare to form your business:

1. Reservation Period: Name reservations in Maryland last for 30 days
2. Fee: $25 for the initial reservation
3. Renewal: You can renew the reservation multiple times for additional 30-day periods at $25 each
4. Filing Method:
   • Online through Maryland Business Express
   • By mail using the Corporate Name Reservation Application
   • In person at the SDAT office in Baltimore

Maryland SDAT Address: State Department of Assessments and Taxation 301 W. Preston Street, Room 801 Baltimore, MD 21201

What to Do If Your Desired Business Name is Taken

If your search reveals that your preferred business name is already in use, you have several options:

1. Modify the name: Add distinctive words or change the wording slightly
2. Use a different entity designator: If “Maryland Crafts LLC” is taken, “Maryland Crafts Inc.” might be available
3. Add geographic identifiers: Include your city or county name (e.g., “Baltimore Maryland Crafts”)
4. Check status: If the existing business is forfeited, the name might become available after a reinstatement period
5. Use a trade name (DBA): Register your preferred name as a “doing business as” name while using a different legal entity name

Filing Fees for Maryland Business Services

Here are the current fees (as of May 2025) for common business services in Maryland:

ServiceFeeBusiness Entity SearchFreeName Reservation$25 (30 days)Name Reservation Renewal$25 (each additional 30 days)Certificate of Status (Good Standing)$20Expedited Certificate of Status$40 ($20 certificate + $20 expedited fee)Certified Copies$20 + $1 per pageLLC Formation (Articles of Organization)$100Corporation Formation (Articles of Incorporation)$120

Note: Online filings incur an additional 3% service fee processed through Maryland Business Express.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Business Entity Searches

What do the different status labels mean on the Maryland Business Entity Search?

Status labels indicate a business’s current standing with the state. “Active” means the business is authorized to operate, “Forfeited” means it has lost that right, and “Not in Good Standing” means there are compliance issues that need to be addressed.

How long does a name reservation last in Maryland?

A business name reservation in Maryland lasts for 30 days. You can renew it multiple times for additional 30-day periods, each requiring another $25 fee.

What happens if I don’t maintain good standing for my Maryland business?

Businesses that fail to maintain good standing may face penalties, lose the ability to file lawsuits, become ineligible to expand to other states, and eventually face forfeiture, which means they can no longer legally operate in Maryland.

Can I reserve or register a business name online in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland offers complete online services through the Maryland Business Express portal. You can reserve a name, form a new business, and file required annual reports entirely online.

How much does it cost to get a Certificate of Good Standing in Maryland?

A Certificate of Status (Good Standing) costs $20. If you need it expedited, there’s an additional $20 fee. Online orders also incur a 3% service fee.

Next Steps After Your Maryland Business Entity Search

If You’re Starting a New Business

1. Reserve your business name if you’re not ready to form immediately
2. Choose your business structure (LLC, corporation, etc.)
3. File formation documents through Maryland Business Express
4. Get an EIN from the IRS
5. Open a business bank account
6. Register for state tax accounts through the Comptroller of Maryland
7. Apply for necessary licenses using Maryland’s OneStop Portal

Learn more about how to register a business in Maryland.

If You’re Researching an Existing Business

1. Verify good standing status before entering agreements
2. Contact the resident agent for official communications
3. Order certified copies of business documents if needed
4. Check for trade names the business might be using

Maintaining Your Maryland Business After Formation

To keep your business in good standing after formation:

1. File annual reports by April 15th each year
2. Submit personal property tax returns if you own business property in Maryland
3. Maintain an active resident agent who meets Maryland requirements
4. Pay any assessed taxes promptly to avoid penalties
5. Update your business information when changes occur

You can manage all these tasks through the Maryland Business Express portal.

Conclusion

The Maryland Business Entity Search tool is an essential resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone needing to verify business information in the state. By following this comprehensive guide, you can efficiently navigate the search process, understand the results, and take the appropriate next steps for your specific situation.

Whether you’re starting a new venture, conducting due diligence, or maintaining your existing business, Maryland’s online business services provide the tools you need to succeed in the Old Line State.

Resources

• Maryland Business Entity Search
• Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
• Maryland Business Express
• Comptroller of Maryland
• Maryland OneStop Business Portal

Other State Business Entity Search Guides

• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Virginia
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Delaware
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Pennsylvania
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Washington DC
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in North Carolina
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in New York
• How to Do a Business Entity Search in Florida
• 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 New Jersey