How to Do a Texas Business Entity Search

Why You Need the Texas Business Entity Search

Before launching your Texas business or registering a new company name, conducting a thorough business entity search is a critical first step. The Texas Secretary of State maintains a comprehensive database of all registered business entities in the state, from corporations and LLCs to limited partnerships and nonprofits.

A proper business entity search helps you:

• Verify if your desired business name is available for use in Texas
• Avoid potential trademark infringement issues
• Research competitors or potential business partners
• Confirm the legal status of any Texas business
• Access official filing information and company details

This guide will walk you through the exact process of conducting a business entity search in Texas, outline alternative search methods, explain naming requirements, and provide clear next steps after your search. If you’re specifically looking to check business name availability in Texas, we also have a detailed guide on that process.

The Official Texas SOSDirect Business Entity Search Portal

The Texas Secretary of State’s primary business entity search tool is called SOSDirect. Unlike many other states’ free public databases, SOSDirect is a subscription-based service that charges a nominal fee for searches.

SOSDirect Account Options

You have two options for using SOSDirect:

1. Create a permanent SOSDirect account – Recommended for business owners, attorneys, or anyone who will need regular access
2. Use the temporary login option – Best for one-time searches

SOSDirect Search Fees

• Online search through SOSDirect: $1.00 per search
• Phone search: Free by calling (512) 463-5555
• Email search: Free by contacting [email protected]
• Mail search: $5.00 per entity (send request to Corporations Section, Secretary of State, PO Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697)

Step-by-Step Guide to Using SOSDirect (With Screenshots)

Follow these detailed instructions to perform a Texas business entity search using SOSDirect:

1. Creating Your SOSDirect Account

1. Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s SOSDirect page at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/
2. Click “Create Account” (for permanent account) or “Temporary Login” (for one-time use)
3. For a permanent account:
   • Complete the required account information
   • Add an email address that can receive your account confirmation
   • Create a username and password
   • Fund your account (minimum recommended: $10)
   • Note: Account funds are used to pay for searches ($1 each) and document requests
4. For temporary login:
   • Fill out the form with your name/business name
   • Provide complete address, phone number, and email
   • Enter credit card information exactly as it appears on your statement
   • Note: Temporary users can only perform searches and place orders, not submit filings

2. Conducting Your Business Entity Search

Once logged into SOSDirect:

1. Click on the “Business Organizations” tab in the top menu
2. Select “Name Availability” from the list of available inquiries
3. In the search field, enter the business name you want to check
   • Pro tip: Start with just 1-2 keywords from the name for broader results
   • Example: For “Texas Car Wash LLC,” try searching just “Car Wash”
4. Click the “Search” button
5. Review your search results:
   • If no results appear, the name may be available for use
   • If similar names appear, you’ll see a list with:
     • Entity name
     • Entity status (Active, Inactive, etc.)
     • Filing number
     • Entity type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)

3. Understanding Your Search Results

When you click on an entity name in your search results, you’ll see detailed information including:

• Entity name and type
• Registered agent information
• Principal office address
• Filing date and number
• Entity status and tax status
• Officer/director information (when available)
• Filing history

4. Unique Features of the Texas SOSDirect System

Unlike many other state business search systems, the Texas SOSDirect platform has several unique characteristics:

• Searches are case-insensitive (uppercase and lowercase are treated the same)
• Special characters are typically ignored
• The system returns partial matches (searching “Smith” might return “Smithfield Services LLC”)
• Results are limited to 500 entries per search
• Searches cost $1 each, billed to your SOSDirect account

5. Interpreting Business Status Designations

When reviewing Texas business entities, you’ll encounter these common status labels:

• In Existence: The entity is active and in good standing
• Forfeited Existence: The entity failed to file a tax report or pay franchise tax
• Voluntarily Dissolved: The entity has been formally closed by its owners
• Involuntarily Dissolved: The entity was administratively closed by the state
• Revoked: The entity’s registration has been revoked by the state
• Merged: The entity has been merged into another business

Alternative Search Methods for Texas Business Entities

If you prefer not to use SOSDirect, Texas offers these alternative search options:

1. Texas Comptroller’s Taxable Entity Search

The Texas Comptroller offers a free business entity search tool:

1. Visit the Comptroller’s Taxable Entity Search at https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/
2. Enter your search terms in the entity name search box
3. Click “Search”
4. Review results for matching entities

This free tool is excellent for basic name searches but doesn’t provide the comprehensive filing details available through SOSDirect.

2. Direct Contact with the Secretary of State

You can request a preliminary name availability determination by:

• Phone: Call (512) 463-5555 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm CT)
• Email: Send your inquiry to [email protected]

3. In-Person Search

The Secretary of State’s office accepts walk-in visitors:

• Address: 1019 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm CT

Texas Business Name Requirements and Restrictions

When selecting a business name in Texas, be aware of these requirements. For more detailed information, you can also refer to the Texas Secretary of State’s Business Organizations Code.

Character Restrictions

Texas business names may only contain:

• Letters (A-Z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• The following symbols: !?=+-$%#*@[]/()&.

Entity-Specific Requirements

Different business types must include specific terms:

• Corporations: Must include “Corporation,” “Company,” “Incorporated,” “Limited,” or an abbreviation
• LLCs: Must include “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or an abbreviation
• LPs: Must include “Limited Partnership” or “L.P.”
• LLPs: Must include “Limited Liability Partnership” or “L.L.P.”
• Professional entities: Must include appropriate designation (PC, PLLC, etc.)

For more information on selecting a business structure in Texas, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s Business Structure guide.

Prohibited Words and Special Approvals

Some terms require special approval before use:

• Banking terms: “Bank,” “Trust,” or related terms require approval from the Banking Commissioner
• Educational terms: “College,” “University,” or “School” require approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Insurance terms: Terms suggesting insurance business require approval from the Texas Department of Insurance
• Olympic: Any form of “Olympic” requires consent from the U.S. Olympic Committee

What to Do After Your Texas Business Entity Search

If Your Desired Name is Available:

1. Reserve the Name (Optional)

You can reserve an available business name for 120 days by:

• Filing online through SOSDirect (recommended)
• Submitting Form 501 (Application for Reservation of an Entity Name) by mail
• Paying the $40 reservation fee

Name reservations can be renewed during the 30-day period before expiration by filing a new application.

2. Register Your Business

Depending on your business type:

• Corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs: File formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State. Check out our guide on how to start an LLC in Texas for step-by-step instructions.
• Sole proprietorships and general partnerships: File assumed name certificates with your local county clerk

3. File an Assumed Name (DBA) If Needed

If you plan to operate under a name different from your legal entity name:

1. File Form 503 (Assumed Name Certificate) with the Secretary of State
2. Pay the $25 filing fee

If Your Desired Name is Not Available:

1. Consider modifications to make your name distinguishable
2. Check trademark availability using the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database
3. Research domain name availability for your web presence
4. Contact the existing entity if you’re interested in purchasing the name

Common FAQs About Texas Business Entity Searches

How long does a name reservation last in Texas?

Name reservations in Texas are valid for 120 days from the date of filing and can be renewed by filing a new application during the 30-day period preceding expiration.

What do the different status labels mean for Texas businesses?

• In Existence/Active: The entity is in good standing
• Forfeited: The entity has lost its good standing for tax or reporting non-compliance
• Terminated/Dissolved: The entity has been formally closed, either voluntarily or by state action

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Texas?

The filing fee for a Texas LLC is $300, payable to the Texas Secretary of State.

Can I register or reserve a business name online?

Yes, both name reservation and business registration can be done online through SOSDirect, 24/7.

What’s the difference between a name reservation and registration?

• Name reservation: Holds a name for 120 days while you prepare to form your business
• Name registration: Filed by certain financial institutions and foreign entities not transacting business in Texas to protect their name

Can multiple businesses use the same name in Texas?

While the Secretary of State won’t register two entities with the same legal name, multiple businesses can file assumed name certificates (DBAs) with the exact same name. An assumed name certificate doesn’t give exclusive rights to use a name.

What happens if I use a business name that’s already taken?

Using a name already registered by another entity could result in:

• Rejection of your business formation documents
• Potential trademark infringement claims
• Forced name change
• Legal damages if intentional infringement is proven

Additional Resources for Texas Business Name Research

• Texas Secretary of State Business Organizations
• SOSDirect Online Business Service
• Texas Comptroller’s Taxable Entity Search
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Search
• Formation of Texas Entities FAQs
• Texas Business and Nonprofit Forms
• Business Anywhere’s Guide to Starting an LLC in Texas

Next Steps After Business Name Verification

After verifying your business name availability, you’ll need to:

1. Choose your business structure (LLC, corporation, etc.) – You can learn more about selecting a business structure on our blog
2. Prepare and file formation documents – For quick and reliable business formation, Business Anywhere can handle this process for you
3. Obtain necessary licenses and permits
4. Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
5. Set up business banking accounts
6. Register for state tax accounts
7. Secure any required insurance

Conducting a proper Texas business entity search is your first step toward establishing a legally compliant business in the Lone Star State. The process helps ensure you start on the right foot, avoiding potential naming conflicts that could cause headaches down the road.

Remember, while the Texas Secretary of State can determine name availability, they cannot provide legal advice about potential trademark issues. Consider consulting with a business attorney for complete guidance on your specific situation.

If you’re ready to form your business in Texas, Business Anywhere offers comprehensive formation services, registered agent services, and virtual mailboxes to help you get started quickly and professionally.