Secretary of State business search.
Use state business records to check whether a company exists, is active, and matches the name it is using with you.
Important: an active company record does not prove trustworthiness. It is only one identity check.
What to look for
- Exact legal business name.
- Active, inactive, suspended, dissolved, or forfeited status.
- Formation date and state of registration.
- Registered agent and business address where available.
- DBA/trade-name mismatch versus invoice or payment name.
After checking the registry, run the company legitimacy checker before sending money.