Conducting a search of the Indiana Business Name Database is something that business filers will have to know how to do. Once you have registered your business with the Secretary of State you will be able to search for your business and view detailed information about it at will. You will also need to know how to conduct a basic search when attempting to request certified copies of any filed articles. A search can also be used to check the availability of a proposed business name prior to registering with the Secretary of State.

Search by Business Name

Step 1- Performing a search by business name is the most commonly used search method available. To begin, you will need to access this webpage. Enter a business name into the top left entry field and adjust any search parameters in the Advanced Search section to refine your results. Click Search when you are ready to proceed.

Step 2- You will be presented with a list of business names that contain the word(s) used in your search. Scroll through the results until you have found the entity that you would like to investigate and click on the blue Business ID number to review the details of that particular business.

Step 3- Lastly, all the business details made available to the public by the Secretary of State will be shown. The data will include the principal office address, expiration date, filing history, and a number of other pieces of information.

How to Search by Business ID or Filing Number

Step 1- To perform this type of search you must first access this webpage. From there, select the Business ID or Filing Number option and enter-in the ID or filing number into the appropriate field.

Step 2- The results displayed should be limited to that only of the business ID or filing number provided in the previous step. Click on the number in blue to proceed to the next page.

Step 3- On this last page you will be able to review the business information that has been available to the public by the Secretary of State. The data will include the entity filing history, expiration date, names and addresses of the incorporators, and more.

How to Search by Registered Agent Name

Step 1- Start by navigating to this webpage. Once there, enter a name into the Registered Agent Name entry field and click Search.

Step 2- The next page will provide you with a list that contains each entity with a registered agent whose name matches that of your inquiry.  Click on the Business ID number in blue to proceed.

Step 3- On this last page you will be able to review a number of details pertaining to the business. The data will include the names and addresses of the incorporators, the expiration date, filing history, and a number of other important pieces of information.

How to Search by Incorporator or Principal Name

Step 1- Begin by navigating to this webpage. From there, enter an incorporator or principal name into the appropriate entry field and click Search.

Step 2- A list will be displayed that contains each entity with an incorporator or principal name that matches your inquiry. Click on the blue Business ID number to proceed.

Step 3- Lastly, you will be able to review all of the business details that the Secretary of State has made available to the public. This information will include the filing history, names and addresses of the incorporators, expirations date, and more.

How to Search for Name Availability

Step 1- To search for name availability you must first access this webpage. Enter a business name into the top left field and click Search.

Step 2- If the business name is available then you will see an image like the one displayed below. If the name is in conflict with other businesses then those names will be displayed and you may be required to alter your desired name depending on how similar it is to the others.