There are a number of reasons for why you might wish to perform a Missouri business entity search on the Secretary of State website. The most common purpose is the name availability function employed by prospective business owners cross checking the name database to ensure their chosen moniker is usable for a new LLC or corporation in Missouri. Many may choose to use this tool to purchase certificates on behalf of their company or to file amendments, articles of termination and the like. Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered. In the tutorial below we’ll go through each search option available to business representatives.

Search For Missouri Business Entity By Name

Step 1- Regardless of your search method, you will need to begin by navigating to this website. Once there, be sure that the search option in the drop down menu is set to Business Name. Before entering the business into the search field, choose from the drop down menu either Starting With, Any Word, All Words or Exact Match. You may also choose to research only active corporations.

Step 2- You should then see a list displaying the business name, charter number, type of entity, status, date created and registered agent information. You can gain more information by clicking the name of the business you’d like to research or the business’s charter number. You also have the option of selecting the registered agent name to learn more about that individual/entity.

Step 3- On the third page you should be able to see the links to ORDER COPIES/CERTIFICATES, FILE ONLINE, and RETURN TO SEARCH RESULTS. You will also be able to review all the information registered with the Secretary of State.

Search by Registered Agent in Missouri

Step 1- To search Missouri by registered agent, you’ll have to navigate to this website and enter their first and last name into the search fields. Once you’ve decided on the specifics of the search from the drop down menu on the right, you can continue by clicking SEARCH.

Step 2- Like in the previous example, you will be shown a list of results generated from the metrics of your search. Scroll through the options until you find the business/agent that you’re looking for and click on the link to gain more information.

Step 3- Again you will be presented with the opportunity to perform a few basic filing functions, order certificates and view all accessible information on the company in question.

Name Availability Search in Missouri

Step 1- The name availability search is a useful function on the Missouri Secretary of State website as it performs the search for you and prevents the need to scroll through search results in order to ensure uniqueness. Instead, navigate to this website and enter your corporate name into the provided field before clicking SEARCH. 

Step 2- If there are names in the database which are similar to yours, and may cause the rejection of your application, they will be displayed in list format below the search fields (shown in first window below). If all’s clear, you should see the results as shown in the second window below.

Search By Charter ID

Step 1- Searching by charter ID is the recommended search method for those looking to purchase certificates on the behalf of their own company as it will refine the results down to your entity alone. Provide the charter number into the supplied field on this website and click SEARCH.

Step 2- The next page should display just the one result as shown below. Click on the charter number or the business name to gain access to more detailed information.

Step 3- Again, you will be presented with the business details of your entity and you will be given access to the links allowing you to purchase your Certificate of Good Standing.