Business Records Search TX gives Austin entrepreneurs and statewide investors a single point to uncover who owns a company, which agent filed the paperwork, and whether the entity is currently active or dissolved. By entering a legal business name, assumed name, DBA, or filing number you can instantly retrieve formation documents, annual reports, and registration status without leaving the SOSDirect portal. This service answers common questions such as how to find a business by name, how to check if a business is active, and how to locate a registered agent, all while complying with Texas public record laws. The results include the entity type—corporation, LLC, partnership, or nonprofit—plus the formation date, principal office address, and any recent amendments, giving a clear picture of ownership and management changes.
Business Records Search TX also supports detailed queries like business records by owner, business search by address, and business lookup by registration number, making it easy to verify corporate officers, directors, and members. Users can explore business registration records, business entity records, and corporate records to confirm filing history, merger activity, or dissolution status. The platform’s 24/7 online access ensures that anyone needing business information search can quickly view filing documents, assess entity status, and retrieve contact details for the authorized representative, streamlining due‑diligence and compliance tasks.
How to Search Business Records
You can search business records in Texas through the Secretary of State’s official online database, which gives you direct access to statewide filings 24 hours a day. This lookup tool shows legal business names, assumed names, filing numbers, and current entity status for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, nonprofits, and other registered entities. Whether you need to verify a vendor, confirm ownership details, or check the standing of a Texas company, the portal displays results drawn straight from official filings, with official access available through travis county tx resources. The search works equally well for Austin-based entrepreneurs and out-of-state parties who need Texas-specific records.
Official Search Portal: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml
Steps to Search
- Open the SOSDirect portal using the official link above.
- Select the type of search you want, such as by name, filing number, or registered agent.
- Type the requested information into the search field, making sure spelling matches the filing.
- Review the list of matching entities to find the right one.
- Click the entity to view formation records, status, addresses, and ownership details.
- Download or print filing documents as needed for due-diligence or compliance tasks.
Search by Business Name
A name search returns every Texas entity whose legal or assumed name matches the term you enter. The portal lists corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and assumed name filings side by side so you can pick out the exact record you need. Results show the entity type, formation date, and current standing at a glance. If the name belongs to multiple entities, you will see them all sorted by record type.
Search by Business Owner
Searching by owner brings up filings where a specific individual appears as an organizer, member, manager, director, or officer. You can use a person’s full legal name to see which Texas entities they are connected to. This lookup helps with lien checks, partnership research, and background screening on private parties. The portal links each owner entry back to the underlying entity record for deeper inspection.
Search by Address
An address-based search locates entities registered to a specific street location, principal office, or registered office in Texas. Enter the city, zip code, or full street address to find businesses tied to that property. This option is useful for confirming who occupies a commercial space or verifying a company’s physical presence. The search results display every registered entity with a matching address in the database.
Search by Business ID or Filing Number
If you already know the Texas file number or SOSDirect ID, you can pull a record directly without scrolling through name matches. Filing numbers are assigned at the time of formation and stay with the entity for life. A direct ID lookup opens the full entity page faster than a name-based query. This method works well for accountants, attorneys, and paralegals handling bulk record requests.
Search by Registered Agent
A registered agent search shows every Texas entity that uses a specific individual or company as its statutory agent. Registered agents accept legal papers and government notices on behalf of the business, so this search helps identify corporate service companies and individual agents. You can verify whether an agent is still active for a given entity and check the agent’s contact details. The results also help confirm service-of-process details during litigation or compliance reviews.
Search by Entity Type
You can filter results by entity type, such as corporation, LLC, limited partnership, or nonprofit. This filter narrows broad searches when a name applies to many different legal structures. It also helps researchers tracking one specific business category, such as all professional corporations in a county. Filtering by type cuts down clutter and speeds up record review.
Search by Business Status
Status-based search lets you limit results to active, inactive, forfeited, dissolved, or reinstated entities. This filter matters for due-diligence work, where you need to confirm whether a company is in good standing before signing a contract. Status results also help track recently dissolved entities or companies that have been reinstated after a lapse. The portal updates status changes as soon as the Secretary of State processes a new filing.
Business Record Information
Each Texas entity record contains a standard set of data points filed at formation and updated through the life of the business. These fields form the backbone of every lookup result and form the basis for the detailed tables, contact screens, and filing images stored in the database. The sections below describe the core elements you will see on every entity detail page.
Legal Business Name
The legal business name is the official title on file with the Texas Secretary of State, including any required ending such as “Inc.”, “LLC”, or “LP”. This name appears on the formation document and stays attached to the entity unless an amendment changes it. The legal name differs from any DBA or assumed name the business may also use.
Assumed or Trade Name
An assumed name, sometimes called a trade name or DBA, lets a business operate under a name different from its legal title. The Texas Secretary of State keeps a separate assumed name index that links back to the underlying entity record. You can search this index to find every business operating under a specific trade name in the state.
Business Entity Type
Entity type identifies the legal structure, such as domestic corporation, foreign LLC, limited partnership, or nonprofit. Each type carries its own formation rules, ownership limits, and tax treatment. The portal labels every record with its exact entity type so you can confirm structure at a glance.
Business Identification Number
The Texas Secretary of State assigns a unique file number when an entity forms, and the IRS assigns a federal Employer Identification Number separately. The SOS file number stays with the entity permanently and is the primary ID used in the SOSDirect portal. EINs are not listed in the SOSDirect record and must be obtained directly from the IRS or the company.
Formation Date
The formation date is the day the Secretary of State officially accepted the formation filing and stamped the entity into existence. This date anchors the entity’s age and often drives anniversary-based filings. The portal displays this date on the entity summary page alongside the state of formation.
Business Status
Business status reflects the current standing of the entity, such as active, in existence, inactive, forfeited, or dissolved. Status changes every time the entity files a new document, such as a certificate of account status or a termination filing. Reviewers check status during contract sign-offs and lending decisions.
Principal Business Address
The principal office address is the main physical location where the business operates or where its records are kept. This address is filed on the formation document and updated through amendments. The portal shows the principal address on the entity detail page, and you can compare it against the mailing address and registered office.
Registered Agent Information
Registered agent information lists the name and address of the person or company authorized to accept service of process. Texas requires every entity to keep a current registered agent on file. The agent’s name, mailing address, and physical address appear on the entity record and update with each agent change filing.
Business Entity Types
Texas recognizes several legal structures, each with its own formation document, ownership rules, and filing requirements. The following table summarizes the most common entity types filed with the Secretary of State.
| Entity Type | Common Abbreviation | Typical Owners |
|---|---|---|
| Corporation | Corp. or Inc. | Shareholders |
| Limited Liability Company | LLC | Members and managers |
| Limited Partnership | LP | General and limited partners |
| Sole Proprietorship | Sole Prop. | Single owner |
| Nonprofit Corporation | Nonprofit | Board of directors |
| Professional Entity | PLLC or PC | Licensed professionals |
| Foreign Entity | Foreign Qual. | Varies by jurisdiction |
Corporations
A Texas corporation forms by filing a certificate of formation under the Business Organizations Code. Corporations issue shares, elect a board of directors, and file annual franchise tax reports with the Comptroller of Public Accounts. The Secretary of State maintains the corporate record, while franchise tax status is tracked separately by the Comptroller.
Limited Liability Companies
An LLC forms by filing a certificate of formation and operates under an operating agreement that members draft privately. LLCs combine pass-through taxation with liability protection similar to corporations. The SOSDirect record displays the LLC’s members and managers on the latest filing.
Partnerships
Texas recognizes general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships. Each type files a certificate with the Secretary of State and maintains its own partner roster. Partnership records on SOSDirect list the general partners and, where applicable, limited partners.
Sole Proprietorships
Sole proprietorships in Texas do not file formation paperwork with the Secretary of State unless the owner chooses to register an assumed name. The business operates under the owner’s legal name or under a filed DBA. SOSDirect records tied to sole proprietorships typically appear in the assumed name index rather than the corporate index.
Nonprofit Organizations
Texas nonprofits form by filing a certificate of formation with the Secretary of State and then apply for federal tax-exempt status with the IRS. Nonprofits file periodic reports and maintain a board of directors. SOSDirect shows nonprofit records alongside for-profit entities with the same data fields.
Professional Entities
Professional entities, including professional corporations and professional LLCs, serve licensed professions such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants. Texas requires these entities to meet licensing board rules in addition to standard formation requirements. The SOSDirect record labels professional entities with the appropriate suffix on the legal name.
Foreign Business Entities
A foreign entity is a business formed outside Texas that registers to transact business in the state. The registration filing lists the entity’s home jurisdiction, which appears on the SOSDirect record as the state of formation. Foreign entities must keep a Texas registered agent and file periodic reports to remain in good standing.
Business Ownership and Management
Ownership and management data points connect people to specific entities and roles. The table below lists the principal roles displayed on Texas business records.
| Role | Applies To | Filed By |
|---|---|---|
| Owner / Sole Member | LLCs, sole proprietorships | Entity |
| Members and Managers | LLCs | Entity |
| Directors | Corporations, nonprofits | Entity |
| Officers | Corporations | Entity |
| Partners | Partnerships | Entity |
| Registered Agent | All entities | Entity |
Business Owners
Business owners appear on formation documents and amendments depending on the entity type. The SOSDirect portal surfaces owner names whenever the entity’s filing lists them publicly. Owner data helps verify control and authority during contract or financing reviews.
Members and Managers
LLCs identify members (owners) and managers (those running day-to-day operations) on their formation and annual filings. Texas requires LLCs to keep this information current. The latest filed roster is what shows up on SOSDirect record pages.
Corporate Officers
Corporate officers, including the president, secretary, and treasurer, are listed on corporate filings. Officer names change whenever a board elects new leadership and the company files an amendment. The SOSDirect record reflects the most recent officer roster on file.
Directors
Directors oversee the corporation’s strategic direction and elect officers. For-profit and nonprofit corporations both list directors on formation documents and updates. SOSDirect displays directors for any entity that has filed the relevant paperwork with the Secretary of State.
Partners
Partnership records name general partners, and where applicable, limited partners. The SOSDirect portal draws partner data from the certificate of formation and any amendments. Partner changes must be filed with the Secretary of State to appear in the public record.
Registered Agents
Registered agents serve as the official point of contact for legal notices and government correspondence. Every Texas entity must maintain a registered agent with a Texas street address. The agent’s name and address appear on every SOSDirect record and update through agent change filings.
Ownership and Management Changes
Ownership and management changes happen through amendments, annual reports, or statements of information depending on the entity type. Each filing updates the public record, and SOSDirect displays the latest filed version. Reviewers should check the filing date to confirm the data is current.
Business Registration Information
Registration data captures the official details tied to a Texas entity’s creation and ongoing standing. The portal stores the latest registration information alongside historical filings, which lets you trace an entity’s lifecycle from formation to current status.
Formation Records
Formation records include the certificate of formation or equivalent document filed with the Texas Secretary of State. These records hold the legal name, entity type, registered agent, and initial management structure. The formation record is the first document posted to an entity’s filing history.
Registration Date
The registration date marks when the entity was first filed with the Secretary of State. This date anchors the entity’s age and triggers ongoing obligations such as franchise tax reports with the Texas Comptroller. SOSDirect displays this date on the summary page for every entity.
Entity Status
Entity status tells you whether the company is currently active, forfeited, or dissolved. Status updates immediately after the Secretary of State processes a new filing. Reviewers check status to confirm good standing before signing agreements.
State of Formation
State of formation shows the jurisdiction where the entity originally filed. Texas-formed entities show “TX” as the state of formation. Foreign entities show the home state or country where the business first organized before registering in Texas.
Registration Number
The registration number is the unique identifier the Secretary of State assigns to each filing. The entity-level number is commonly called the SOS file number. This number drives direct record lookups and serves as the cross-reference for all subsequent filings.
Foreign Entity Registration
Foreign entities register in Texas by filing an application for registration along with a certificate of good standing from the home jurisdiction. The registration filing appears on SOSDirect as part of the entity’s history. Foreign entities must keep an active Texas registration to maintain authority to operate in the state.
Business Registration Updates
Registration updates happen through amendments, agent changes, address changes, and periodic reports. Each update creates a new filing entry visible on the entity’s filing history. Users can open each filing to view scanned images and metadata.
Assumed Name and DBA Records
Texas maintains a separate assumed name index that links DBAs and trade names to the underlying entity or individual. The assumed name record itself lists the registrant, the name being used, and the county where the filing was made, with official access available through jail roster records resources. You can search this index independently of the main corporate database.
Assumed Business Names
An assumed business name is a name other than the legal name under which a business operates in Texas. Filings are made with the county clerk where a sole proprietor maintains an office or where the entity maintains its principal office. The Secretary of State’s assumed name records cover state-level filings.
DBA Records
DBA stands for “doing business as” and represents the operating name registered for a business. DBA filings in Texas happen at the county level for sole proprietorships and at the state level for entities such as corporations and LLCs. The state-level assumed name index displays DBA records filed by entities.
Trade Names
Trade names function like assumed names and DBAs, representing the public-facing label of a business. The Secretary of State records each trade name filing and links it to the registrant. Users can search the assumed name index by trade name to find the underlying entity.
Assumed Name Registration
Assumed name registration happens by filing an assumed name certificate with the appropriate authority. The filing lists the registrant’s name, address, and the assumed name being adopted. Registration periods are limited, and renewals keep the name active on the public record.
Assumed Name Owners
Assumed name owners appear on the filing as the individual or entity adopting the name. For entity filers, the assumed name record links back to the underlying business record. Reviewers use this link to confirm who controls the operating name.
Assumed Name Status
Assumed name status reflects whether the filing is active or expired. Texas assumed name filings have a ten-year term that can be renewed. The assumed name index records expiration dates so users can confirm whether a name is still protected.
Business Filing Records
Filing records document every action an entity takes with the Secretary of State after formation. The portal stores scanned images and metadata for each filing. Reviewers use filing records to trace ownership history, corporate changes, and compliance patterns.
Formation Documents
Formation documents, including the certificate of formation and articles of incorporation, create the entity. These filings establish the legal name, entity type, registered agent, and initial management. Formation documents are publicly available through SOSDirect.
Amendments
Amendments update details such as the legal name, entity type, registered agent, or management structure. Each amendment creates a new entry in the filing history. Users can view amendment images to confirm exact wording and effective dates.
Annual Reports
Texas does not require traditional annual reports for most entities at the Secretary of State level, but many entities file periodic statements of information. The portal displays each statement filed, which serves a similar reporting function. Reports refresh ownership and contact data on the public record.
Statements of Information
Statements of information are periodic filings that update ownership, address, and management details. They keep public records current and help reviewers verify that the entity maintains accurate data. The SOSDirect record shows the most recent statement of information on file.
Mergers and Conversions
Mergers and conversions happen through certificates of merger or conversion filed with the Secretary of State. These filings mark changes in entity structure, such as an LLC converting into a corporation or two entities combining. SOSDirect stores the documents and links surviving entities to the historical record.
Dissolution Records
Dissolution records mark the end of an entity’s existence. A certificate of termination or dissolution is filed to close out the business. Once filed, the entity’s status changes to “dissolved” and the record reflects the termination date.
Reinstatement Records
Reinstatement records restore an entity that has been forfeited or involuntarily dissolved. The entity files a certificate of reinstatement along with any required tax clearance from the Comptroller. After reinstatement, the entity returns to active status, and SOSDirect updates the record accordingly.
Business Status and History
Status and history data describe where an entity stands today and how it arrived there. The following table lists the main status codes found in Texas records.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | Entity is in good standing with the Secretary of State. |
| Inactive | Entity exists on the record but is not currently active. |
| Dissolved | Entity filed a voluntary dissolution or was administratively ended. |
| Forfeited | Entity lost good standing for failing to meet a state requirement. |
| Revoked | Entity’s authority was revoked, often for non-compliance. |
| Reinstated | Entity was restored to active status after a lapse. |
Active Businesses
Active businesses hold current registration and good standing with the Texas Secretary of State. Active status permits the entity to transact business and maintain its legal protections. SOSDirect displays the word “Active” or “In Existence” depending on the entity type.
Inactive Businesses
Inactive businesses exist on the record but do not have current standing. They may be waiting on a renewal, an outstanding penalty, or a pending filing. Reviewers should review the filing history to understand why an entity shows inactive.
Dissolved Businesses
Dissolved businesses have ended operations through a voluntary filing or administrative action. Dissolution ends the entity’s right to transact business in Texas. A dissolved entity can be reinstated within a set window by filing the proper paperwork.
Revoked or Forfeited Entities
Revoked or forfeited entities lost their authority for failing to comply with state rules, typically involving franchise tax or periodic reporting. The portal shows the revocation date and the reason recorded on the filing. Reinstatement requires clearing the underlying issue with the Comptroller.
Reinstated Businesses
Reinstated businesses were once inactive, forfeited, or dissolved and have been restored through a reinstatement filing. SOSDirect marks the entity as active and records the reinstatement date. Reviewers can confirm reinstatement by checking the filing history for the relevant certificate.
Business Status History
Business status history appears as a timeline of filings on the entity record. Each status change corresponds to a specific document on file. Reviewers can scroll through the history to see when the entity formed, changed names, forfeited, or reinstated.
Business Address and Contact Information
Address fields connect an entity to a physical location and help with service of process. The following list explains each address type displayed on a Texas business record.
- Principal Office Address: The main place where the business operates or stores its books.
- Mailing Address: Where the entity receives correspondence, which may differ from the principal office.
- Registered Office: The Texas street address tied to the registered agent for service of process.
- Business Location: The physical location where customers and partners interact with the entity.
- Contact Information: Phone numbers and email addresses filed with the Secretary of State when available.
Principal Office Address
The principal office address is the entity’s primary physical location for operations. The address must be a real street location, not a P.O. Box. SOSDirect displays this address on the entity summary page.
Mailing Address
The mailing address receives official correspondence from the Secretary of State and other agencies. Entities may use the principal office address for mail or a separate mailing address. Updates require an amendment filing.
Registered Office
The registered office is the physical address in Texas where the registered agent accepts service of process. Texas law requires this address to be a street address where an agent is available during normal business hours.
Business Location
Business location refers to the physical place where the company operates, which can be the same as the principal office or a separate site. Reviewers often compare this address to public listings to confirm legitimacy. SOSDirect shows the location on the entity page.
Contact Information
Contact information includes phone numbers and email addresses filed with the Secretary of State when provided. Not every entity lists a phone number, but most filers include at least an email address for state correspondence. SOSDirect displays this data when present on the latest filing.
Address Changes
Address changes require an amendment filing with the Secretary of State. Once processed, the updated address replaces the previous one on the public record. Reviewers should check the filing history to see when an address was last updated.
Business Records and Public Access
Texas business records are public information under the Texas Public Information Act and the Business Organizations Code. The Secretary of State provides open access to most filings through SOSDirect. The level of access depends on whether the record is published online or held for in-person request.
Publicly Available Business Information
Publicly available business information includes the legal name, entity type, formation date, registered agent, status, and filing history. Most of this data is free to view through SOSDirect. Sensitive personal data, such as Social Security numbers, is redacted before posting.
Online Business Records
Online business records sit inside the SOSDirect portal, which is available 24 hours a day. Images of filed documents are downloadable, and users can print certificates for due-diligence packets. Some advanced features require a paid SOSDirect account.
Public Filing Documents
Public filing documents include formation certificates, amendments, mergers, conversions, dissolutions, and reinstatements. Each document is stored as a scanned image with metadata such as filing date and effective date. Reviewers open these images to verify exact wording on the filing.
Records Available by Request
Records available by request include older paper filings not yet digitized, archived microfilm, and certified copies. Requesters can contact the Secretary of State by mail or in person to order certified copies. Standard processing times apply.
Restricted Business Information
Restricted business information includes personal details redacted from public records, certain banking information, and law-enforcement records held under seal. The Secretary of State withholds this data to protect privacy and comply with state law.
Certified Business Records
Certified business records carry the official seal of the Secretary of State and serve as legal proof of filing. Lenders, courts, and licensing boards often require certified copies. You can order them online or by mail through the Secretary of State’s office.
Business Record Search Problems
Search problems happen when records do not behave the way users expect. The following list covers common issues and what typically causes them.
- Business Not Found: The name, number, or owner does not appear in the database.
- Similar Business Names: Multiple entities share a similar name or same legal name in different formats.
- Incorrect Business Information: Data on the record is outdated or wrong because a new filing has not yet been processed.
- Outdated Business Records: The entity has not filed recent updates, leaving the public record behind reality.
- Recently Formed Businesses: The new filing has not yet been indexed in the search tool.
- Recently Dissolved Businesses: The termination filing was processed but the public search has not yet refreshed.
Business Not Found
A “business not found” result often means the name is misspelled, the entity is formed in another state, or the filing has not yet been processed. Try alternate spellings, partial names, or the filing number. If the business is foreign, confirm whether it registered in Texas before searching again.
Similar Business Names
Similar business names appear when two entities register close variations of the same name. Texas allows many similar names to coexist if they are not identical. Reviewers should open each result to confirm the right entity by file number and address.
Incorrect Business Information
Incorrect business information shows up when an entity has filed updated paperwork that has not yet posted online. Treat the SOSDirect record as a snapshot and confirm details directly with the entity or registered agent when the decision matters.
Outdated Business Records
Outdated business records happen when an entity fails to file recent updates, such as a change in officers or registered agent. Texas law requires entities to keep records current, but lapses do occur. Contact the entity directly to verify the latest information.
Recently Formed Businesses
Recently formed businesses may not appear immediately after filing because the Secretary of State processes documents in batches. Allow a few business days for new filings to show in SOSDirect. If the record still does not appear, contact the Secretary of State for assistance.
Recently Dissolved Businesses
Recently dissolved businesses update their status as soon as the Secretary of State processes the termination filing. Until the system refreshes, the entity may still appear as active. Reviewers can confirm dissolution by checking the filing history for the certificate.
Missing Filing Records
Missing filing records occur when older paper filings have not been digitized or when records were never received. Request c
opies by mail through the Secretary of State’s office. Certified copies are available for a fee and carry the official state seal.
Business Records and Related Searches
Business records often overlap with other public databases. The sections below explain how each related search differs from the main SOSDirect database.
Business Records vs. Business Search
Business records refer to the filings stored on file for a specific entity, while business search is the tool used to retrieve those records. Think of the records as the data and the search as the lookup method. Both work together whenever you query SOSDirect.
Business Records vs. Assumed Name Records
Business records cover entity-level filings such as formation, amendments, and dissolutions. Assumed name records cover DBA and trade name filings, which often link back to an entity. The two indexes cross-reference each other for a complete picture.
Business Records vs. UCC Records
Business records identify entities, while UCC records (filed with the same office) record liens and security interests on personal property. Lenders check UCC records when underwriting loans, and they rely on business records to identify the debtor entity.
Business Records vs. Property Records
Property records show real estate ownership and liens filed with the county. Business records show entity ownership and corporate filings filed with the state. Reviewers consult both to confirm who owns what across personal and corporate channels.
Business Records vs. Public Records
Public records is a broad category that includes business filings, court records, property records, and vital records. Business records are a subset of public records focused on entity-level data. The Secretary of State focuses solely on business filings.
Business Records vs. Background Checks
Background checks aggregate criminal, financial, and court data from many sources, while business records focus on entity filings only. A background check may include business ownership as one data point among many. Researchers use both for full context.
Contact Information
If you need direct help with a Texas business record lookup, you can reach the Secretary of State’s office through the channels below. The SOSDirect online service runs 24 hours a day for self-service searches. Phone support is available during regular business hours for Austin-area and statewide callers.
- Service Area: Austin, TX, with statewide Texas coverage.
- Phone: 512-463-5555.
- Online Service Hours: SOSDirect online service is available 24/7.
- Official Search Portal: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers on locating and checking Texas business records, owners, filing numbers, and status.
How can I search Texas business records online?
Use the Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect portal, which runs 24/7. Enter the legal name, assumed name, or filing number in the search box. Results show entity type, registration number, formation date, and current status for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, nonprofits, and more. No fee is required for basic view; detailed documents may require a small purchase. The site also lists the principal office address and registered agent information. For extensive research, repeat searches with variations of the name or address to capture all related filings.
How do I find a business by its name in Texas?
Start at SOSDirect and choose the “Business Name” search option. Type the exact legal name or a partial name to see matching records. The list displays each entity’s filing number, entity type, and status. Click a record to view its formation documents, annual reports, and any assumed or DBA names. If the name yields many results, add the city or ZIP code to narrow the list. This method works for both active and dissolved entities across the state.
Where can I view a company’s filing number?
The filing number appears on the summary page of any entity record in SOSDirect. After locating the business by name or address, open the detailed view; the number is labeled “File No.” or “Filing ID.” It is unique to each filing and can be used for deeper searches, such as retrieving specific documents or checking amendment history. Keep the number handy when contacting the Secretary of State office or when requesting certified copies.
How can I check if a Texas business is active?
Look up the entity in SOSDirect and review the “Entity Status” field on the summary page. Status options include Active, Inactive, Dissolved, Revoked, and Suspended. An Active status means the business is currently authorized to operate in Texas. If the status shows any other label, the entity may have lost good standing or ceased operations. For the most recent status, verify the latest annual report filing date shown in the record.
How to find a Texas business registered agent?
Search the business in SOSDirect and open its detailed record. The “Registered Agent” line lists the name and address of the person or service authorized to receive legal documents. This information is required for all Texas entities and is updated with each filing. If the agent’s address is a commercial office, you can call that number for confirmation. The registered agent record is also visible on the public filing documents available for download.