List of States

Each state and county maintains a comprehensive database of businesses within its jurisdiction, including corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships. You can search these databases by owners' names.

States and counties also keep records on "assumed names," sometimes called "doing business as" files (DBA's); if a company's business name is something other than its owner's name (or parent corporation's name), it must file a DBA.

You can also use business entity files to learn the names and titles of corporate officers. Corporate information is maintained by the Secretary of State in most states.

At the county level, contact the county's DBA or assumed name department.

MORE INFORMATION ON BUSINESS ENTITY INFORMATION SOURCES

1. Corporations are always registered with the Secretary of State (at the state level); but partnerships and sole proprietorships may be registered with either the state or county.
2. State and county business entity records are useful in background checks to verify that your subject is legally doing business, has paid his taxes, and is in good standing in that jurisdiction.
3. Business entity information will also reveal names of partners, board members, and principal shareholders. This information can be useful in skip tracing since it provides names of associates who may know your subject's whereabouts; it can also be useful in asset searches and divorce proceedings since these associates may have the key to vital financial information pertaining to your subject or may be helping him to hide assets.