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The Daily Insight

How do I find company records?

Author

James Craig

Updated on March 24, 2026

You can use the EDGAR database to find most of this information, searching by company name, industry, or stock-ticker symbol. If you need information the SEC hasn't placed online – records prior to 1996, for instance – you'll have to pay a fee for SEC staff to make a file search and copy documents.

In this regard, how do I find public information on a company?

Public records can generally be obtained from the local Secretary of State's office - especially in the case of Limited Partnerships or if a DBA Filing is required (see the "Secretary of State Filings" section, below).

Also, how do I find old business records? How to Find Old Businesses

  1. Check Official Library of Congress References. Begin your search by heading to the Library of Congress website.
  2. Look Through Community Business Records.
  3. Connect With Your Secretary of State Office.
  4. Try Online Archives to Find Old Businesses That Don't Exist Anymore.

Also, how do I find information on a business?

Here are a few resources and websites that may help you find the data on a particular business:

  1. Business and Company Resource Center. Access from Home - Use library barcode.
  2. Reference USA.
  3. Better Business Bureau.
  4. Chamber of Commerce.
  5. Hoovers Online.

How do I find corporate documents?

California. To obtain copies of your company's articles of incorporation or articles of organization online, visit California's Secretary of State's website. To request paper copies, complete this form and follow the instructions.

Related Question Answers

How find out who owns a company?

Research Strategies to Find Business Owners
  1. Make a Call.
  2. Check the Company Website.
  3. Do a Little Social Media Digging.
  4. Conduct a WHOIS Domain Lookup.
  5. Read the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Reports.
  6. Search State Databases of Registered Businesses.
  7. Contact Local Business Licensing or Regulatory Agencies.

What is an example of a public record?

A public record is any document, regardless of physical form, that is made or received in connection with the public business of any state agency. “Regardless of physical form” means that films, audio tapes, pictures, photographs, computer files and email all may be considered a public record.

Where can I find free online business information?

DATABASES
  1. Bloomberg free company search provides company data from the famous financial information provider.
  2. CNBC company search provides corporate profiles put together by the North American news company.

How can I find out when a business was established?

Are you wondering how to know the date of incorporation of a company? This information is recorded by the state where the company was founded. You can search on the website of the state in question, use an online database, or even visit the business's website.

Are LLC filings public?

Because LLC filings are public information, checking the documents should provide the information you need.

What is considered a business record?

A business record is a document (hard copy or digital) that records an "act, condition, or event" related to business. Business records include meeting minutes, memoranda, employment contracts, and accounting source documents.

How do I find out if a business is legit?

Search for the company through its EIN at websites such as EIN Finder. If the company says it does not have an EIN, ask why. Also, search companies through their state tax numbers to determine if they are genuine.

How long does Companies House keep records?

When a limited company is dissolved, all disclosed information remains on the Companies House public register for 20 years. Dissolved company records that are over 6 years old are not available to the public on the free Companies House Service, but they can be viewed on other search services.

How do I find Old City folders?

Six Free Places to Look for Old City Directories
  1. The public library in the city or county of interest. Public libraries often collect directories for their own city and county.
  2. MyHeritage.
  3. Internet Archive.
  4. Google Books.
  5. Online Historical Directories Website.
  6. WorldCat.

How do I find a company article of association?

Where can I get a copy of my company's memorandum and articles of association? You can download a copy of your memorandum and articles of association online via Companies House. If you register through 1st Formations, we will provide you with a copy of these documents when your company has been incorporated.

How can I download my company certificate?

In the 'Customer Dashboard' page, select 'My Companies' Click 'View' beside the company whose certificate you are looking for. Select 'Documents' on the menu tab. Click 'Download' for the certificate of incorporation to download a PDF copy.

How do I download company COI?

Step 1: Log in into Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal i.e. MCA. For this purpose, you shall need a User ID and a Password. Step 2: Go to “Get Certified Copies” tab under “MCA Services” tab (extremely right, top second).

Is the statement of information the same as articles of incorporation?

All California businesses must file their first Statement of Information with the Secretary of State within 90 days of filing the original Articles of Incorporation (or Articles of Organization).

Who makes the most important decisions in a corporation?

Idea in Brief. The executive committee is often officially responsible for making a company's big decisions while another, unofficial group, led by the CEO, seems to hold the real decision-making power.

What is a business registration document?

Company formation documents are the key pieces of documentation issued after the successful registration of a new limited company. There are three company formation documents in total: the certificate of incorporation, the memorandum of association, and the articles of association.

What does FTB forfeited mean?

FTB Suspended or FTB Forfeited: The business entity was suspended or forfeited by the Franchise Tax Board for failure to meet tax requirements (e.g., failure to file a return, pay taxes, penalties, interest).

What is Article formation?

Articles of incorporation are a set of formal documents filed with a government body to legally document the creation of a corporation. Articles of incorporation generally contain pertinent information, such as the firm's name, street address, agent for service of process, and the amount and type of stock to be issued.

What is a general stock corporation?

A General Stock Corporation is a legal business entity, which acts under the law as a separate entity, distinct from the shareholders who own it with the right to issue stock, have an unlimited number of shareholders, and exist indefinitely.