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    In 2023, North Dakota ranked 40th in business applications per capita in the United States. On average, between 6,500 and 10,000 new business formation applications are submitted annually in the state. The most up-to-date information on the number of registered business entities in the state is available at the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office (SOS).

    A North Dakota business entity search is important for many reasons. It generally reveals information about an entity’s ownership details, legal structure, current status, and whether the business is in good standing, particularly for individuals who intend to do business with the entity. Furthermore, you can ascertain the legitimacy of a business by conducting an entity search. This is especially vital in making informed decisions before entering into a new business relationship or a contract.

    Choose Your Search Criteria

    • Entity Name:
      Entity Name:

      Enter the full or partial name of the entity in the search field.

    • System ID:
      System ID:

      Use the entity's SOS Control ID if known to search directly.

    Review Search Results

    After entering the available search criterion, click the “Search” button and wait for the search result, which will generally list several entities matching the search criterion. Each record in the list will have its official name, SOS Control ID, standing, status, and filing date displayed.

    Access Detailed Information

    You may access detailed information about an entity from the list of search results by clicking on the entity name under the “Form Info” column. You will generally find the following information from the expanded view in the right-side panel:

    • Entity Name: The name of the entity
    • Filing Type: The type of legal structure
    • Status: Active or inactive
    • Formed In: The state where the entity was originally formed
    • Standing: Good standing or not good standing
    • Address: Mailing and principal address
    • Initial Filing Date: Date of first filing
    • AR Due Date: Annual returns due date

    Further Assistance

    If you need additional assistance using the Business Search page or navigating it, contact the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office.

    How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in North Dakota

    If you need to find the owner of a North Dakota business entity, you may look up the entity online to find out if it has a website. You may just be able to find information on the entity’s owner through its website. At the least, you should find contact information through which you may be able to get details about the entity ownership.

    Furthermore, you may search the Secretary of State’s Business Search page to find an entity’s ownership details in North Dakota. Other places to look include the following:

    • Chamber of Commerce
      Chamber of Commerce

      In North Dakota, the local chamber of commerce generally keeps certain records of entities within their jurisdiction from which you may be able to find information about the owner of an entity.

    • Public Records
      Public Records

      You may be able to learn about an entity’s ownership by submitting a public record request to the relevant state agency in North Dakota.

    • Better Business Bureau
      Better Business Bureau

      If the Better Business Bureau has an entity’s profile on its website, there is a possibility that you will find information about the owner of that business entity.

    Why Conduct a North Dakota Entity Search?

    You may conduct an entity search in North Dakota for the following reasons:

    • To know if a proposed business name is still available and distinguishable from other business names in the state.
    • To find vital information about an entity and learn about it.
    • To look up ownership information and the status of an entity.
    • To determine if a business entity is in good standing.
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

    In North Dakota, an entity search may help you conduct due diligence on a business, especially if you intend to enter into a business relationship with the entity or if you plan to work with it.

    Investor Research
    Investor Research

    As a potential investor in a North Dakota business, it is recommended that you search for the business entity to verify its status and know if it is in good standing before deciding whether or not to invest.

    Supplier Verification
    Supplier Verification

    With an entity search, you may verify the legitimacy and registered business address of a potential supplier before doing any business with them or during procurement.

    Fraud Prevention
    Fraud Prevention

    When you conduct due diligence on a business through an entity search before entering into a partnership, you have generally taken a major step in preventing getting scammed.

    Who Holds Data for North Dakota Business Entity Search?

    In addition to the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, the following agencies may hold data for business entities registered in the state:

    What Entities Can You Register in North Dakota?

    Northdakota Entities

    You may register your business as any of the following if you ever consider starting one in North Dakota:

    Sole Proprietorship

    The owner of the entity has total control of the business liabilities, profits, and operations. If the owner of a sole proprietorship wishes to operate under a name other than their legal name, they may be required to register a “doing business as” (DBA) name.

    Partnership

    In a partnership, there are at least two individuals or other businesses with established agreements to operate as partners in business. In North Dakota, an entity may be registered as any of the following partnership types:

    1. Limited Partnership (LP)

    2. General Partnership

    3. Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP)

    4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

    5. Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP)

    Limited Liability Company (LLC)

    An LLC is generally formed by filing articles of organization with the Secretary of State’s Office. The following are the types of LLCs in North Dakota:

    1. Business Limited Liability Liability Company

    2. Professional Limited Liability Company

    3. Authorized Livestock Farm Limited Liability Company

    4. Farming or Ranching Limited Liability Company

    Corporation

    A corporation is formed by filing articles of incorporation. In North Dakota, a person may form any of the following types of corporation:

    1. Authorized livestock farm corporation

    2. Business corporation

    3. Professional corporation

    4. Farming or ranching corporation

    Cooperative

    A cooperative is generally incorporated for the benefit of its stakeholders or members. It is typically formed by at least five adults, one of whom must reside in North Dakota. The stockholders or members of a cooperative share equally in its control. The following types of cooperatives may be registered in North Dakota:

    1. Electric cooperative

    2. General cooperative

    3. Grazing cooperative

    4. Mutual cooperative

    Franchise

    A franchise is generally an approval given to an entity, known as a franchisee, to access a franchisor's branding, products, operations, and expertise in exchange for a percentage of sales, franchise fee, or royalty sales.

    How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in North Dakota?

    Before starting the filing process for a new business entity in North Dakota, it is important to check that the proposed name has not been taken or used by another business. This may be achieved by conducting a business entity search. An entity search will help you ensure that the name you intend to choose is unique and distinguishable from other registered businesses within the state.

    You may face legal issues if you register an entity with an already existing business name in North Dakota. The following are places you can check to ensure that a proposed business name is still available:

    How Do I Set up A Business Entity in North Dakota?

    1. Decide the business structure you intend to operate, depending on factors such as access to financing, liability, and taxes.
    2. Choose a name for the business and conduct a North Dakota entity search to determine its availability.
    3. Choose a North Dakota registered agent with a physical address in the state.
    4. If required, obtain a permit or license for the entity. You may also consider registering a trademark for the entity.
    5. Initiate the entity registration (filing) in the FirstStop portal.

    How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In North Dakota?

    Costs associated with each type of business structure formation in North Dakota include the following:

    • Sole Proprietorship:
      Sole Proprietorship:

      Trade name registration fee - $25

    • Partnership:
      Partnership:

      Fictitious name registration - $25 for first two partners + $3 each additional; LP - $110; LLLP - $110; Professional LLP - $35 + $3 per additional partner (domestic); Foreign Professional LLP - $60

    • Limited Liability Company (LLC):
      Limited Liability Company (LLC):

      Business, farming, ranching, livestock, and professional LLC (domestic & foreign) - $135

    • Corporation:
      Corporation:

      Domestic corporation - $100; Foreign corporation - $145

    • Cooperative:
      Cooperative:

      Domestic - $30; Foreign - $40

    Additional Information Available on the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Website

    Northdakota Entities

    You will generally find the following additional information on the North Dakota Secretary of State’s website:

    • Business:

      Business services, nonprofit services, licensing & registration, and lien filings/UCC.

    • Elections:

      Voter, candidate, election official, campaign finance, election security, election resources, election results.

    • Notary & Apostille:

      How to get something notarized, become a notary public, maintain a notary commission, perform notarial Acts, and apostille & certification.

    • Services:

      Official records, public meeting notices, emergency commission, great seal, signed legislative bills, records searches, and data list requests.

    FAQs About Business Entity Searches in North Dakota

    1. Why would I need to search for a business entity in North Dakota?

      To verify business details, determine legal standing, or assist in due diligence before investment or partnership.

    2. What types of entities can I search for in North Dakota?

      Sole proprietorships, LLCs, cooperatives, corporations, franchises.

    3. Where can I perform a business entity search in North Dakota?

      Use the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Business Search page.

    4. What information do I need to conduct an entity search in North Dakota?

      The business name or SOS ID.

    5. How do I find the official name of a North Dakota business?

      Search using partial name on the Business Search page to retrieve full official names.

    6. Can I search for foreign entities in North Dakota?

      Yes, foreign entities registered in the state are searchable.

    7. What information can I find in the North Dakota entity search?

      Entity name, formation date, status, standing, filing history, registered agent, type, address, annual report date.

    8. How do I verify if a North Dakota business is in good standing?

      Check the standing in the search results – labeled as 'good' or 'not good'.

    9. Can I search for an entity in North Dakota by its owner’s name?

      Contact the Secretary of State’s Office for this search type.

    10. How often is the North Dakota business entity database updated?

      It is regularly updated to reflect current filings and entity statuses.

    11. Can I obtain copies of business filings in North Dakota?

      Yes. Send a written request to:
      North Dakota Secretary of State
      600 E. Boulevard Ave.
      Dept. 108
      Bismarck, ND 58505
      Phone (701) 328-2900

    12. How do I find out who the registered agent of a North Dakota business is?

      Run a search on the Secretary of State’s Business Search page to view registered agent info.

    13. How can I search for North Dakota businesses by their tax ID number?

      Contact the Secretary of State’s Office for this type of lookup.

    14. What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the North Dakota search?

      Verify the name or SOS ID. If unsuccessful, contact the Secretary of State at (701) 328-2900 or email sosbir@nd.gov.

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