Want to start a business in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Department of State offers a free online tool to search for registered business entities. This database includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business types.
Before you register a new business or start using a particular business name, it’s a good idea to conduct a business entity search. Doing so can help you avoid legal conflicts and make sure the name you want is available.
This guide will walk you through how to use the Pennsylvania Business Entity Search portal. We’ll share tips for conducting searches, interpreting the results, and understanding common Pennsylvania business terminology. Using the PA Secretary of State corporation search is a great way to ensure your business is legally compliant.