Looking to find information about a business in Minnesota? Whether you’re starting your own company, verifying an existing business, or checking name availability, the Minnesota business entity search tool provided by the Minnesota Secretary of State is your go-to resource.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use the Minnesota Secretary of State business entity search, what details you can find, and how to interpret the results. This information is useful for entrepreneurs, business partners, legal professionals, and anyone else interested in Minnesota business entities.
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What Is a Minnesota Business Entity Search?
A business entity search in Minnesota allows you to look up legal and public information about any registered business in the state. This includes LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and even some non-profits.
Using the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website, you can find:
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Business name and type
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Status (active, inactive, dissolved)
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Filing history
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Registered agent info
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Document copies and certificates
You can search by business name or by file number.
Why Use the Business Entity Search Tool?
There are several common reasons to use the Minnesota SOS business entity search, including:
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✅ Checking if a business name is available
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✅ Verifying the legitimacy of a company
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✅ Researching business status before forming contracts
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✅ Looking up your own business records
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✅ Ordering official documents for banks or licensing
How to Use the Minnesota Secretary of State Business Entity Search
The Secretary of State of Minnesota business entity search tool is available online 24/7. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Site
Go to the Business Filings Online page on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Step 2: Choose Search Criteria
You can search by:
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Business Name
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File Number
There are additional filter options:
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Search Scope: “Begins With” or “Contains”
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Include Prior Names
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Business Status: Active, Inactive, etc.
Step 3: Review the Search Results
Click on a business name to view detailed information, including:
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Formation date
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Business type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Filing history
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Registered agent info
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Certificates available
Step 4: Order Copies or Certificates
You can order:
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Certificate of Good Standing
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Certified Copies of filings
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Annual Renewal reminders
There are small fees for document copies, usually around $15.
Example Use Cases for Minnesota Business Entity Lookup
Here are some real-world examples of why you might use the Minnesota SOS business entity search tool:
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Entrepreneurs: Check if your desired business name is already taken.
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Lenders/Investors: Confirm that a company is active and compliant.
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Lawyers: Review business structure or filing status.
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Competitors: Research other businesses in your niche.
Difference Between Entity Search and Name Availability Search
Many people confuse the business entity search with a business name availability search. They serve different purposes:
| Feature | Business Entity Search | Name Availability Check |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | View existing business records | Check if a name is available to register |
| Tool Used | SOS Business Filings Online | Name Availability Search tool (same site) |
| Searches | All registered businesses | Only unregistered names |
Tip: If a name doesn’t show up in the business entity search, it may still be unavailable due to similarity rules.
Naming Rules in Minnesota
When doing a Minnesota Secretary of State business entity name search, it’s important to understand naming rules:
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Names must be distinguishable from others. Even one different letter or number can count.
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You must include a proper suffix: “LLC,” “Inc.,” “Ltd.,” etc.
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Words like “bank,” “insurance,” or “university” may require special approval.
Example: “North Star Tech LLC” vs. “NorthStar Technologies LLC” — both may be too similar.
To reserve a name, you can file online for $55 (expedited) or $35 (mail-in), valid for 12 months.
What You’ll See in a Business Entity Record
Once you run your business entity search for Minnesota, here’s what shows up on the results page:
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Legal Name
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Business Type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Filing Number
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Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
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Incorporation Date
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Registered Office Address
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Registered Agent
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Filing History & Amendments
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Order Documents (optional)
What If a Business Is Inactive or Dissolved?
The search tool also shows:
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Inactive: The business may have failed to file renewals.
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Dissolved: The company voluntarily or legally closed.
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Name Held: The name is reserved but not registered yet.
If you’re trying to revive your business or check why it’s inactive, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State Business Services division.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Minnesota business entity search free?
Yes, searching is 100% free on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
Q: What if I can’t find my business?
Try searching by file number or using “Contains” instead of “Begins With.” Also check for inactive status.
Q: Can I check if a name is available?
Yes, use the Minnesota Secretary of State business entity name search and follow the naming rules.
Q: Can I register or reserve a name directly from the search tool?
You can’t register directly from the search tool, but it links to reservation and filing options.
Conclusion
The Minnesota business entity search is an essential tool for anyone working with businesses in the state. Whether you’re starting a new company or researching an existing one, this powerful and free tool gives you access to all the necessary public records.
With this guide, you now know how to perform a business entity search in Minnesota, use filters, understand naming rules, and make informed decisions.
For the most accurate and current results, always use the official Minnesota Secretary of State business entity search at sos.state.mn.us.
