Looking to start a business in Arizona or simply verify an existing company? The Arizona Business Entity Search is your go-to tool. Managed by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), it lets you quickly find information about registered businesses. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur checking name availability, an investor doing due diligence, or a customer wanting to confirm legitimacy, this search helps you make informed decisions with ease.

What is an Arizona Business Entity Search?

An Arizona Business Entity Search is an online tool provided by the ACC that allows the public to look up information about businesses registered in the state. Through this search, you can find details on LLCs, corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, and other registered entities in Arizona.

Its purpose is to help entrepreneurs check if a business name is available, verify the legal status of an existing company, review filing history, or access documents such as annual reports and certificates. Whether you’re starting a new venture, performing due diligence, or confirming a company’s legitimacy, the Arizona business entity search is the official resource to get accurate and up-to-date information.

Importance of Conducting an Arizona Entity Search

Performing a business entity search Arizona through the ACC is a critical step for entrepreneurs, investors, and customers alike. Here’s why it matters:

  1. Check Name Availability – Before forming a new business, ensure your desired name isn’t already taken or too similar to an existing entity.
  2. Verify Legal Status – Confirm if a company is active, dissolved, or in good standing with the ACC.
  3. Avoid Legal Conflicts – Reduce the risk of disputes, trademark issues, or rejections during registration.
  4. Perform Due Diligence – Validate a company’s legitimacy before entering into contracts, partnerships, or investments.
  5. Access Key Business Records – Review filings, registered agent details, and compliance history for transparency and informed decision-making.

Types of Business Entities in Arizona

When you perform the state of Arizona business entity search, you’ll come across different types of entities, each serving unique purposes. Understanding these categories helps you identify how a business is structured and regulated.

  1. Corporation – Includes both for-profit corporations (created to generate profit for shareholders) and nonprofit corporations (organized for charitable, educational, or social purposes).
  2. Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Arizona’s most popular entity type, combining liability protection with flexible management. The state also recognizes Professional LLCs (PLLCs) for licensed professions like doctors, lawyers, and accountants.
  3. Partnerships – There are different types of partnerships, such as:
    • General Partnerships (GPs): Formed when two or more people manage a business together.
    • Limited Partnerships (LPs): Feature both general and limited partners.
    • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs): Provide liability protection, commonly used by professional service providers.
  4. Foreign Entities – Companies originally formed outside Arizona but registered with the ACC to legally operate in the state. These include foreign LLCs, corporations, and partnerships.
  5. Nonprofits & Cooperatives – Covers nonprofit organizations, religious corporations, and cooperative associations that support community or member-driven goals.

How to Perform an Arizona Business Entity Search?

Here’s how you can use the Arizona SOS business entity search:

  1. Visit the ACC website: Go to the official ACC eCorp Business Entity Search Portal.
  2. Enter your search criteria: You can search using:
    • Business name (full or partial)
    • File number (also called the entity ID)
    • Statutory agent’s name (the registered agent of the business)
  3. Review the search results: A list of matching entities will appear, showing:
    • Entity name
    • Entity ID
    • Type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
    • Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved, etc.)
  4. Click on an entity for details: Selecting a business name provides additional information such as:
    • Formation date
    • Business type
    • Statutory agent information
    • Filing history and official documents
  5. Download or request official records: From the entity details page, you can view and order certified documents like Articles of Incorporation or Annual Reports, directly through the ACC portal.

Understanding Arizona Entity Search Results

When you perform an Arizona Business Entity Search, you’ll come across different status labels and details about the business. Understanding these terms is key to making informed decisions:

  • Active – The business is in good standing, has filed required reports, and can legally operate in Arizona.
  • Inactive – The entity exists but is not currently active. It may have missed filings or is no longer conducting business.
  • Dissolved – The business has been formally closed by its owners or the ACC and cannot legally operate.
  • Revoked/Forfeited – The entity lost its good standing due to non-compliance, such as failing to file reports or pay fees.
  • Pending – The business is in the process of formation or undergoing changes not yet finalized.

Alongside status, the search results may also display the business type (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.), formation date, and statutory agent details, giving you a full picture of the company’s legal standing.

Common Issues with Arizona Business Entity Searches

While the Arizona Secretary of State business entity search is a reliable tool, users may sometimes face challenges. Here are a few common issues and ways to handle them:

  1. No Results Found – If your search returns no matches, try variations of the name (e.g., abbreviations, partial words, or dropping “LLC/Inc.”).
  2. Name Similarities – Entities with names that are very similar can cause confusion. Always double-check the spelling and entity ID.
  3. Outdated Information – Some details, like recent filings, may take time to update. Check back later if documents are newly submitted.
  4. Technical Glitches – The ACC portal may experience downtime or slow loading. Try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser.
  5. Unclear Status Labels – Terms like “Forfeited” or “Revoked” may be confusing. Reviewing the ACC’s definitions or consulting a professional can help clarify the situation.

Tip: Always cross-verify your search results with official filings and certified documents for complete accuracy.

Steps After Completing Your Arizona Entity Search

Once you’ve completed an Arizona business entity search and reviewed the results, your next steps will depend on your goals. Here are some recommended actions:

  1. Register Your Business – If your desired name is available, proceed with registering your LLC, Corporation, or other entity type through the ACC.
  2. Reserve a Business Name – Not ready to register yet? You can file a name reservation with the ACC to secure it for future use.
  3. Secure Trademarks – Protect your brand identity by applying for state or federal trademarks to prevent others from using a similar name or logo.
  4. Appoint a Statutory Agent – Every Arizona business entity must have a statutory agent (registered agent) with a physical Arizona address.
  5. Maintain Compliance – Plan ahead for annual reports, fees, and other filings to keep your business in good standing with the ACC.

Completing the search is just the first step. Following through with these actions ensures your business is properly established and legally protected in Arizona.

Simplify Your Arizona Business Setup with Commenda

Starting a business in Arizona can feel overwhelming, between choosing the right entity type, filing with the ACC, and staying compliant with ongoing requirements. Commenda makes the entity management process simple.

With streamlined tools and expert guidance, Commenda helps you:

  • Quickly form your LLC, Corporation, or Partnership in Arizona.
  • Ensure your business name is available and properly registered.
  • Stay compliant with reminders for annual reports, filings, and renewals.
  • Access ongoing support for trademarks, statutory agent services, and more.

Whether you’re launching your first startup or expanding into Arizona, Commenda handles the paperwork so you can focus on growth. Book a demo today. 

FAQs on Arizona Business Entity Search

1. How do I verify if my chosen business name is available in Arizona?

You can check name availability by searching the Arizona Corporation Commission’s eCorp portal. If no exact matches appear, the name may be available for registration.

2. Can I reserve a business name in Arizona after my entity search?

Yes. If your name is available, you can file a name reservation request with the Arizona Corporation Commission to hold it for 120 days before registration.

3. What does it mean if a business entity in Arizona is listed as “forfeited”?

“Forfeited” status means the entity lost its legal standing, often due to non-compliance such as failing to file reports or pay fees. It can no longer operate legally in the state.

4. How frequently is the Arizona business entity database updated?

The ACC database is updated regularly, but recent filings or changes may take a few business days to appear. Always recheck if you filed documents recently.

5. Can sole proprietorships be found through Arizona’s entity search tool?

No. Sole proprietorships are not registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission, so they will not appear in the entity search database.

6. Are official business documents available directly via Arizona’s entity search platform?

Yes. From the entity details page, you can view or order official filings such as Articles of Incorporation, Annual Reports, or Certificates of Good Standing.

7. Why might my Arizona entity search return no results for an existing business?

This may happen if:

  • The name is misspelled or formatted differently (e.g., missing “LLC” or “Inc.”).
  • The entity is inactive, dissolved, or forfeited.
  • The filing was very recent and hasn’t been updated in the system yet.