Finding information

Q1. What information can the Secretary of State provide about businesses on file?

A1. The Secretary of State’s office provides copies of filed documents, Certificates of Good Standing, Certificates of Existence, and Certified Copies regarding records for business entities, trade names, and trademarks registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office. These can be printed from our website at no cost.

The business website also provides basic information about a business, such as

• Type (i.e., corporation, limited liability company, nonprofit corporation, limited liability partnership, foreign corporation, individual, general partnership, etc.).
• Date of formation.
• Identification number as assigned by the Secretary of State.
• Status regarding timely filing of documents.
• Principal office address.
• Name and address of its registered agent.
• State in which it was organized.

Q2. How can I view and obtain copies of a filed document?

A2. To view and obtain copies of a filed document:

1. From the Business Home, select “Search business database”.
2. Enter the record name or ID number and click “Search”.
3. If you enter a name, a list of entities with similar names will display. Select the ID Number of the appropriate entity.
4. From the Summary page, select “Filing history and documents”.
5. Select the Document number to view the document.
6. A PDF image of the document will open. You may print and/or save the image.
7. Select the browser’s “Back” button to return to the “Filing history and documents” page.

Q3. What is an entity ID number? Where can I find it?

A3. An entity ID number is a unique 11-digit number used in the Secretary of State’s office to identify an entity’s record. This number is assigned when an entity submits a document that creates a new record. This number can be found on your entity Summary page.

This number is not the same as your tax ID number. Contact the IRS and the Colorado Department of Revenue to obtain your tax ID numbers.

Q4. I know a certain company is doing business in Colorado. Why am I unable to find it listed in your records?

A4. The business may not have filed with the Secretary of State.

Dissolved entities may have been removed from the database prior to 1997 due to prior statutes. We can search our microfilm to put those records back on our website . If you believe that you know of a Colorado entity prior to 1997, you may request a non-digital data search using the Business Services Request form (PDF). We will let you know if we find the business. Finding a record in the microfilm is a time-consuming process – if you know you’re working with a deadline, please submit the request well in advance. We will do our best to help.

In 2006, the law changed and all trade names needed to file with us. Closed, expired, or inactive trade names on record with the Department of Revenue were not transferred in 2006 to the Secretary of State. The Colorado Department of Revenue may provide information concerning these types of businesses.

Q5. How do I find an owner, officer, director, member, or manager of a business entity?

A5. Business entities are not required to file information regarding owners, officers, directors, members, or managers with the Secretary of State. This information is to be kept in the entity’s records held at its principal office. You may want to contact the entity for this information.

Q6. Do you have information on stock or a list of shareholders for corporations?

A6. No. The Colorado Secretary of State does not have this information. This information is to be kept in the entity’s records held at its principal office. Another source may be the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Q7. Do your records tell me if a business is reputable?

A7. The Secretary of State's office is a filing registry of businesses. The Better Business Bureau provides business reliability reports, dispute resolution, and charity reviews at www.bbb.com.