Finding Corporate Records

The information age has made finding corporate records a bit easier. Individuals can search the documents from the state’s online resources as many now make their incorporations’ information available online. This also includes an individual’s ability to file for a new corporate entity. However, some things may only be available at the county level, such as court documents and real estate records.

To find public documents online, check for the state’s department of incorporations. The general public should be able to search for a company via fictitious name or by company name. Some states also provide a search function for names of the board of directors.

From there, you now have the company name and the names of the officers. With this information, you can check UCC filings, if your state has UCC filings online. The general public can then go to the county level to check for litigation documents and real estate records. At the federal level, bankruptcies are searchable. Some states also provide limited arrest records (for anyone, including the officers of a corporation).

If the state or county does not have online access to certain records, the general public must visit the public filings office to view the paper documents.