New York entity search: How to find your business information

New York business entity information, including entity name, type, number, and formation date, is available through the New York Department of State Division of Corporations business search portal. This database provides access to the business details you need for onboarding, compliance, or business transactions.

Here, we'll walk you through exactly how to search the New York database, where to find each piece of information, and what format each data point takes in New York's system.

Summary table: Finding your New York entity information

How to search for New York business entities

Access the New York business entity search to look up any registered business by name, DOS ID, assumed name, or assumed name ID.

The search returns results immediately with all essential entity details visible in a summary table. If using the name search, using your complete legal name as registered ensures you get precise results.

You can refine your search using filters for entity status, entity type, and search type (contains, begins with, or exact match for base word).

Click "Search the Database" to view results. The system displays a summary table with key details, including entity name, DOS ID, entity type, and status. Select any entity name to access complete details, including filing history and registered agent data.

What you'll see in search results

• Legal entity name (exact spelling and punctuation)
• Entity type (LLC, Corporation, PLLC, PC, LP, LLP, Not-for-profit Corporation, etc.)
• DOS ID (New York's unique identifier format)
• Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved, etc.)
• Date of first filing (formation date for domestic entities)
• County of registration

How to find your entity number in New York

Your New York entity number, officially called your "DOS ID," is a numeric value assigned by the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, when your entity was formed.

Where to locate your New York DOS ID

1. New York business search (fastest method)

• Located: Left column of search results as a clickable link
• Labeled as: "DOS ID#"
• Format: 123456789 (typically 9 digits)

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Usually at the top of the document
• May be labeled as "Department of State ID" or "DOS ID"
• Stamped by the New York Department of State

3. Annual reports and state correspondence

• Appears on all official Department of State documents
• Referenced in biennial statement requirements

New York entity number format

• Format: Typically 9 digits
• Example: 123456789
• Pattern note: Sequential numbering system assigned chronologically as entities are formed

How to find your entity type in New York

New York recognizes numerous business entity types, listed exactly as shown in your business search results and formation documents.

Where to find your New York entity type

1. New York business search (most accessible)

• Displayed: Prominently in search results under "Entity Type" column
• Listed as: "LLC," "DOMESTIC BUSINESS CORP," "PLLC," "LIMITED PARTNERSHIP," etc.

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• At the top of your formation document
• May state "Certificate of Formation of Limited Liability Company" or similar
• Uses formal legal designations

3. Biennial statements

• Listed in entity information section
• Cannot be changed without formal amendment and filing

How to find your formation date in New York

Your formation date (when the New York Department of State officially filed and approved your business entity) appears in New York business search results and on your Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation.

Where your New York formation date appears

1. New York business search (easiest access)

• Listed as: "Date of First Filing"
• Location: In the main search results table and on the detailed entity page
• Shows the date the Department of State processed your formation paperwork

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Top of the document
• May say "Filed" with the date stamped by the Department of State
• Sometimes includes both the filing date and the effective date

Formation date vs. effective date

New York allows businesses to specify a future effective date when filing, creating two different dates:

• Formation date (file date): When the New York Department of State processed your paperwork (use this one)
• Effective date: When your entity officially began operations (if you specified a later date)

For most entities, the formation date and effective date are identical since New York processes formations with immediate effectiveness unless otherwise specified.

Take the next step and onboard your entity to Discern

You've got what you need from New York's system: business name, entity type, DOS ID, and formation date. Now get those details into Discern and let our platform handle biennial statements, deadline tracking, registered agent coordination, and compliance management across all your jurisdictions.

Whether you're operating in New York alone or managing entities coast to coast, Discern provides the compliance certainty you need to focus on growing your business. Book a demo to see our platform in action.