How to look up Texas business entity information

All Texas business entity information, including entity name, type, number, and formation date, is available through the Texas Secretary of State business search portal. This paid online database ($1 per search) provides immediate access to the four key details you need for onboarding, compliance, or business transactions.

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

Summary table: Finding your Texas entity information

How to search for Texas business entities

Access the Texas business entity search at SOSDirect to look up any registered business by name, entity number, or registered agent, though you'll typically pay $1 per search.

The search returns comprehensive results with all entity details visible after payment, but requires account setup. Navigate to the SOSDirect portal and create an account by submitting basic user information and funding your account. Once logged in, choose "Business Organizations," then "Find Entity" to access the search tool.

Enter your business name, Texas SOS file number, or registered agent name in the search field. Although Texas's search supports partial matches by allowing users to enter the beginning of a name, it’s generally advisable to spell the name exactly as registered for the best results. 

Click the entity number in the results to access entity details, including formation date, registered agent information, and filing history data.

What you'll see in search results

• Legal entity name (exact spelling and punctuation)
• Entity type (LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP, Nonprofit Corporation)
• SOS File Number (unique identifier assigned at formation)
• Formation/file date
• Current status (Active, Forfeited, Terminated, etc.)
• Registered agent name and address
• Principal office and mailing addresses

How to find your entity number in Texas

Your Texas entity number, officially called your "SOS File Number," is a numeric value assigned by the Texas Secretary of State when your entity was formed.

Where to locate your Texas entity number

1. Texas business search

• Located: Left column of search results, displayed as a clickable link
• Labeled as: "SOS File Number" or "Entity Number"
• Format: Typically 9-10 digits (e.g., 123456789)

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Usually at the top of the document
• May be labeled as "File Number," "Document Number," or "SOS File Number"
• Stamped by the Texas Secretary of State

3. Annual reports and state correspondence

• Appears on all official Texas Secretary of State documents
• Used as your account identifier for franchise tax purposes
• Listed on the Texas Comptroller correspondence

Texas entity number format

Format: Typically 9-10 digits assigned sequentially

• Example: 123456789
• Pattern note: Numbers are assigned in chronological order, so newer entities have higher numbers

How to find your entity type in Texas

Texas recognizes multiple business entity types, but their exact names and formats may vary between business search results and formation documents.

Where to find your Texas entity type

1. Texas business search (most accessible)

• Displayed: Prominently in search results under "Entity Type"
• Listed as: "Limited Liability Company," "For Profit Corporation," "Limited Partnership," etc.

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• At the top of your formation document
• States "Certificate of Formation of [Entity Type]" or similar
• Uses formal legal language matching state requirements

3. Annual reports

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

How to find your formation date in Texas

Your formation date appears in Texas business search results, but not consistently on the Certificate of Formation document.

Where your Texas formation date appears

1. Texas business search (easiest access)

• Listed as: "File Date" or "Formation Date"
• Location: In the entity details page accessed by clicking your entity number

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Top of the document
• Shows the filing date (often stamped as 'Filed [date]') and the Texas Secretary of State seal

Formation date vs. effective date

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

• Formation date (file date): When the Texas Secretary of State processed your paperwork
• Effective date: When your entity officially began operations (if you specified a later date)

Most Texas entities have the same formation and effective dates, but always use the filing date for onboarding and compliance purposes.

Streamline compliance with Discern

With your Texas entity information, you can onboard to Discern and stop worrying about your compliance status. Our platform automates Texas's annual reports, tracks every deadline, and coordinates registered agent services across all 51 jurisdictions.

Whether you're operating in Texas alone or managing entities coast to coast, Discern provides the compliance certainty you need to focus on growing your business. Book a demo to get started.