When doing business in the state of Arizona, it is crucial to understand how to perform a business entity search. Whether you’re starting a new LLC, checking the status of a corporation, or researching a potential partner, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) provides an online platform that makes this process efficient and accessible. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through every aspect of the Arizona Business Entity Search, from what it is, how to use it, and why it matters.
What Is an Arizona Business Entity Search?
An Arizona Business Entity Search is a public tool provided by the Arizona Corporation Commission to search, verify, and access information about businesses registered in the state. This includes LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofits.
This database contains vital data such as:
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Business name
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Entity ID
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Entity type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Date of formation
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Current status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
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Statutory agent information
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Annual report filings
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Business address
Why Conduct an Arizona Business Entity Search?
There are numerous reasons individuals and business professionals use the Arizona entity lookup system:
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Verify legitimacy of a business
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Ensure a business name is available before registering
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Track legal standing of a competitor or potential partner
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View filings and documents of public record
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Confirm agent information for service of process
How to Perform a Business Entity Search in Arizona
1. Visit the Official Arizona Corporation Commission Website
To begin your search, go directly to the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Entity Search page.
2. Use Basic or Advanced Search Options
The search portal allows users to filter results using:
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Entity Name
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Entity ID
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Name Availability
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Statutory Agent
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Principal Name
Using partial keywords or full legal business names yields accurate results.
3. Access and Analyze the Business Details
Once you click on the desired result, you’ll be able to view:
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Entity’s filing history
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Latest annual report
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Name change history
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Entity’s status (active, revoked, dissolved, etc.)
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Legal documents, available for download in PDF format
Understanding Arizona Business Entity Types
When searching Arizona records, it’s important to know the types of businesses you may encounter:
Arizona LLC (Limited Liability Company)
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Flexible structure ideal for small to medium businesses.
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Managed by members or designated managers.
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Limited personal liability protection.
Arizona Corporation (Inc., Corp.)
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More formal structure for larger operations.
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Owned by shareholders and governed by a board of directors.
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Must file annual reports and maintain corporate formalities.
Arizona Nonprofit Corporation
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Used by charities, foundations, and non-commercial organizations.
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Tax-exempt status must be approved by the IRS.
Arizona Foreign Entity
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A business formed outside Arizona but authorized to operate within the state.
Statutory Agent Lookup
Each business entity must appoint a statutory agent a person or business responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the company.
Using the Arizona search tool, you can verify:
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Agent’s full legal name
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Business address
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Whether the agent is active or has resigned
This is particularly useful for attorneys, compliance officers, and service of process needs.
How to Check Business Name Availability in Arizona
Before registering your entity, you must ensure the desired name is unique and compliant with Arizona business naming rules.
Steps:
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Go to the ACC Name Availability Search Tool.
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Enter the desired business name.
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Review results to see if the name is:
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Available
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Not available (already in use)
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Similar to another entity, which may require modification
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Note: Arizona does not reserve names via this tool—it is for reference only. To reserve a business name, submit a Name Reservation Form online or by mail.
Registering a New Business in Arizona
If your name is available, and you’ve reviewed other business listings, you can register a new entity via the Arizona eCorp system.
Basic steps include:
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Create a user account at https://ecorp.azcc.gov
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Select the type of entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Complete the application
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Pay the required filing fees
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Submit documents electronically
How to Access Arizona Annual Reports and Filing History
The Arizona Corporation Commission requires certain entities (especially corporations) to file annual reports. These can be viewed via the business search results:
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Scroll down to the “Annual Reports” section.
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Download PDFs of each year’s filings.
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See late filing penalties and compliance status.
Tips for a Successful Arizona Entity Search
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Use partial names if unsure of spelling.
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Always check both active and inactive entities.
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Document downloads can be critical for legal or financial audits.
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Businesses must maintain current statutory agent info or risk administrative dissolution.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
Problem: Can’t find an entity using its common name.
Solution: Use the official legal name or Entity ID if available.
Problem: Statutory agent is incorrect or outdated.
Solution: File a Statement of Change via eCorp to update agent details.
Problem: Entity shows “Delinquent” or “Dissolved.”
Solution: Review filing history to identify missing reports or unpaid fees. Reactivation may require backfiling and penalty payments.
Additional Resources for Arizona Business Owners
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Arizona Secretary of State – Handles trade names and trademarks
https://azsos.gov -
Arizona Department of Revenue – Sales tax registration, TPT licenses
https://azdor.gov -
IRS EIN Application – Required for most Arizona businesses
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Conclusion: Use the Arizona Business Entity Search to Your Advantage
Performing an Arizona business entity search is not only simple but also essential for due diligence, compliance, and startup planning. Whether you’re launching a new LLC, researching a corporation’s legal standing, or verifying statutory agents, the tools provided by the Arizona Corporation Commission are powerful and accessible. Regular use of this system will ensure you’re making informed, lawful, and smart business decisions in the Grand Canyon State.
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