If you’re planning to start a business in Indiana or conduct due diligence on an existing company, understanding how to perform a business entity search is essential. The Indiana Secretary of State provides a robust online tool for searching business records. This guide offers a step-by-step breakdown, detailed explanations, and insider tips on how to get the most from the Indiana Business Entity Search platform.
What Is the Indiana Business Entity Search?
The Indiana Business Entity Search is a public online service provided by the Indiana Secretary of State’s Business Services Division. It allows individuals, entrepreneurs, investors, legal professionals, and regulatory bodies to access detailed records of entities registered in the state.
Entities you can search include:
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Corporations (domestic and foreign)
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Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
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Limited Partnerships (LPs)
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Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
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Nonprofit Organizations
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Fictitious Business Names (DBAs)
This tool is essential for verifying business legitimacy, checking registration status, and accessing public records like formation dates, status (active or dissolved), and registered agent information.
How to Perform an Indiana Business Entity Search
Step 1: Visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s Website
Go to the official INBiz portal, Indiana’s one-stop business portal.
Step 2: Navigate to the Business Search Page
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Hover over “Search for a Business” in the navigation menu.
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Click on “Business Search” to be directed to the entity lookup page.
Step 3: Choose a Search Option
The platform offers multiple search filters to refine your results:
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Business Name
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Business ID Number
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Registered Agent Name
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Incorporator or Principal Name
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Filing Number
We recommend starting with the “Business Name” option for general inquiries and narrowing down with other filters if needed.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Results include key information:
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Business Name
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Business ID
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Status (Active, Inactive, etc.)
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Entity Type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Principal Office Address
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Registered Agent Info
Click on the business name for detailed filings and documents.
Understanding Business Entity Status
The status of a business entity in Indiana can tell you a lot about its operational standing:
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Active – The business is compliant and in good standing.
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Inactive – The business has been dissolved or failed to file necessary documents.
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Administratively Dissolved – The state has dissolved the business due to noncompliance.
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Merged – The business has merged into another entity.
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Withdrawn – The entity has voluntarily removed itself from Indiana’s registry.
Why Perform an Indiana Business Entity Search?
1. Due Diligence Before Partnerships or Investments
Before you sign contracts or invest capital, make sure the business:
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Exists legally
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Is in good standing
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Is authorized to do business in Indiana
2. Verify Your Own Business Status
Ensure your entity’s filings are up to date, especially when applying for:
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Business loans
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Government contracts
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Grants or licenses
3. Avoid Name Conflicts When Starting a New Business
Search to see if the name you want is already in use. If it is, you’ll need to choose a unique one.
4. Access Public Filing Documents
View historical data such as:
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Articles of Incorporation
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Amendments
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Annual Reports
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Name Changes
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Dissolution Filings
How to Reserve or Register a Business Name in Indiana
If your search confirms availability, you can reserve your desired business name through INBiz:
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Create an INBiz account.
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Choose “Name Reservation” under Business Services.
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Pay a $20 name reservation fee (valid for 120 days).
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Proceed to register your business online.
Name availability is critical, and it must meet these criteria:
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Not deceptively similar to existing entities.
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Not misleading about the nature or structure of the business.
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Must include appropriate suffixes like “LLC,” “Inc.,” or “Corp.”
Additional Business Services Offered by INBiz
Beyond business search and registration, INBiz offers:
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Business Formation (LLC, Corp, LP, etc.)
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Filing Biennial Reports
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Updating Registered Agent
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Filing Articles of Dissolution
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Foreign Qualification for Out-of-State Businesses
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Trademark and Service Mark Registrations (State Level)
How to Check Registered Agents in Indiana
Every Indiana business must maintain a registered agent, who is the official recipient of legal and government correspondence.
Using the Business Entity Search, you can find:
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Registered Agent’s full name
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Mailing address
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Change history
If the registered agent has changed recently, check filings for amendments or updates.
Indiana Business Entity Filing Deadlines
Stay compliant by knowing these key dates:
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Biennial Business Entity Reports are due on the anniversary month of registration.
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Late filings may incur penalties and could result in administrative dissolution.
Always update changes in:
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Business address
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Registered agent
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Business name or structure
Common Errors to Avoid During Indiana Entity Searches
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Misspellings: Use correct and full names.
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Abbreviations: Try both full words and abbreviations (e.g., “Company” vs. “Co.”).
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Inactive Entities: If you don’t find a business, try searching by registered agent or principal name to uncover dissolved or merged entities.
Can You Conduct an Advanced Search?
Yes. Indiana’s system supports advanced filters such as:
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Search by filing date
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Filter by entity type
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Filter by business status
These features are especially useful for legal professionals, accountants, and researchers needing targeted data.
Legal Access to Business Documents
Most business documents are available to download for free in PDF format. Some certified copies or certified status certificates require a fee, typically between $5–$30. These can be ordered directly through INBiz.
Contact Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division
Mailing Address:
Indiana Secretary of State
Business Services Division
302 West Washington Street, Room E018
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-9768
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
Website: https://inbiz.in.gov
Conclusion: Make Smarter Business Decisions with Indiana Business Entity Search
The Indiana Business Entity Search tool is a powerful, user-friendly resource for anyone involved in business activities within the state. From verifying legal status to downloading official filings, it provides transparency and insight that can prevent fraud, support smart investments, and streamline registrations. Whether you’re launching a startup or checking a vendor’s credentials, it’s a tool every businessperson should master.
