How to Find Out Who Owns a Business: Complete Guide

Whether you're conducting due diligence on a potential partner, verifying a vendor's legitimacy, or researching competitive intelligence, knowing how to identify business ownership is an essential skill. Finding this information isn't always straightforward—ownership structures vary widely, some states offer more transparency than others, and many companies use registered agents or complex hierarchies that obscure the actual decision-makers.

This guide walks you through eight practical methods for uncovering ownership details, explains why this information matters for compliance and business relationships, and provides state-by-state resources to streamline your research. You'll learn which approaches work best for different scenarios, how to interpret what you find, and when to escalate to professional services.

Understanding Business Ownership Structures

Before you begin your search, it helps to understand how ownership varies across different entity types. The title someone holds doesn't always reveal whether they own the company or simply manage operations on behalf of others.

Sole Proprietorships

A sole proprietorship is the simplest structure: one individual owns and operates the business. There's no legal separation between the owner and the entity, meaning the proprietor assumes unlimited personal liability for debts and obligations. These businesses often operate under the owner's name or a registered trade name (DBA). Finding the owner is usually straightforward—check local DBA filings or business license records in the county where the company operates.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

LLC owners are called members, and those who handle day-to-day operations are managers. Managers may or may not be members. This structure provides liability protection, separating personal assets from business debts. Some states require LLCs to list members in formation documents, while others—like Delaware, Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico—permit anonymous ownership. In those cases, you'll see only a registered agent's name in public filings.

Members and managers often use titles like CEO, President, or Managing Director, which can make it unclear who actually holds ownership stakes. A single-member LLC has one owner; a multi-member LLC has two or more. Series LLCs add another layer of complexity, allowing multiple sub-entities under one umbrella, each with potentially different members.

Partnerships

Partnerships involve two or more individuals or entities sharing ownership, profits, and liabilities. In a general partnership, all partners share equal responsibility and unlimited liability. Limited partnerships (LPs) have at least one general partner with unlimited liability and one or more limited partners whose liability is capped at their investment. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) protect all partners from personal liability for business debts, though each partner remains responsible for their own professional actions.

Partnership agreements typically outline ownership percentages and roles. These documents may be filed with the state or kept private, depending on jurisdiction and partnership type.

Corporations

Corporations are independent legal entities owned by shareholders, who elect a board of directors to oversee management. The board appoints officers—such as the CEO, CFO, and President—to run daily operations. Shareholders are not personally liable for corporate debts.

C corporations face double taxation: the company pays corporate income tax, and shareholders pay personal income tax on dividends. S corporations pass profits and losses directly to shareholders' personal tax returns, avoiding corporate tax. S corps have restrictions—no more than 100 shareholders, all must be U.S. citizens or residents, and only one class of stock is allowed.

Publicly traded corporations must file detailed ownership information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), making shareholder data accessible through the EDGAR database. Private corporations have fewer disclosure requirements, and ownership details may be harder to obtain.

Nonprofits and Cooperatives

Nonprofit corporations don't have owners in the traditional sense. Instead, a board of directors governs the organization, and any profits must be reinvested in the mission rather than distributed to individuals. Nonprofits file formation documents and annual reports with the state, and those seeking 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status must register with the IRS.

Cooperatives are owned and operated by their members, who share profits and have equal voting power regardless of investment size. An elected board manages operations, but ultimate control rests with the membership.

Executive Titles vs. Actual Ownership

Titles like CEO, President, or Managing Director don't necessarily indicate ownership. Many companies hire executives to manage operations while founders or investors retain ownership stakes. A registered agent—required in most states—serves as the official point of contact for legal documents but is rarely an owner. Always verify whether someone listed in public records holds equity or simply performs a service role.

Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)

The term ultimate beneficial owner refers to the individual(s) who ultimately control or profit from a business, even if ownership is held through layers of holding companies, trusts, or nominee arrangements. Financial institutions and regulated industries must identify UBOs to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) laws and Know Your Business (KYB) requirements. Complex corporate structures—especially those involving offshore entities—can obscure beneficial ownership, making this research more challenging.

Why You Need to Know Who Owns a Business

Understanding ownership isn't just about curiosity—it's often a legal, financial, or strategic necessity. Here are the most common reasons businesses and individuals seek this information.

Legal and Compliance Requirements

Know Your Business (KYB) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations require financial institutions, lenders, and certain other businesses to verify the identity of clients and partners. This includes identifying ultimate beneficial owners to prevent money laundering, fraud, and sanctions violations. AML laws mandate screening against sanctions lists and politically exposed persons (PEP) databases.

As of March 2025, the Corporate Transparency Act's beneficial ownership reporting requirements have been significantly scaled back. U.S. domestic companies are now exempt from reporting beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. Only foreign entities registered to do business in the United States must file these reports. However, regulated industries—such as banking, insurance, and export—must still document ownership as part of their due diligence processes. Failure to comply with industry-specific requirements can result in significant fines and legal liability.

Business Due Diligence

Before entering partnerships, vendor agreements, or investment deals, companies assess counterparties to understand risk exposure. Knowing who owns a business helps you evaluate:

• Financial stability: Are the owners creditworthy? Do they have a history of failed ventures or legal disputes?
• Reputation: Have the principals been involved in fraud, sanctions violations, or unethical practices?
• Conflicts of interest: Does the ownership structure create potential conflicts with your business?
• Control and decision-making: Who has the authority to approve contracts, make payments, or change terms?

This research is especially important when dealing with complex corporate structures, foreign entities, or businesses in high-risk industries.

Competitive and Market Research

Understanding who controls a competitor can reveal strategic insights. Are they backed by private equity? Do they have ties to larger conglomerates? Are the founders still involved, or has leadership changed hands? This context helps you anticipate competitive moves, identify potential acquisition targets, and understand market dynamics.

Personal and Consumer Protection

Consumers and small businesses often need to verify legitimacy before making purchases, signing contracts, or filing complaints. Knowing who owns a company helps you:

• Confirm the business is registered and operating legally
• Identify the responsible party for disputes or legal claims
• Avoid scams and fraudulent operators
• Determine whether a business name is available for your own venture

Credit and Lending Decisions

Lenders and credit agencies evaluate ownership when assessing loan applications or extending credit. Personal guarantees from owners provide additional security, and understanding the ownership structure helps lenders gauge risk and enforce repayment terms.

8 Proven Methods to Find Business Owners

The best approach depends on the type of business, the state or country where it's registered, and how much time and money you're willing to invest. Here are eight methods, ranked from most accessible to most specialized.

1. Search Secretary of State Databases

Cost: Free to $5
Time: 5–15 minutes
Reliability: High

Every state requires businesses to register with the Secretary of State (or equivalent office). Most states maintain online databases where you can search by business name, registered agent, or file number. These records typically include:

• Legal business name
• Entity type (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)
• Registered agent name and address
• Formation date and status (active, dissolved, suspended)
• Principal office address
• Officers, directors, or members (varies by state)

Limitations: Not all states require disclosure of members or shareholders in public filings. Some businesses list only a registered agent—a third-party service that receives legal documents on behalf of the company. In states like Delaware, Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico, LLCs can maintain anonymity, making it difficult to identify actual owners through public records alone.

How to search: Visit your state's Secretary of State website and look for a "Business Entity Search" or "Corporations Database" link. Enter the business name or registration number. Results usually appear instantly. Some states charge a small fee for certified copies of formation documents or annual reports, which may contain additional ownership details.

Pro tip: If the business operates under a trade name (DBA), search for the DBA first to find the legal entity name, then search that entity in the state database.

2. Check the Company Website

Cost: Free
Time: 5–10 minutes
Reliability: Medium

Many businesses list leadership teams, founders, or ownership information on their websites. Look for:

• About Us or Our Team pages: Often include bios and titles for executives and owners
• Press releases: May mention ownership changes, funding rounds, or executive appointments
• Contact pages: Sometimes list the owner or principal contact
• Leadership or Board of Directors sections: Common for larger companies and nonprofits

Limitations: Website information is self-reported and may be outdated. Titles like CEO or President don't always indicate ownership. Some businesses intentionally omit ownership details for privacy or competitive reasons.

3. Perform a WHOIS Domain Lookup

Cost: Free
Time: 2–5 minutes
Reliability: Low to Medium

WHOIS is a public database of domain registration information. If you know a company's website, you can look up the registrant's name, email, and address. Many registrars offer WHOIS lookup tools, including:

• ICANN WHOIS
• GoDaddy WHOIS
• Namecheap WHOIS
• Who.is

Limitations: Many domain owners use privacy protection services that mask their personal information, replacing it with the privacy service's contact details. WHOIS data may list the IT administrator or web developer rather than the business owner. This method works best for small businesses that register domains personally without privacy protection.

4. Submit a Public Records Request

Cost: $3–$10
Time: 3–30 days
Reliability: Very High

If online databases don't provide enough detail, you can submit a formal public records request to the Secretary of State or other government agency. Most states have procedures for requesting copies of formation documents, annual reports, or amendments that may include ownership information not visible in online summaries.

How to request: Visit the Secretary of State's website and look for "Public Records Request" or "Document Retrieval" instructions. Some states accept requests by mail, email, or online portal. You'll typically need to provide:

• Business name or file number
• Type of document requested (Articles of Organization, Annual Report, etc.)
• Your contact information
• Payment for copying and processing fees

Turnaround times vary. Some states process requests within a few days; others take several weeks. In-person requests at the state office may yield faster results.

5. Search Alternative Public Records

Cost: Free to $5
Time: 15–60 minutes
Reliability: Medium to High

Ownership information sometimes appears in other public records:

• Business licenses and permits: Many industries require licenses that list owners' names. Check with city, county, or state licensing boards.
• Property records: If the business owns real estate, search the county recorder's office or assessor's website. Property records often list the owner's name and address.
• Court documents: Lawsuits, liens, and judgments filed against a business may name owners or officers. Search federal, state, and county court databases.
• Professional licenses: Businesses in regulated professions (healthcare, law, engineering) must register with state boards. These databases often include ownership details.
• Trademark and patent records: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database lists applicants and owners of trademarks and patents. This can help identify business owners, especially for product-based companies.

6. Consult Business Directories and the Better Business Bureau

Cost: Free
Time: 10–20 minutes
Reliability: Medium

Several directories aggregate business information:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Accredited businesses often list ownership or management contact information in their profiles. You can also check complaint history and ratings.
• Local Chambers of Commerce: Membership directories may include owner names and contact details.
• Industry-specific directories: Trade associations and professional groups often publish member directories.
• LinkedIn: Search for the company page and review the "People" section. Founders and owners often list their titles and equity stakes in their profiles.

Limitations: Directory information is voluntary and may be incomplete or outdated. Not all businesses participate in these platforms.

For small and midsize businesses that maintain active communication channels with customers, tools like our AI Agent OS at Vida help streamline inquiries about ownership, services, and verification—ensuring callers reach the right information quickly and professionally.

7. Search Federal Databases

Cost: Free
Time: 10–30 minutes
Reliability: Very High (for applicable businesses)

Certain businesses must file with federal agencies:

• SEC EDGAR: Publicly traded companies file detailed ownership and financial information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Search the EDGAR database by company name or ticker symbol. You'll find 10-K annual reports, proxy statements, and beneficial ownership reports (Forms 3, 4, and 5) that disclose major shareholders and insiders.
• IRS Exempt Organizations: Nonprofits seeking 501(c)(3) status file Form 990 annually, which includes board member names and compensation details. Search the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.
• Federal contractor databases: Businesses that contract with the federal government appear in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Registration records include ownership information.
• Industry-specific registries: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other agencies maintain databases for regulated industries.

8. Use Third-Party Business Intelligence Services

Cost: $10–$100+
Time: Instant to 24 hours
Reliability: Very High

When free methods fall short, professional services aggregate data from multiple sources and provide comprehensive reports. These platforms are especially useful for compliance, due diligence, and high-stakes transactions. Common providers include:

• Credit reporting agencies: Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax offer business credit reports that include ownership details, financial history, and risk scores.
• KYB verification platforms: Specialized services verify business identities, screen against sanctions lists, and identify ultimate beneficial owners. These tools are essential for financial institutions and regulated industries.
• Public records search services: Companies like LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters compile court records, property filings, and corporate documents into searchable databases.

When to use paid services: If you need verified, up-to-date information for legal, financial, or compliance purposes—or if the business has a complex ownership structure—professional services save time and reduce risk.

State-by-State Secretary of State Directory

The table below provides direct links to business entity search portals for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most searches are free, though some states charge fees for certified copies or detailed reports.

StateBusiness Search PortalNotesAlabamaSecretary of State Business Entity RecordsFree search; certified copies available for a feeAlaskaCorporations DatabaseFree search; includes business status and registered agentArizonaCorporations Commission SearchFree search; detailed filings available onlineArkansasCorporation Search IndexFree search; some records require in-person requestCaliforniaSecretary of State Business SearchFree search; certified documents cost $5–$30ColoradoBusiness Database SearchFree search; real-time updatesConnecticutBusiness Record SearchFree search; annual reports available onlineDelawareDelaware Entity SearchFree search; known for privacy-friendly LLC lawsDistrict of ColumbiaCorpOnlineFree search; includes trade names and registered agentsFloridaSunbiz Business SearchFree search; comprehensive database with annual reportsGeorgiaCorporations Division SearchFree search; includes officers and registered agentsHawaiiBusiness Registration DivisionFree search; some documents require paymentIdahoSecretary of State Business SearchFree search; includes business status and formation dateIllinoisBusiness Entity SearchFree search; detailed filings available onlineIndianaINBiz Business SearchFree search; includes annual reportsIowaBusiness Entities SearchFree search; includes registered agent and statusKansasBusiness Entity Search Station (BESS)Free search; real-time dataKentuckyBusiness Entity SearchFree search; includes officers and registered agentsLouisianaBusiness Filings SearchFree search; annual reports available onlineMaineCorporate Name SearchFree search; limited online detail; request documents by mailMarylandBusiness Express Entity SearchFree search; includes formation documentsMassachusettsBusiness Entity SearchFree search; certified copies available for a feeMichiganCorporations Online Filing SystemFree search; includes annual reports and statusMinnesotaSearch Business and Liens FilingsFree search; includes UCC filingsMississippiBusiness Services SearchFree search; includes registered agent and officersMissouriSearch for a Business EntityFree search; includes annual reportsMontanaBusiness SearchFree search; includes business status and registered agentNebraskaCorporate and Business SearchFree search; includes officers and directorsNevadaSilverFlume Business SearchFree search; known for privacy-friendly LLC lawsNew HampshireBusiness SearchFree search; includes annual reportsNew JerseyBusiness Records ServiceFree search; detailed filings available onlineNew MexicoCorporations Division Business SearchFree search; includes registered agent and statusNew YorkCorporation and Business Entity DatabaseFree search; includes formation documentsNorth CarolinaBusiness Registration Division SearchFree search; includes annual reportsNorth DakotaBusiness SearchFree search; includes officers and registered agentsOhioBusiness SearchFree search; includes business status and filingsOklahomaBusiness Entities SearchFree search; includes registered agent and officersOregonCorporation Division Business RegistryFree search; includes annual reportsPennsylvaniaBusiness Entity SearchFree search; includes formation documentsPuerto RicoCorporations SearchFree search; Spanish and English availableRhode IslandBusiness Services DivisionFree search; includes annual reportsSouth CarolinaBusiness Name SearchFree search; includes registered agent and statusSouth DakotaBusiness Information SearchFree search; includes officers and directorsTennesseeBusiness Information SearchFree search; includes annual reportsTexasTaxable Entity SearchFree search; includes franchise tax statusUtahBusiness SearchFree search; includes registered agent and officersVermontCorporations Division Business SearchFree search; includes annual reportsVirgin IslandsRegister Entity SearchFree search; limited online detailVirginiaClerk's Information SystemFree search; includes formation documentsWashingtonCorporations and Charities Filing SystemFree search; includes annual reportsWest VirginiaBusiness Entity SearchFree search; includes registered agent and statusWisconsinCorporate Records SearchFree search; includes officers and directorsWyomingBusiness Center SearchFree search; known for privacy-friendly LLC laws

How to Find LLC Owners Specifically

LLCs are the most common business structure in the United States, but they're also among the most challenging when it comes to identifying owners. Here's what you need to know.

Members vs. Managers

LLC owners are called members. In a member-managed LLC, the owners handle day-to-day operations. In a manager-managed LLC, members appoint one or more managers—who may or may not be members—to run the business. Public filings often list managers but not members, especially in manager-managed structures.

Single-Member vs. Multi-Member LLCs

A single-member LLC has one owner. A multi-member LLC has two or more. Some states require disclosure of all members in formation documents; others do not. Single-member LLCs may disclose the owner's name in Articles of Organization, but this varies by state.

Anonymous LLC States

Delaware, Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico allow LLCs to form without disclosing member names in public filings. Instead, only the registered agent appears in state records. This privacy protection is legal and commonly used by businesses seeking confidentiality. To identify owners in these states, you may need to:

• Request internal operating agreements (if you have a legal relationship with the company)
• Search alternative public records (property, court filings, licenses)
• Use third-party intelligence services
• Contact the registered agent (though they're not obligated to disclose ownership)

Series LLCs

A series LLC is a single entity that contains multiple sub-entities (called "series"), each with its own assets, liabilities, and potentially different members. Series LLCs are permitted in a handful of states, including Delaware, Texas, and Illinois. Identifying ownership in a series LLC requires reviewing both the master LLC and each individual series.

Foreign LLCs

A foreign LLC is one that formed in one state but registered to do business in another. For example, a Delaware LLC operating in California must file a Statement of Information with California's Secretary of State. These filings sometimes include member or manager names, even if the home state doesn't require disclosure.

Best Strategies for Finding LLC Members

1. Start with the Secretary of State database in the state of formation
2. Check foreign qualification filings in states where the LLC operates
3. Search for business licenses, professional licenses, and permits
4. Review property records if the LLC owns real estate
5. Look for court filings, liens, or judgments naming members
6. Check the company website and LinkedIn profiles
7. Use a third-party KYB or business intelligence service

As LLCs grow and receive more customer inquiries, maintaining clear communication channels becomes critical. Our AI-powered agents help small and midsize businesses handle increased call volume with intelligent systems that route questions efficiently, ensuring customers get accurate information without overwhelming staff.

International Business Ownership Lookups

If you need to verify ownership of a business outside the United States, the process varies by country. Here are key resources for major jurisdictions.

Canada

Business registration in Canada is handled at the provincial and territorial level. Each province maintains its own registry:

• Ontario: Ontario Business Registry
• British Columbia: BC Registry Services
• Alberta: Alberta Corporate Registry
• Quebec: Registraire des Entreprises Québec

Federal corporations (those operating in multiple provinces) register with Corporations Canada. Most registries allow online searches by business name or registration number.

United Kingdom

Companies House is the UK's official registry. All companies, LLPs, and partnerships must file formation documents and annual accounts. You can search by company name or registration number and view:

• Directors and officers
• Shareholders (for companies)
• Persons with significant control (PSC)
• Financial statements

Most information is free; certified documents cost a small fee.

European Union

Each EU member state maintains its own business registry. Transparency requirements vary, but most countries provide online access to company filings. Examples include:

• Germany: Unternehmensregister
• France: Infogreffe
• Netherlands: Dutch Business Register (Kamer van Koophandel)
• Spain: Registradores de España

The European Business Register (EBR) provides links to national registries across Europe.

Offshore Entities

Some jurisdictions—such as the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Panama—offer high levels of privacy and limited public disclosure. Identifying beneficial owners of offshore entities often requires legal discovery, third-party intelligence services, or cooperation from the company itself. These structures are legal but may raise red flags in due diligence and compliance reviews.

What to Do When You Can't Find the Owner

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, ownership information remains elusive. Here's how to proceed.

Contact the Registered Agent

The registered agent is the official point of contact for legal documents. While they're not required to disclose ownership, they may forward your inquiry to the business owners. Be clear about your reason for asking—legitimate business inquiries are more likely to receive a response.

Hire a Professional Service

If you need verified ownership information for legal, financial, or compliance purposes, consider hiring:

• Private investigators: Licensed investigators can access restricted databases and conduct in-depth research.
• Corporate intelligence firms: These firms specialize in uncovering beneficial ownership, especially in complex or international structures.
• KYB platforms: Automated services aggregate data from multiple sources and provide compliance-ready reports.

Legal Discovery

If you're involved in litigation or a formal legal process, you may be able to compel disclosure of ownership information through subpoenas or court orders. Consult an attorney to explore your options.

Red Flags for Intentional Opacity

If a business actively conceals ownership, consider whether this raises concerns:

• Use of multiple layers of holding companies or offshore entities
• Frequent changes in registered agents or addresses
• Lack of online presence or contact information
• Refusal to provide ownership details in legitimate business contexts
• History of legal disputes, liens, or sanctions

While privacy is legal, excessive opacity may indicate higher risk. Weigh this against the nature of your relationship and the stakes involved.

When to Walk Away

If you cannot verify ownership and the business relationship involves significant financial or legal exposure, it may be prudent to decline the opportunity. Transparency is a key indicator of trustworthiness, and businesses that refuse to disclose basic ownership information may pose unacceptable risk.

Understanding DBA ("Doing Business As") Names

A DBA, or "doing business as" name (also called a trade name or fictitious name), allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal entity name. For example, "John Smith" (sole proprietor) might operate as "Smith's Landscaping."

How DBAs Complicate Ownership Searches

When you search for a business by its trade name, you may not find it in the Secretary of State database because the legal entity is registered under a different name. To trace a DBA back to the owner:

1. Search the DBA registry in the county or state where the business operates
2. Identify the legal entity name associated with the DBA
3. Search the Secretary of State database using the legal entity name

DBA Registration Databases

DBA filings are typically handled at the county level, though some states maintain statewide registries. Check with the county clerk's office or the Secretary of State's website. Many counties offer online DBA searches for free.

Verifying Business Legitimacy Beyond Ownership

Finding the owner is just one step in verifying a business. To assess legitimacy and risk, consider these additional checks.

Business Registration Status

Confirm the business is actively registered and in good standing. States categorize entities as:

• Active: Current and compliant
• Dissolved: Voluntarily or involuntarily terminated
• Suspended: Non-compliant (often due to unpaid taxes or late filings)
• Revoked: License or registration canceled by the state

Avoid doing business with dissolved, suspended, or revoked entities.

Address Verification

Verify the business address is real and matches public records. Use:

• Google Maps or Street View
• USPS address verification
• Property records (county assessor or recorder)

Be cautious of businesses using mail forwarding services, virtual offices, or residential addresses without explanation.

EIN/TIN Verification

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued by the IRS. You can verify an EIN through:

• IRS EIN verification (limited to certain circumstances)
• Third-party services that match EINs to business names
• Requesting a W-9 form from the business

Liens, Judgments, and Legal History

Search for outstanding liens (tax liens, UCC filings, mechanic's liens) and court judgments. These indicate financial distress or legal disputes. Check:

• County recorder's office (liens and judgments)
• Secretary of State UCC database (secured creditor filings)
• Federal and state court databases (lawsuits)

Complaint History

Review consumer complaints and ratings:

• Better Business Bureau: Accreditation status, ratings, and complaint history
• State Attorney General: Consumer complaint databases
• Federal Trade Commission: Fraud reports and enforcement actions
• Online reviews: Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot

Red Flags for Fraudulent Businesses

• No physical address or only a P.O. box
• Unregistered or suspended entity status
• Refusal to provide EIN or ownership information
• Frequent name or address changes
• High volume of unresolved complaints
• Pressure tactics or requests for upfront payment
• Lack of online presence or professional website

Legitimate businesses maintain professional communication channels and transparent operations. At Vida, we help small and midsize companies build trust with customers through reliable, AI-powered phone systems that handle inquiries, schedule appointments, and provide consistent, accurate information—reinforcing credibility at every touchpoint.

Conclusion

Identifying business ownership is a critical skill for compliance, due diligence, and risk management. The best approach depends on the business structure, the state or country of registration, and the level of detail you need. For most U.S. businesses, starting with the Secretary of State database provides a solid foundation. When that falls short, alternative public records, third-party services, and professional investigators can fill the gaps.

Remember that ownership isn't always straightforward. Titles can be misleading, registered agents aren't owners, and some states prioritize privacy over transparency. Use multiple methods to cross-reference information, and be cautious of businesses that actively conceal ownership without legitimate reason.

For high-stakes transactions, compliance requirements, or complex corporate structures, investing in professional KYB services or legal assistance is often the most efficient and reliable path. And as your own business grows, maintaining clear, accessible communication channels—whether through updated filings, transparent websites, or modern tools like our platform at Vida—builds trust and makes it easier for partners, customers, and regulators to verify your legitimacy.