Find Massachusetts Corp & LLC Records
This guide helps you use the official Massachusetts Corporations Search to look up corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs, officers, directors, identification numbers, filing numbers, certificates, and certified copies.
Use it before you order a certificate, request certified documents, check a name, verify an entity, file online, or decide whether a third-party lookup page is necessary.
Fast answer: Use the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporations Search page to search by Entity Name, Individual Name, Identification Number, or Filing Number. For most users, Entity Name search is the best starting point.
Search type options: the official page includes Begins with, Exact match, Full text, and Soundex. Use Full text or Soundex when you are unsure about exact spelling.
Important ID note: Massachusetts identification number search requires a 9-digit number. If you have a shorter or incomplete number from an invoice, certificate, bank form, or old filing, search by entity name first and copy the exact ID from the record.
I Want To… Pick the Correct Massachusetts Page
Choose the task first. Massachusetts has different official paths for entity search, online filing, certificate ordering, certified copies, UCC search, trademarks, and name reservations.
Find a corporation or LLC
Use the official corporate database when you know the entity name or part of the business name.
Search databaseSearch by identification number
Use ID search when you have the exact 9-digit Massachusetts identification number.
Search IDSearch by person
Use Individual Name search when you know an officer, director, or connected person instead of the company name.
Search individualSearch by filing number
Use Filing Number search when you have a filing reference from a document, certificate, or previous state record.
Search filingOrder a certificate
Use the official certificate request form for good standing, legal existence, registration, and other available certificates.
Certificate formGet certified copies
Use certified copy instructions after finding the correct entity and selecting filings from the record page.
Copy instructionsFile online
Use the online filing system for formation, annual reports, amendments, and other supported filings.
File onlineContact Corporations Division
For entity or filing issues, contact the Corporations Division at 617-727-9640 or corpinfo@sec.state.ma.us.
View contactMassachusetts Search Helper Before You Click
Tap the situation closest to your task. This helps you choose the right search field and search type.
Choose your search situation
How to Search the Massachusetts Corporate Database Step by Step
The official search page is powerful, but you must choose the right search field and search type to avoid missing records.
Open the official Massachusetts Corporations Search page
Start on the Secretary of the Commonwealth corporate database search page. The official screen supports Entity Name, Individual Name, Identification Number, and Filing Number searches.
Open official search
Image description: this user-help visual reference shows the Massachusetts corporate database search screen where users can search by entity name, individual name, identification number, or filing number. It is not a claim that this website is the official Massachusetts government website.
Choose the right “Search by” field
Use Entity Name for company lookup, Individual Name for officer or director lookup, Identification Number for exact 9-digit ID lookup, and Filing Number when you have a state filing reference.
Pick the right search type
Use Begins with when you know the start of the name, Exact match when you know the full legal name, Full text for broader matching, and Soundex when spelling may vary.
Search broad before searching exact
If your exact search fails, remove Inc, LLC, Corp, Co, punctuation, and extra words. Search only the strongest unique part of the business name.
Open the matching entity record
Do not rely only on the results list. Open the record and review entity type, status, address, resident agent, officers/directors, filing history, and certificate options.
Copy the identification number
The 9-digit Massachusetts identification number is the cleanest way to return to the same record later, especially for certificates, copies, bank requests, and official filings.
Use follow-up services only after confirming the record
Order certificates, certified copies, or file online only after you have confirmed the correct entity. Similar names can create expensive mistakes.
How to Read a Massachusetts Entity Record Without Misunderstanding It
A public record is useful only if you understand what each field proves and what it does not prove.
Entity name
Compare spelling, suffix, punctuation, and old names. Similar names can belong to different entities.
Identification number
Save the 9-digit ID. It is useful for exact lookup, certificates, copy orders, filings, and support questions.
Entity type
Corporation, LLC, LP, LLP, nonprofit, trust, and foreign entity records have different fees, forms, and annual report rules.
Status
Status can help you understand whether a record appears active, dissolved, withdrawn, revoked, or otherwise changed.
Resident agent
The resident agent or registered agent receives legal notices. Agent details can change, so always review the current filing history.
Filing history
Filing history can show annual reports, amendments, dissolutions, mergers, agent changes, certificates, and other state filings.
Individual Name, ID Number and Filing Number Search When Entity Name Search Is Not Enough
Massachusetts search is not limited to company names. These alternate paths are useful when a business name changed or you only have partial information.
| Search option | Use it when | What to enter | Action / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entity Name | You know the corporation, LLC, LP, LLP, nonprofit, or foreign entity name. | Start with unique words. Try Full text if exact spelling is uncertain. | Search entity |
| Individual Name | You know an officer, director, manager, incorporator, or connected person. | First, middle, and last name fields. Try last name with broader search type. | Good when business name changed or you only know the person. |
| Identification Number | You have the exact Massachusetts ID from a record, certificate, or filing. | 9-digit identification number. | Best exact-match path. |
| Filing Number | You have a filing reference from a state filing or document. | Valid filing number exactly as shown. | Useful for document-level tracking. |
| Corporation Card File Database | You are researching older corporation card-file style records. | Use the database link from the Corporations Division hub. | Open hub |
Massachusetts Name Reservation and Availability Before You Form or Brand
A search result is a screening tool, not final legal advice. Use the state database and name reservation options before spending money on branding.
Good search method
- Search the exact proposed name first.
- Search only the strongest unique words.
- Try abbreviations, plural versions, and Soundex.
- Search without LLC, Inc, Corp, Company, punctuation, and “The.”
- Check name reservations and trademarks if the name will be used publicly.
Do not rely on these alone
- Domain availability.
- Social media username availability.
- Google search results.
- A county or city business listing.
- A third-party business lookup page.
Certificates and Certified Copies After You Find the Record
Search results are enough for quick research. Certificates and certified copies are used when someone needs official proof.
Certificate request form
Use this when you need a certificate of good standing, legal existence, registration, dissolution, or another available certificate type.
Certificate formElectronic certificates
Massachusetts says a limited type of certificates can be received by contact email, with a unique certificate number for verification.
Electronic certificatesCertified copy workflow
Search the entity, open it, view filings, select the document, click request, and follow the payment instructions.
Certified copy infoMassachusetts Business Entity Fees Common Costs Users Ask About
The public search is free. Filings, reports, certificates, name reservations, and certified copies have state fees.
| Service or filing | Listed fee | Best for | Action / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate database search | Free | Looking up Massachusetts corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs, officers, directors, IDs, and filings. | Search database |
| Domestic profit corporation Articles of Organization | $275.00 minimum | Forming a Massachusetts business or professional corporation. | Fee is minimum for up to 275,000 shares; more shares can add cost. |
| LLC Certificate of Registration | $500.00 | Creating or registering an LLC filing with the Corporations Division. | Confirm domestic/foreign path before filing. |
| LLC Annual Report | $500.00 | Massachusetts LLC annual report filing. | High-value deadline item; do not ignore. |
| Corporation Annual Report | $125.00; $150 late; $100 electronic | Business/professional corporation annual report filing. | Electronic filing can reduce fee compared with paper/fax. |
| Name Reservation | $30.00 | Holding a corporation or LLC-style name before filing. | Search first, reserve only when necessary. |
| Corporation Certificate of Good Standing | $12.00 | Proof often requested by banks, vendors, lenders, and contracts. | Not a tax good standing certificate. |
| LLC Certificate of Good Standing | $25.00 | Good standing proof for Massachusetts LLCs. | Use the certificate request form after confirming the entity. |
| LLC Certificate of Existence | $12.00 | Legal existence proof for LLC records. | Check certificate type before ordering. |
| Certified UCC first page | $12.00 | Certified copy needs for UCC-related documents. | Other document pages can add cost. |
Common Massachusetts Business Search Problems and Fast Fixes
If you cannot find a record, change your search type before assuming the business is missing.
No results found
Remove LLC, Inc, Corp, punctuation, commas, and “The.” Try Full text and Soundex before giving up.
Too many results
Add one more unique word, use Exact match if you know the full legal name, or compare the 9-digit ID.
ID number rejected
Identification Number search requires 9 digits. Search by name first if your number is incomplete.
Name changed
Search by individual name, filing number, or old name if the entity went through amendments, mergers, or name changes.
Need a document
Open the entity detail page and follow the certified-copy workflow. Do not rely on screenshots when certified copies are required.
Tax good standing confusion
The corporations fee page notes that the Certificate of Good Standing listed there is not a tax good standing certificate.
Massachusetts Corporations Division Phone, Address and Map
Use entity name, identification number, and filing number when contacting the Corporations Division about a specific record.
Corporations Division
Phone: 617-727-9640
Email: corpinfo@sec.state.ma.us
Public search room: 617-727-3971
Main office
One Ashburton Place
Corporations Division
Boston, MA 02108
Office hours
Filing Room: 8:45 am – 4:00 pm
Public / Phone Room: 8:45 am – 5:00 pm
Check the official hours page before visiting.
Official Massachusetts Business Entity Resources Use These After Reading
These are official Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth pages connected to business entity lookup, filing, certificates, and copies.
Corporate database search
Main official lookup for Massachusetts entities by name, individual, ID number, or filing number.
Open searchCorporations Division hub
Central page for corporate database search, filing methods, certificates, UCC, trademarks, forms, fees, and contact.
Open hubOnline filing login
Use for supported online filings. Existing entities usually need CID and PIN access.
File onlineFiling fees
Official fee page for corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs, nonprofits, trusts, UCC, trademarks, and certificates.
View feesCertificate request form
Order available certificates after confirming the correct entity record.
Order certificateCertified copy information
Follow the official workflow for selecting filings and requesting certified copies.
Certified copiesElectronic certificates
Learn which certificates can be received by email and verified with a unique certificate number.
Electronic certsHours and directions
Check filing room, public room, phone room, order room, and directions before visiting One Ashburton Place.
Hours and directionsSearch UCC database
Use UCC search separately when you need financing statement or secured-party records, not ordinary business entity records.
Open hubMassachusetts Business Entity Search FAQ
Is the Massachusetts business entity search free?
Yes. The Massachusetts Corporations Search page is free for public lookup. Fees apply when you file documents, order certificates, request copies, reserve names, or use other paid services.
Where do I search for a Massachusetts corporation or LLC?
Use the official Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporations Search page. It supports searches by Entity Name, Individual Name, Identification Number, and Filing Number.
Can I search Massachusetts businesses by identification number?
Yes. The official search page includes an Identification Number option, and the number must be 9 digits.
What search type should I use for a business name?
Use Begins with if you know the start of the name, Exact match if you know the full legal name, Full text for broader matching, and Soundex when spelling may vary.
Can I search by officer or director name?
Yes. Use the Individual Name search option when you know an officer, director, or other connected person instead of the entity name.
How do I order certified copies in Massachusetts?
Search the corporate database, open the entity record, scroll to the filings area, choose the filing you need, click request, and follow payment instructions.
Can Massachusetts certificates be emailed?
Some certificate types can be received by contact email. Massachusetts says emailed certificates include the state seal, a unique certificate number, and a state website for verification.
How much is a Massachusetts LLC annual report?
The official filing fee page lists the LLC annual report at $500.00.
How much is a Massachusetts corporation annual report?
The official filing fee page lists the domestic profit and professional corporation annual report at $125.00, $150.00 if not filed timely, and $100.00 if filed electronically.
Who do I contact for Massachusetts Corporations Division help?
Contact the Corporations Division at 617-727-9640 or corpinfo@sec.state.ma.us. The public search room phone is 617-727-3971.
Does a Massachusetts corporation record prove a business is licensed or trustworthy?
No. A corporation or LLC record mainly shows entity filing information. Licenses, taxes, permits, insurance, and fraud concerns may require separate agency checks or professional advice.
Final Practical Advice
For most users, the safest Massachusetts business entity search workflow is: search the entity name broadly, open the matching record, copy the 9-digit identification number, check status and filing history, then order certificates or certified copies only when official proof is needed.
Best path: Official Corporate Search → open entity detail → save ID number → review officers / directors and filings → use certificate or certified copy services only after confirming the exact entity.
Editorial verification note: official Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporations Division resources checked on July 7, 2026. This guide is informational and does not provide legal, tax, licensing, fraud-investigation, or business formation advice.