Find Washington LLC & Corporation Records
The Washington Secretary of State Corporations & Charities Filing System, usually called CCFS, is the official public database for Washington corporations, LLCs and other registered business entities.
Search by business name or nine-digit Unified Business Identifier (UBI), then open the entity record to review status, expiration date, registered agent, governors and filing history.
Fast answer: open Washington’s official Corporations & Charities Filing System, scroll to Corporation Search, and search by business name or UBI number. No login is required to view public corporation records.
Best workflow: search the business → open the matching result → confirm business type and current status → save the UBI → check expiration date → review registered agent/governor information → open Filing History before ordering paid records.
Important distinction: an SOS entity record is not the same as a Washington Department of Revenue business license, reseller permit, professional license, contractor registration, insurance record or tax-compliance determination.
- Scroll to Corporation Search.
- Enter either the business name or the UBI number.
- Select the green Search button.
- Open the matching business name from the results.
- Review Business Information and save the UBI before moving to another service.
I Want To… Pick the Right Washington Search Path
Washington uses the same CCFS ecosystem for public lookup and many filing tasks, but the search, annual-report, certificate and licensing processes are not interchangeable.
Find a business
Use Corporation Search when you know the Washington business name or UBI.
Search CCFSSearch by UBI
The nine-digit UBI is the best exact identifier when similar entity names appear.
Search UBIFind an agent or governor
Use Advanced Corporation Search to locate businesses tied to a registered agent or governor.
Advanced SearchRead filing history
Open the entity record and use Filing History to view available file-stamped records and notices.
Filing History HelpFile annual report
Profit entities including LLCs currently pay $70 when filed on time.
Annual Report RulesGet status proof
Use a Certificate of Existence when formal Washington status proof is specifically required.
Certificates & CopiesReserve a name
Washington name reservations last 180 days and are filed by mail or in person, not online.
Name Reservation RulesAsk the Division
Use Corporations & Charities support for CCFS, filings, records and entity-status questions.
Contact informationWashington Search Helper Before You Click
How to Search Washington Business Records by Name or UBI
Scroll to Corporation Search
The public-search area accepts either Business Name or UBI. You do not need a user account just to view corporation public records.
Search the name carefully
Use the strongest distinctive words. Washington specifically recommends avoiding pluralization when name searches produce inconsistent results.
Open the matching business
Do not rely only on the search-results row. Select the business name to enter the public record.
Verify the core fields
Under Business Information, confirm the business name, business type, current status and expiration date.
Save the UBI and review history
Copy the UBI, then scroll to Filing History when you need amendments, reports, notices, certificates or file-stamped records.
How to Read a Washington Entity Record
UBI number
A UBI is a nine-digit identifier used across Washington agencies. Save it after confirming the correct business.
Business type
LLCs, profit corporations, nonprofits, LLPs, LPs and foreign registrations can have different filing fees and compliance rules.
Current status
Status helps show whether the record is active, delinquent or otherwise changed. Recent submissions may still be pending staff review.
Expiration date
The expiration date matters because Washington annual reports are tied to the anniversary month.
Registered agent
The registered agent receives legal notices. An agent is not automatically an owner, governor or manager.
Filing history
Use Filing History to review activity and available public documents before ordering paid certified records.
Washington Advanced Corporation Search for Agents, Governors & Lists
Advanced Search is useful when you need more than one exact company record or want to compile a list under specific criteria.
Available filters
- Business-name search method.
- Business type.
- Business status.
- Expiration date.
- Formation, incorporation or registration date range.
- Registered agent or governor.
CSV export
Washington allows Advanced Search results to be exported in CSV format. This is useful when comparing multiple entities, agents or statuses.
If export fails, allow pop-ups, refine the query and clear the browser cache before retrying.
Open Advanced Corporation Search
- Choose the business-name matching method if needed.
- Add business type, status or expiration date only when those filters help.
- Use the date section for formation/registration ranges.
- Use Registered Agent/Governor Search when researching a person or agent.
- Run the search, then use the CSV export if you need a sortable list.
Filing History & Free Public Documents
One of the most useful Washington-specific features is that many filed business records can be viewed directly from the public entity record without logging in.
Search and open the exact entity
Use the name or UBI and select the correct business from the populated list.
Scroll to Filing History
Washington places Filing History near the bottom right of the entity record.
Select View Documents
Use the View Documents link beside a filing or notice to access available file-stamped records, notifications and generated certificates.
Open the document icon
A pop-up opens with the document. You can print the available public copy from there.
Open Certificate & Certified Copy Instructions
- Create or log into a free CCFS user account.
- Find Order Certificates/Certified Copies in the green navigation.
- Select the certificate or certified-copy service you need.
- Use the confirmed UBI from your earlier entity search.
- Review the order and fee before submitting payment.
Washington Annual Report Deadline, Fee & Filing Window
Washington annual reports are tied to the business’s expiration date rather than one statewide calendar deadline.
Due date
The annual report is due by the last day of the month in which the business was originally formed or registered with the Secretary of State.
Early filing window
An annual report can generally be filed up to 180 days before the expiration date without changing that expiration month.
Profit entity fee
Profit business entity types, including LLCs, currently pay $70. If the entity is Delinquent, Washington adds a $25 delinquency fee, bringing the common total to $95.
Open Washington Annual Report Guidance
- Confirm the entity’s expiration date in CCFS first.
- Check whether the business is inside the 180-day filing window.
- Use the Express Annual Report option or sign into a CCFS customer profile.
- Review business, registered-agent and principal-office information.
- Confirm the fee before submitting.
- Check Filing History afterward if you need to verify completion.
Washington Business Entity Fees Most Relevant After a Search
| Service | Current listed fee | Best for | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Corporation Search | Public lookup | Business name, UBI, status and public-record research. | No login required for public corporation records. |
| Annual Report | $70 | Profit business entities, including LLCs. | Due by the entity expiration date. |
| Delinquent Annual Report | $95 | Profit entities already listed as Delinquent. | Includes the $25 delinquency fee. |
| Certificate of Existence / Good Standing | $20 | Formal state status proof. | The Express PDF Certificate of Existence is delivered electronically. |
| Single recorded document copy | $10 | Ordering a record copy through Records services. | Check free Filing History first. |
| Certified copy | $10 + copy fees | When formal certification is required. | The total depends on the underlying copy request. |
| Name Reservation | $30 profit / $20 nonprofit | Holding a business name before formation. | Reservation lasts 180 days and cannot be renewed. |
| Expedited service | $100 additional | Eligible faster processing. | Washington says expedited service is generally processed within three working days. |
| Same-day service | $150 additional | Eligible in-person same-day transactions. | Cutoff rules apply at branch offices. |
Check Official Washington Fees
- Find the exact entity category.
- Match the specific filing or record service.
- Check whether priority service is optional or relevant.
- Confirm the checkout total before paying.
Washington Name Reservation 180 Days, Mail or In Person
Washington allows a business entity name to be reserved before registration and before the business receives its UBI.
Current rule
- Reservation period: 180 days.
- Reservation cannot be renewed after the 180-day period.
- Profit and most other business types: $30.
- Nonprofit 24.03A: $20.
How to submit
Washington currently marks Name Reservation as unavailable online. Use the state’s fillable form and submit it by mail or in person.
Open Forms & Name Reservation Information
- Find Name Reservation.
- Open the current fillable form.
- Enter the desired entity name and alternate choices.
- Select the correct entity type.
- Use the current mailing or in-person submission instructions.
Secretary of State Search vs Washington Business License Lookup
Washington uses the same UBI across agencies, but the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue answer different questions.
| Question | Use this source | What it helps confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Is an LLC or corporation registered with the state? | Washington SOS CCFS | Entity name, UBI, type, status, expiration date, agent and filing history. |
| Does the business have a Washington business-license record? | Department of Revenue Business Lookup | General business-license information and business account data. |
| Is a reseller permit active? | Department of Revenue Business Lookup | Permit information and effective/expiration dates. |
| Is a person professionally licensed? | Relevant Washington licensing board or agency | Occupation-specific licensing status. |
Open Washington Department of Revenue Business Licensing FAQs
Common Washington Business Search Problems and Fast Fixes
No result appears
Shorten the name and avoid pluralization. Use the UBI when available.
“Null” or “no value found”
Refine the search parameters. Overly broad queries can overload the database and cause errors.
Recent filing not visible
A submission requiring staff review is not officially filed until review is completed. Check Filing History before submitting a duplicate.
Old entity missing online
Washington says business entities inactive for more than 10 years may no longer appear in CCFS. Use Washington State Archives Digital Archives for historical records.
Public copy rejected
Documents printed from Filing History are not certified. Order a certified copy when formal certification is required.
Unexpected payment text
Washington Corporations & Charities says it does not send text messages requesting payment. Verify the record directly in CCFS.
Washington Corporations & Charities Division Contact, Hours & Map
Phone
Corporations & Charities: 360-725-0377
Phone/chat hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Pacific; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Pacific.
Western Washington office
243 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
In-person hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Mail filing address
Washington Secretary of State
Corporations & Charities Division
PO Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234
- Check current phone, chat and in-person hours.
- Review reduced-service dates if you plan to visit.
- Have the business name and UBI ready before calling about a specific entity.
- Use the single official mailing address shown for mailed Corporations & Charities filings.
Official Washington Business Entity Resources Use These After Reading
CCFS Tools & Resources
Official instructions for search, advanced search, filing history, exports, agents and accounts.
Open Search HelpForms & Filing Information
Entity filings, name reservation, amendments, reports and available submission methods.
Open Filing InformationCertificates & Certified Copies
Formal certificate and certified-record ordering instructions.
Open Certificate HelpThird-Party Solicitation Warnings
Official examples and guidance about annual-report and certificate solicitations.
Read SOS WarningsDepartment of Revenue Business Licensing
Use this when you need UBI, business-license or reseller-permit information rather than SOS entity status.
Open DOR Licensing HelpCorporations & Charities Contact
Phone, chat, branch addresses, hours, mailing instructions and accessibility assistance.
Open Contact PageWashington Business Entity Search FAQ
1. Is the Washington business entity search free?
Yes. Washington’s CCFS Corporation Search is available for public lookup without a login. Fees apply to filings, annual reports, certificates, certified copies and other paid services.
2. Where do I search for a Washington LLC or corporation?
Use the Washington Secretary of State Corporations & Charities Filing System at ccfs.sos.wa.gov and scroll to Corporation Search.
3. Can I search a Washington business by UBI number?
Yes. Corporation Search accepts either a business name or UBI number. The nine-digit UBI is the best identifier when multiple entities have similar names.
4. Can I search Washington businesses by registered agent?
Yes. Use Advanced Corporation Search and the Registered Agent/Governor Search section. Washington recommends entering the agent’s name as it appears on record and trying multiple name combinations when needed.
5. Can I view Washington business filing documents for free?
Many public documents can be viewed from the entity’s Filing History without a login. These public-search documents are not certified copies.
6. When is a Washington annual report due?
The annual report is due by the business’s expiration date, which is the last day of the month in which the entity was originally formed or registered with the Secretary of State.
7. How much is a Washington LLC annual report?
The current listed annual-report fee for profit business entities, including LLCs, is $70. A delinquent profit entity generally pays an additional $25, for a total of $95.
8. How much is a Washington Certificate of Existence?
Washington currently lists an Express PDF Certificate of Existence at $20. It can be ordered through a CCFS user account.
9. How long does a Washington business name reservation last?
A Washington name reservation lasts 180 days. The state says the reservation cannot be renewed after that period and currently requires mail or in-person submission rather than online filing.
10. Is a Washington SOS record the same as a Washington business license?
No. CCFS shows Secretary of State entity-registration information. Department of Revenue Business Lookup is the better source for general business-license, tax-account and reseller-permit information.
Final Practical Advice
For most Washington business entity searches, start with the business name, open the matching record and save the UBI. Then confirm status and expiration date before using Filing History, annual-report, certificate or other filing tools.
If someone sends an urgent payment notice, annual-report solicitation or certificate offer, verify the entity directly in CCFS first. Washington’s own public record usually tells you whether the entity is active, delinquent or actually approaching its expiration date.
Editorial verification: Washington Secretary of State CCFS search tools, annual-report rules, filing history, fee schedules, name-reservation rules, certificate guidance, third-party solicitation warnings and current Corporations & Charities contact details were reviewed September 11, 2026. This independent informational page is not the Washington Secretary of State and does not provide legal, tax, licensing or business-formation advice.