For starting a business in New Jersey, due diligence research and entity verification are crucial. Whether you’re a new business owner or a professional looking to do the due diligence, mastering the New Jersey corporation search is necessary. This guide will provide you with everything you need to conduct exhaustive searches for entities in the Garden State.
The New Jersey Corporation Search System is a state-based system maintained by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, which contains millions of records. It also serves as the primary business information verification system for the state.
What is the New Jersey Business Search?
The New Jersey Business Search is an official online business search system created by the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. It enables users to search for registered business entities and their relevant information within the state. This system offers records for all types of business entities.
Types of Business Entities Available:
| Business Entity Type | Description | Search Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Corporations | Traditional C-Corps and S-Corps | Full records, including officers and status, are available |
| Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) | Single and multi-member LLCs | Complete registration details are available |
| Limited Partnerships | General and limited partnerships | Partnership agreements and agent details are available |
| Trade Names | Doing Business As (DBA) names | Trade name registrations available |
| Professional Corporations | Licensed professional entities | Can verify professional licenses |
| Non-Profit Organizations | 501(c)(3) and other non-profit organizations | Tax-exempt status details available |
The Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services’ Business Records Service allows for detailed, holistic searches for the various types of businesses incorporated in New Jersey, such as Corporations, LLCs, trade names, and service marks.
Why Use the New Jersey Entity Search?
Completing a company search in New Jersey serves many essential business functions apart from checking name availability.
Common Reasons for Conducting Business Entity Searches:
Checking if the Business Name is Available:
- Avoid trademark conflicts and lawsuits
- Make sure your business name is different from others
- Identify names that are too close to your business name, which may confuse the market
- Follow state naming guidelines
Due Diligence and Background Checks:
- Confirm the business credibility of potential partners
- Analyze competitors and the overall market
- Assess the corporate and ownership structure
- Check if the business is registered
Legal and Financial Issues:
- Provide support for litigation and other legal matters
- Aid in collecting debts and recovering assets
- Enable activities related to mergers and acquisitions
- Perform compliance audits
Applications for Other Professional Services:
- Prepare a case for the client and verify the client’s information as an attorney
- Perform due diligence as an accountant for new clients
- Confirm tenants as a verification real estate professional
- Evaluate risk as an insurance underwriter
How to Use the NJ Business Search Step-by-Step
Understanding the processes involved in order to successfully complete a New Jersey corporation search requires grasping both basic and complex search methods.
Step 1: Go to The Official Search Portal
Go to the New Jersey Division of Revenue business search portal at njportal.com/dor/businessnamesearch/. This site provides a complete database at no charge.
Step 2: Pick Your Search Method
Available Search Methods:
| Search Method | Works Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Entity Name Search | Finding specific businesses by name | Requires an exact or partial match |
| Entity ID Search | Locating by registration number | Requires knowledge of the entity ID |
| Registered Agent Search | Finding by registered agent | Restricted to the name of the agent |
| Status Search | Business status filtering | Producing broader results that need more refinements |
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
For this step, enter the business name you would like to search in the search bar, then click the “search” button to produce results. Use name fragments combined with wildcards (*) for more extensive searches, and try different spellings.
Step 4: Examine Search Results
The system shows matching businesses, including key details like the business name, type of entity, current registration status, date of registration, and registered agent information.
Step 5: Obtain the Detailed Records
Clicking on specific entities will provide you with more detailed data like full addresses, lists of officers, articles of incorporation, and history of filings.
Professional Business Search Services like Easyfiling:
Comprehensive Services:
- Nationwide name availability for trademarks, business searches, and domains
- Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
- Registered agent services
- Annual report preparation and filing
Benefits of Professional Services:
| Service Area | DIY Approach | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Time Investment | 10-20 hours of research | 1-2 hours consultation |
| Accuracy Rate | 70-80% | 95-99% |
| Compliance Risk | High | Low |
| Cost Efficiency | $0-100 | $200-500 |
Business structure complexity, multi-state operations, or time-sensitive requirements underscore the value of professional services for businesses.
New Jersey State Naming Guidelines
Knowing New Jersey’s naming registration requirements is important for registration success.
Essential Naming Components:
Corporate Designators:
- Corporations include: Corporation, Corp., Company, Co., Incorporated, Inc.
- LLCs include: Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C.
- Partnerships include: Partnership, Limited Partnership, LP, L.P.
Excluded Name Components:
| Excluded Terms | Reason | Alternative Options |
|---|---|---|
| Bank, Banking | Specialized licensing needed | Financial Services |
| Insurance | Regulatory restrictions | Managing Risk |
| University | Educational licensing | Academy, Institute |
| Government terms | Ambiguity with the public sector | Community Name |
Distinguished Name Availability Guidelines:
The names must not share similarities with registered entities. Names set aside for 120 days will incur a fee of $50, and minor alterations in punctuation are not sufficient.
Conducting a Business Name Search in New Jersey – Step-by-Step Guide With Tips
Strategic planning and attention to detail are two fundamental traits that characterize effective New Jersey corporation search strategies.
Advanced Search Techniques:
Comprehensive Name Variation Searches:
- Search the core business name without designators
- Try abbreviated versions and acronyms
- Test phonetic spellings and misspellings
- Consider industry-specific terminology variations
Analysis of Search Results:
| Status | Meaning | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Currently operating | Name unavailable |
| Inactive | Not in good standing | Name potentially available |
| Dissolved | Officially terminated | The name may be available |
| Suspended | Temporarily non-compliant | Name unavailable |
Documentation Requirements:
- Screenshot all relevant search results
- Record search dates and criteria
- Note any potential conflicts
- Keep organized files for easy reference
What Can You Do Once You Have a Name (That is Available)
After performing a New Jersey corporation search and confirming name availability, it is essential to know that numerous important next steps could be taken.
Immediate Steps:
- Name Reservation: Pay $50 for Form C-150 submission
- Prepare Formation Documents: Complete Articles of Incorporation
- Secure Social Media: Register Web Domains, Social Media handles
- Conduct Final Verification: Perform additional searches
Business Formation Steps:
| Business Structure | Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| C-Corporation | Limited liability, investment options | High-growth businesses |
| S-Corporation | Pass-through taxation | Small to medium businesses |
| LLC | Flexible structure and simplified taxation | Professional services |
| Partnership | Simple structure | Professional partnerships |
Compliance Requirements:
- Social Security Administration issues a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue
- Apply for business licenses
- Follow the regulations on employees
New Jersey Division of Revenue Contact Information
Proper communication with the New Jersey Division of Revenue ensures seamless business registration.
New Jersey Division of Revenue And Enterprise Services:
- Address: 33 West State Street, Trenton, NJ, 08608
- Phone: (609) 292-9292
- Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Website: nj.gov/treasury/revenue/
Specialized Contact Points:
| Service Area | Phone Number | Best Contact Method |
|---|---|---|
| Business Registration | (609) 292-9292 | Phone during business hours |
| Name Availability | Online System | Online search portal |
| Document Copies | (609) 292-9292 | Phone or in-person |
| Compliance Issues | (609) 292-9292 | Phone consultation |
Online Services:
- Business name search portal: njportal.com/dor/businessnamesearch/
- Document filing system: njportal.com/dor/businessrecords/
- Filing of annual reports: Accessible via the business portal
What to Do After Searching Business Names in New Jersey
An exhaustive New Jersey corporation search marks the commencement of your business formation journey.
Post Search Action Plan:
Immediate Next Steps (24-48 hours):
Complete the following steps within 24 – 48 hours:
- We recommend securing your name through trademark reservation
- Register matching domain names as well
- Perform a social media audit to confirm the desired handles
- Conduct trademark research
- Prepare formation documents
Short Term Actions (1-2 weeks):
Complete the articles of incorporation within the first two weeks. In this period, you should also complete the following tasks:
- Grant an Article of Incorporation to the business
- Register for Federal EIN
- Grant the business a bank account and open up business accounts
- Ensure that the registered agent services are obtained
- Apply for all relevant licenses
Long Term – Compliance Ongoing:
- Continue with the maintained registered agent services
- Pay for taxes and compliance obligations, as well as updating corporate records
- Submit all annual reports
- Monitor name protection requirements
Success Metrics:
| Milestone | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | 1-2 days | ✓ |
| Articles Filing | 3-5 days | ✓ |
| EIN Obtained | 1-2 days | ✓ |
| Bank Account Opened | 1-2 weeks | ✓ |
| Licenses Obtained | 2-8 weeks | ✓ |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Improper ordering of steps in business name reservations
- Incomplete formation documents
- Missing essential business registrations
- Inadequate arrangement of the retention period
- Poor record-keeping and compliance tracking
The New Jersey corporation search process offers streamlined access to information that supports efficient business formation. If you follow this guide and approach, you will position yourself to successfully form a business in New Jersey.
As with any business, the formation process involves a constant need for regulatory compliance and strategic planning. Business research and systematic formation processes lower legal exposure while increasing operational efficiency.
This post will address New Jersey corporation search procedures. For a detailed analysis, it is advisable to consult experts on New Jersey business law.
FAQs about New Jersey Business Search
What is the cost of searching for a business in New Jersey?
Costless are provided for the name availability search. Though some documents set within a $10-50 range for certified copy services.
How often is the database updated?
Standard registrations take 24-48 hours post-filing, and up-to-date registrant files are processed while processing new filings.
Am I able to search for dissolved businesses?
Historical records for dissolved entities are retained in the New Jersey corporation search system and can be accessed for legal and research purposes.
What if I know a business exists but cannot find it?
It could be operating under a different legal name, registered in a different state, or be a sole proprietorship, which does not require registration.
Are there limitations on access?
Most company registration details are public and can be accessed freely. However, sensitive information stays confidential and restricted.
Swostika Silwal
