A Secretary of State (for U.S. States) is a government position that oversees business entities, licensing (professional and driving), and vehicle registration. It is an elected position in 35 States, that usually carries a 4-year term. A Secretary of State office has responsibilities, per its state’s constitution, to handle specific services for residents.
Federal Version
The federal Secretary of State serves the President as the highest-ranking official regarding the foreign affairs of the United States. The position is appointed by the President, usually soon after the inauguration, and confirmed by the Senate.
The federal position is an entirely different role than its State counterparts.
SOS Offices – By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How to Perform an Entity Search
Use the Secretary of State’s office to look up a business entity by entering its name, number, or officer. Any query must be performed in the Corporations Database to view the entity’s information.
After finding an entity, such services may be available as:
- Filing annual reports;
- Viewing or amending past filings; or
- Obtain a Certificate of Status.