Find out who owns a business

For Reliability Reports, note the date the file was opened. Search the state's database of registered businesses. All states provide some information about companies registered to do business in their state. Start here to find the database. Then search the entity name.

Whether the information provided includes the owner's name depends on the state. It's hit or miss. Query business information search engines and social networks. Certain search engines Zoominfo , Ziggs and social networks LinkedIn target businesses.

Search these for owner information. Note that you may have to look for advanced search links. LinkedIn, for example, provides a company name search option, but only in the advanced search form. Call the local agency responsible for licensing the business. The local city government office you call will vary depending on the location.

Start by using a search engine to locate the proper authority. Try variations of these queries:. Call the state regulatory agency for the business's industry or search its online database of licenses or inspections. Businesses in certain industries restaurant, car dealership must obtain a license. You may call the regulating agency and request the owner name, or look online for a database of licenses, permits or inspections.

In Pennsylvania, for instance, 27 licensing boards and commissions exist to oversee the activities of licensed professions car dealerships. Once you identify the appropriate board , you may call and request licensing and public disciplinary information. The board may or may not reveal the name of the owner.

Alternatively, you may examine the regulating agency's Web site for a search function like this one from the Pennsylvania Department of State. Keep in mind that it provides information only about those in licensed occupations. If the industry is regulated, but does not require board oversight restaurants in Pennsylvania , check the relevant state agency's Web site for a database of licensing information or inspections.

In California, a party cannot generally find information for general partnerships and for certain other entity types, including limited liability partnerships like law firms, architecture firms, public accountancy firms and land survey firms. The party should submit a business entities records order form to request copies of filings for these entities.

A business is not required to provide the real name of its owner. It can register for a business license under a fictitious name. A fictitious name may also be referred to as a DBA, which stands for doing business as. In Nevada, a fictitious name is called an FFN, or fictitious firm name. A business that registers a fictitious name does not get exclusive rights to that name. State law determines how an owner gets a fictitious name. A common way is to file for a fictitious name with the office of the secretary of state.

A living trust can own part of a business. If a business has a social media account, chances are the company uses it to interact with followers and clients. You can leverage the power of social media and search Facebook, LinkedIn, and other sites.

Search engines such as Google can show you listings complete with contact information, email, and even a map to the company. On Facebook, look for reviews that mention the owner by name or if he or she responded to any comment. You can also use the Timeline and Graph Search options if a standard search gets you nowhere. LinkedIn provides a company name search options in their advanced search option. It is standard practice that all domains should have a registered owner. Business owners need to provide their contact details to the domain registrar.

Note that some domain owners choose to remain private and pay a third party to mask their information. Organizations that want recognition as a serious industry player registers with the BBB. The Better Business Bureau might even have information on non-member companies. Please note that the primary contact may not be the owner and that some of the data may be old.

Always check and verify the date of the reports. Search State Databases of Registered Businesses. All states require businesses to register so they can operate. Note that not all states will include the name of the business owner. You can get in touch with the local city government office responsible for business licenses. Start by using a search engine to know who the proper authorizing body is, per locale. You can use a combination of queries that have the following words:.