How to Conduct a Colorado Business Search

Prospective business owners as well as consumers in Colorado can do a business search to find information about established business entities in the state.

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Anne Brennan
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Anne Brennan

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Updated on: July 30, 2024
Read time: 4 min

Conducting a business search in the state of Colorado is important to ensure a proposed business name has not already been taken by another business owner. A business search is a free, straightforward process and a crucial step when choosing a name for a new business.

The main reason to conduct a business name search is to determine if your preferred business name is legally available. Some prospective business owners may spend a lot of time and money on a potential name, only to find the name has been used by another business.

Colorado Secretary of State contact info

You can contact the CO Secretary of State in the following ways:

Website: coloradosos.gov

Address: 1700 Broadway #550, Denver, CO 80290

Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Screenshot of the Colorado business search homepage.

Colorado business search basics

The state's website offers online tools to perform a Colorado business name search. You can search for business names in the database by business name, trademark, ID, or document number.

An important business search options disclaimer: The Secretary of State's office acts as a filing registry for businesses. As a filing registry, the Secretary of State's office does not determine if a business is operating legally—only if a business name has been registered.

Here are the definitions of common search phrases:

  • Trademark: A word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies your goods or services.
  • Trade name: A trade name is also referred to DBA, or doing business as. A trade name is the public facing name of a business (if different than the formally registered name).
  • ID: A number assigned by the government to identify a business as a legally organized entity.
  • Document number: The 11-digit number identifying document.

If the state's office lacks results for your search, that means the business name is available. If the business name is in use, you'll see a link to its business records.

For example, if your proposed business name is "Cindy's Doughnuts," you will search for that name in the Colorado database. If you find a result with that name popping up, you will need to choose a different business name, otherwise that name is available for you to use for your business.

How to search by document number

Colorado's Secretary of State website also provides "advanced search" options to find a business. To search by an ID or document number, enter a document number, which has 11 digits, and select "Search." You can also search using a business's filing date.

The document number is listed on the History and Documents page on the website. Find the page by clicking on "Search the Database." Search the business entity and click on the business entity ID number on the Search Results page. Then click on View History and Documents on the Summary page.

If the office lacks results after these searches, the business name is available.

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Important naming guidelines in Colorado

The state of Colorado has some requirements for naming an LLC. The business name must include "limited liability company," or the abbreviations "L.L.C." and "LLC." The business name must be distinguishable from other business entities and must not imply affiliation with federal or state organizations, such as the FBI or FDA. More information can be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Next steps to start your business or LLC in Colorado

After you conduct a business name search and decide on a business name, there are some more steps to finalize the LLC.

1. Choose a registered agent, the person who will be the point of contact at your business to receive legal documents.

2. Create and file the LLC's articles of organization for your business, an official document that establishes the LLC and status in the state.

3. Create an operating agreement that outlines how the business will be managed.

4. Get an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. The EIN will also allow you to open a business bank account.

Colorado business search FAQs

Is the document number of a business the same as a state or federal ID number?

No, the document number is an 11-digit number assigned by the office of the Colorado Secretary of State. The document number is one of several ways to search for a business.

What if the search on the Secretary of State's business database lacks results?

If the office database doesn't show a business name, the business name is available.

Do results from a business name search prove the legal status of the business?

No, a search that shows a business name only reveals that it is registered with the Colorado Secretary of State, which acts as a filing registry. It does not prove the business is operating legally.

Are attorneys required to trademark businesses for you?

You can create a trademark yourself, but the process can be long and difficult. An attorney can help you navigate the process more efficiently and confidently.

Does Colorado require businesses to file BOIR?

BOIR is a compliance report that was previously required by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. As of March 21, 2025, the Beneficial Ownership Information Report is now voluntary. FinCEN removed the requirement that U.S. companies and U.S. persons file a report. Foreign companies still have to file. This situation may evolve, so watch for updates.

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.