A limited liability company (LLC) is a business entity that can have many owners. Those owners are called "members," and they can be individuals, corporations, other LLCs, or foreign organizations. Most states place no cap on the number of members an LLC can have, and the majority do not restrict who is allowed to own one.
Some states require the members of a member-managed LLC to list their name and address in the Articles of Organization. Others do not require members to be named, and instead ask only for the name of the organizer or an authorized representative. That variation is exactly why finding the true owner of an LLC can take some detective work. Here are the most effective ways to do it.
1. Search the Secretary of State's Website
Start with the state itself. This directory of Secretary of State links points you to the business registry for every state.
You can submit a public records request to access the data on a state's official website. The Secretary of State's office tracks business registrations, and many states require only a minimum of information on file.
When you check an LLC's filing status, look for signs of administrative dissolution, dormancy, merger, an annual report, cancellation, conversion, or reinstatement. Bear in mind that the LLC must have already submitted that paperwork for it to appear.
Checking the database of registered agents is another way to trace an owner. You can find the registered agent's name in the LLC's formation documents, though if the agent has changed since filing, that information may be out of date.
2. DMV Searches
If you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), some Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) websites let you look up the vehicles registered to an LLC. Using the business name or address, you can run a search for vehicles tied to that entity, depending on your state's rules. You can also call the LLC directly and ask for a list of its registered vehicles.
3. Brand Registry, Corporate Name, and Trademark Searches
Run a trade name and trademark search on the LLC's name and address to see whether any other business is using the same name. Two unrelated entities can share an LLC name without being part of the same company or group, so this helps you confirm you have the right one.
If you know the owner's name but not their address, run the search in reverse. You can also check whether the LLC belongs to an industry trade group. If it does, the group's online directory may list the details you need.
4. Personal Property Tax Database Search
Businesses must file tax reports and pay annual taxes on their property, and much of that data is searchable online. For example, the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) assesses and collects taxes on business entities based on the property address.
A property tax database can reveal the location of the company's principal office in that state, along with the LLC's registered agent.
In Maryland, SDAT provides the address of the principal place of business but not a phone number. Take that address, search for a phone number online, then call the company and ask who owns the LLC.
5. Regulatory License Search
If the owner you are looking for works in a regulated field such as real estate, healthcare, hospitality, or banking, their regulatory license is another avenue. A license search returns every company in the state licensed to operate in that industry, which can help you narrow the field considerably.
6. Financial Institutions and Fictitious Names
If the LLC operates in finance, note that states have financial regulators with searchable databases. Sometimes an LLC trades under a fictitious name that differs from its owners' names. In some states, the owner must register that fictitious name with the Department of Assessments and Taxation, disclosing the full legal name, address, and nature of the business. That record can be enough to identify the owner.
7. In-Person Visit to a Government Office
If your online searches come up empty but you know the LLC's location or state, it may be more practical to go in person and file a records request at the relevant government office. This route is especially useful for tracking down an LLC that is no longer operating.
8. Contacting the LLC's Members Directly
As a last resort, reach out to the LLC's members and simply ask who owns it. The members may not want to share that information, so this can take time, but it is worth a try once you have exhausted every other option and still need the owner's contact details.
FAQs
Is LLC ownership always public?
Not always. Some states require members to be named in the formation documents, while others only require an organizer or registered agent. In states with lighter disclosure rules, the true owner may not appear in the public record at all, which is why a combination of the methods above often works best.
What is a registered agent, and can they tell me the owner?
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal and official mail on the LLC's behalf. Their name is usually part of the public filing, but the agent is not necessarily the owner, and a professional agent generally will not disclose the members' identities.
Can I find an LLC owner for free?
Often, yes. Secretary of State business searches and property tax databases are typically free to use. You may only need to pay if you request certified copies of documents or use a paid data service to speed up the research.