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How to check a company in the United States (official sources)

Short answer. The official source is the SEC EDGAR. Start there, then check what a register does not show.

Where. SEC EDGAR: https://www.sec.gov/search-filings

What you can see for free. EDGAR gives free public access to filings by publicly traded companies and others that file with the SEC: registration statements, periodic reports and other forms. Search by name, ticker or CIK. It covers companies that file with the SEC, not every US company; private companies are registered with each state, and state registers are separate.

Steps.

1. Search the company name, ticker or CIK on EDGAR.
2. Read the recent periodic reports and any current events filings.
3. If the company does not appear, it may be private, so check the state register where it was formed.
4. Compare name and address with what the other party gave you.

What the register does not show. A registry record does not verify business activity, creditworthiness or sanctions status, and it is not a news check.

What a Dutiful report adds. For United States: for SEC reporting companies only (EDGAR): identity, tickers and exchanges, SIC code, EIN, filer category, state of incorporation, addresses and recent filings. Private companies are not covered. Plus a sanctions screen (OFAC SDN and UK Sanctions List) and a public news and web scan, with sources. Sample: /sample. Free coverage check: /?ref=guides.

Disclaimer. This guide describes publicly available registry information and is general information, not legal, financial or compliance advice. Registers change; check the official source before relying on it. A Dutiful report is best-effort research from public sources and is not a compliance certificate. Checked 19 Oct 2026.

Sources

• https://www.sec.gov/search-filings
• https://www.sec.gov/search-filings/edgar-search-assistance/accessing-edgar-data

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