How to Verify if a Company is Registered in the United States via Their Website
In today's digital age, evaluating the legitimacy of a company based on its online presence is crucial. Whether you are conducting business transactions or engaging with a service provider, understanding whether a company is properly registered in the United States can significantly impact your decision-making process. This guide will walk you through a series of steps to verify if a company is truly registered in the United States using their website.1. Check the Website Footer
The footer section of a company's website is a treasure trove of valuable information. Many companies include details about their legal name, address, and registration status here. Look for these details to get an initial sense of the company's official standing.For instance, may have a footer that includes their legal name, address, and other important registration information. This is a quick and easy first step in verifying the legitimacy of a company.
2. Search for Contact Information
Many reputable companies make it easy for customers to contact them directly. Contact information can be found in various sections of the website, such as the ‘Contact Us’ page, ‘About Us’ section, or the company's social media profiles. This information can be used to confirm the company's registered details.If you can find a verified mailing address or office location, you can cross-reference it with state business registries or other official databases for validation. For example, if exampleInc has a physical address in California, you can check the California Secretary of State's database to see if they are listed as a registered business.
3. Look for an Official Registration Number
Some companies proudly display their registration number or state ID on their website, often in the terms of service, privacy policy, or about us section. This is a concrete piece of evidence that can be used to verify the legitimacy of the company.For example, the About Us section of exampleInc may contain a sentence such as, 'We are registered under the State of California as XYZ123456789.' This number can then be used to search for the company in the appropriate state's business registry.
4. Verify with State Business Registries
Most U.S. states have online databases where you can search for registered businesses by name. These registries provide official records that can be cross-referenced with the information obtained from the website. For instance, the California Secretary of State website has a Doing Business in California portal that allows you to check if a business is registered in the state.To perform a verification, visit the relevant state's business registry website and search for the company name using the information you found on their website. This step is critical for confirming the legitimacy of the business. If the company is not listed, it may indicate that the information on their website is not accurate or the company is not legally registered.
5. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization that provides information on the credibility and reliability of businesses. You can search for a business on the BBB website and see if they are accredited. This can provide added credibility and help you make an informed decision.To use the BBB, visit and enter the company's name or the service provider's name. If the company is accredited, the BBB provides more assurance that the business is legitimate and has a good track record.
6. Use Third-Party Verification Services
For businesses that value their reputation and wish to ensure their legitimacy, third-party verification services like Dun Bradstreet can provide detailed reports on a company's registration status and creditworthiness. These services can offer a comprehensive view of the company, including their financial health, business history, and more.To use such services, visit Dun Bradstreet or similar platforms. Enter the company's name and perform a search. The report will provide detailed information on the company's registration status and financial stability, helping you make a well-informed decision.
7. Contact the Company Directly
If you have any lingering doubts after following the above steps, the final step is to contact the company directly. Reputable businesses will provide multiple methods of contact, including email, phone, or mail. You can reach out to the company through their listed contact methods and ask for confirmation of their registration status.If exampleInc lists their contact information, send them an email or call to ask if they are registered in a specific state. This can add a layer of assurance to your inquiry and help you verify the legitimacy of the company.