New Jersey business lookup
Find a New Jersey business in our directory, then confirm it with the state's Business Name Search and Business Records Service, county trade name records and the Division of Consumer Affairs.
To look up a New Jersey business, use the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services' free Business Name Search on NJportal by name, keyword or 10-digit entity ID. For status reports, standing certificates and filed documents, use the paid Business Records Service. Home improvement contractors must register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, which offers a free license verification search.
Updated October 2026Search our directory first
USA Business Search lists New Jersey businesses from Foursquare open place data and owner submissions, with phone numbers, websites and addresses. Start at the New Jersey hub or a city:
New Jersey has more than 500 municipalities packed close together, so many businesses use a mailing town that isn't where they work. Search by service and widen to neighboring towns. Owners can claim a listing to correct it. We do not verify or endorse listed businesses.
Verify a business with the State of New Jersey
New Jersey business registrations are handled by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES), part of the Treasury, rather than a Secretary of State. There are two tools:
Business Name Search (free)
The Business Name Search finds registered businesses by name, keyword or entity ID and lists matches of any status. Use it to confirm a business exists and to get its 10-digit entity ID.
Business Records Service (mostly paid)
The Business Records Service offers free browsing of names and IDs, then sells status reports, standing certificates and copies of filed documents.
A status report costs $5 plus a $1.25 online convenience fee. It summarizes what the state has on file for the entity, such as its status, formation date and registered agent, which the free name search does not show in full. Fees are as of October 2026, per the DORES fee schedule.
A Standing Certificate costs $25 for a corporation or LP (short or long form), and $50 short form or $100 long form for an LLC or LLP, according to the standing certificate page. Anyone can check a certificate is genuine with the state's online validation tool.
Trade names: state for entities, county for individuals
New Jersey splits DBAs by business type:
- Corporations, LLCs and LPs register an alternate name with DORES. It costs $50, lasts five years and can be renewed. LLPs cannot use this process.
- Sole proprietors and general partnerships file a trade name certificate with the county clerk in each county where they operate. County fees vary.
If a van says "Garden State Gutters" and the state search shows nothing, check the county clerk where the business is based.
Check a contractor or professional license
New Jersey regulates contractors through the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Use its license verification to check:
- Home improvement contractors: most contractors who do residential remodeling, roofing, siding, decks and similar work must register. A 2023 law created a new state board for home improvement contractors to move the trade toward full licensure. See the DCA home improvement page.
- Plumbers: licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.
- Electricians: licensed by the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
- New home builders: registered with the Department of Community Affairs' New Home Warranty Program before they can get a permit to build a new home.
New Jersey's Contractors' Registration Act requires a written contract for home improvement work over $500, so ask for one. Build a shortlist from plumbers in New Jersey, then verify each license.
Starting a business in New Jersey
Form an LLC
A Certificate of Formation for a New Jersey LLC costs $100, as of October 2026; confirm on the DORES fee schedule. Older guides cite $125, which is out of date.
Annual report
LLCs and for-profit corporations file an annual report for $75, due by the last day of the month in which the business was formed. Nonprofits pay $30. Missing two years in a row can lead to revocation.
You will also register for taxes with the Division of Revenue, and many towns require a mercantile license.
New Jersey business lookup FAQs
Is New Jersey's business search free?
The Business Name Search is free. Detailed status reports cost $5 plus a $1.25 convenience fee, and standing certificates cost $25 to $100.
Does New Jersey have a Secretary of State business search?
Not in the usual sense. Business registrations are handled by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, part of the NJ Treasury, through NJportal.
How do I check a New Jersey home improvement contractor?
Search the Division of Consumer Affairs license verification by name or registration number. A registered contractor must show its registration number on contracts and ads.
Where are New Jersey DBAs filed?
Entities register alternate names with the state. Sole proprietors and general partnerships file trade names with the county clerk.
How much does a New Jersey LLC cost to form?
The state filing fee is $100 for a Certificate of Formation, plus $75 a year for the annual report, as of October 2026.
Own a New Jersey business?
Add your business to USA Business Search free, or claim your existing listing so customers see your current details.