Business Online

Anyone who will operate a business in Suffolk County under a name, other than his or her own, must file a Business Certificate with the County Clerk’s Office. Once you have chosen a business name, research that business name to determine if it is available and to insure no one else is using that Business Certificate name by accessing the Suffolk County Clerk’s online records website here. (scroll down and accept the use and dissemination agreement, then scroll down to the bottom of the page and bullet the section that says Business Name)

Business Certificate Online Search

1. Enter the information you are searching by. (date format 1/14/1999)
2. Click the search button.
3. You may access additional information by clicking on the business name.

Corporations Search

Use the NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records & UCC website here.

Note: As of June 2, 2014, corporations are filed electronically with the NYS Department of State; the Suffolk County Clerk’s office no longer receives a hardcopy.

To order a copy of a corporation that was filed after June 2, 2014, please call the NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations at (518) 473-2492 for assistance.

Note: Under no circumstances will searches be conducted by phone.

Business Certificate processing hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

New York State Small Business Development Center:

S.C.O.R.E/Small Business Administration (Long Island locations) (888) 433-3632

Suffolk County Women's Business Enterprise Coalition http://www.scwbec.org/ or (631) 853-4738.

Payment
Payment may be made in the form of personal check, certified bank check, money order and attorney’s check made payable to the Suffolk County Clerk.
Any returned check incurs a $20.00 fee.
When submitting a business certificate also include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Mail to:
Suffolk County Clerk’s Office
ATTN: Business Certificates
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901