# California SoS Business Scraper - Agent & Status (`regdata/california-sos-business-scraper`) Actor

Scrape the California Secretary of State business registry (bizfileOnline): entity name, number, status, standing, type, formation date and registered agent. Search by name or entity number. No API key needed.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/regdata/california-sos-business-scraper.md
- **Developed by:** [getregdata](https://apify.com/regdata) (community)
- **Categories:** Lead generation, Automation, Agents
- **Stats:** 10 total users, 5 monthly users, 96.2% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $10.00 / 1,000 entity records

This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events.
Since this Actor supports Apify Store discounts, the price gets lower the higher subscription plan you have.

Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#pay-per-event

## What's an Apify Actor?

Actors are web data automations that power AI and operations. They run on the Apify platform to scrape websites, process data, connect APIs, and automate workflows.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.
Actors are written with capital "A".

## How to integrate an Actor?

If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.
The best way to integrate Actors is as follows.

- **AI agents and MCP clients** — the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/integrations/mcp.md) at `https://mcp.apify.com` (remote, streamable HTTP, OAuth on first use).
- **Agentic workflows and local Actor development** — [Agent Skills](https://apify.com/.well-known/agent-skills/index.json) with the [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md): `npm install -g apify-cli`, then `apify login`.
- **JavaScript/TypeScript projects** — the official [JS/TS client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md): `npm install apify-client`.
- **Python projects** — the official [Python client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md): `pip install apify-client`.
- **Any other language** — the [REST API](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2.md).

For usage examples, see the [API](#api) section below.

For more details, see Apify documentation as [Markdown index](https://docs.apify.com/llms.txt) and [Markdown full-text](https://docs.apify.com/llms-full.txt).

# README

## California SoS Business Scraper - bizfileOnline Company Data & Agent

Extract official company data from the **California Secretary of State** business registry (**bizfileOnline**) - the registry of every corporation, LLC, and LP in the largest US state - by company name or entity/file number, as structured JSON. Each record gives status, standing, entity type, formation date, and the **registered agent for service of process**. The official CALICO API is key-gated and capped; this actor is the open API, and **you never bring your own state API key**.

**No login, no API key, nothing to configure** - a search term in, structured records out.

### What data do you get?

One record per entity - including the registered agent that lighter scrapers omit:

```json
{
  "name": "TESLA MOTORS CLUB LLC",
  "entityNumber": "201313510058",
  "status": "Terminated",
  "standing": "Good Standing",
  "entityType": "Limited Liability Company - CA",
  "formedIn": "CALIFORNIA",
  "initialFilingDate": "05/13/2013",
  "registeredAgent": "CALIFORNIA CORPORATE AGENTS, INC.",
  "jurisdiction": "California, USA",
  "source": "California SoS bizfileOnline (bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov)",
  "sourceUrl": "https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business",
  "searchQuery": "Tesla Motors",
  "scrapedAt": "2026-06-28T00:00:00.000Z"
}
```

### How much does it cost?

**Pay per result** - you are not charged for Apify platform usage, only per entity record. See the **Pricing** tab on this page for the current figure. The free Apify plan returns a small preview; upgrade for full, uncapped results. No subscription, no minimum.

### Is it legal, and where does the data come from?

Data comes from the official **California Secretary of State bizfileOnline** registry at [bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov](https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business). California business-entity records are **public records**; this actor reads the open public search and does not log in or bypass any paywall. Scraping public US business records is well-established (public records; post-*Van Buren* / *hiQ v. LinkedIn*). Use the data lawfully for KYC/AML, due-diligence, and B2B purposes.

### How do I use it?

Click **Try it** and search by company name:

```json
{ "searchQueries": ["Tesla"] }
```

For an exact single entity, use the California entity/file number (`{ "searchQueries": ["3814816"] }`). You can mix names and numbers in one `searchQueries` array.

### Input options

| Field | Type | Description |
|------|------|-------------|
| `searchQueries` | array | Company names or entity/file numbers. The registry serves **at most 500 matches** per term - when a search hits that ceiling the run tells you the list is **incomplete** and asks you to narrow the name, rather than presenting a partial list as the whole answer. |
| `maxResultsPerQuery` | integer | Cap per query (`0` = no limit). Default `0`. |

### What you can do with it

- **KYC / KYB onboarding** - verify a California entity's existence, status, and standing from a name or entity number.
- **Registered-agent intelligence** - pull the agent for service of process (for legal, compliance, or sales).
- **Due diligence** - check status (Active / Suspended / Dissolved) and good standing.
- **Lead generation & market research** - map California entities by type and formation date.

### Run it from code

```bash
## cURL - start a run and get the dataset back
curl -X POST "https://api.apify.com/v2/acts/regdata~california-sos-business-scraper/run-sync-get-dataset-items?token=YOUR_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{ "searchQueries": ["Tesla"] }'
```

```javascript
// Node.js - apify-client
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';
const client = new ApifyClient({ token: 'YOUR_TOKEN' });
const run = await client.actor('regdata/california-sos-business-scraper').call({ searchQueries: ['Tesla'] });
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
```

```python
## Python - apify-client
from apify_client import ApifyClient
client = ApifyClient("YOUR_TOKEN")
run = client.actor("regdata/california-sos-business-scraper").call(run_input={"searchQueries": ["Tesla"]})
items = client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).list_items().items
```

### Integrations

Runs anywhere Apify does: call it from the **REST API**, **schedule** recurring checks, pipe results into **n8n / Make / Zapier**, or use it from any **MCP client** (Claude, Cursor) via [mcp.apify.com](https://mcp.apify.com).

### FAQ

**Is it legal?** Yes. California business-entity records are public. This actor reads the open public search only. Scraping public US business records is well-established (post-*Van Buren* / *hiQ*). Use the data lawfully for KYC/AML and due-diligence purposes.

**Do I need a state API key, an account, or a proxy?** No - none of them. Unlike tools built on the key-gated CALICO API, you never register for or supply a state key. Just an Apify account.

**Does it return the registered agent?** Yes - the agent for service of process is included, which lighter scrapers omit.

**How do I look up one exact entity?** Use the California entity/file number as the search query.

**What export formats are supported?** JSON, CSV, Excel, or XML, or read live via the API.

### Related actors

Part of a suite of official government registry actors - **no public API to build or maintain**, pay per result, nothing to configure.

| Country | Actors |
|---|---|
| Poland | [BDO](https://apify.com/regdata/bdo-waste-registry-scraper) · [CRBR](https://apify.com/regdata/crbr-beneficial-owners-scraper) · [KRS (financials)](https://apify.com/regdata/poland-krs-financial-scraper) · [EKW](https://apify.com/regdata/ekw-ksiegi-wieczyste-scraper) · [KNF](https://apify.com/regdata/knf-registry-scraper) · [KRS (board)](https://apify.com/regdata/krs-fullnames-scraper) · [KRZ](https://apify.com/regdata/krz-debtor-scraper) · [MSiG](https://apify.com/regdata/msig-scraper) · [KYB check](https://apify.com/regdata/poland-kyb-check) · [PEP (Sejm)](https://apify.com/regdata/poland-parliamentary-pep-scraper) · [REGON (sites)](https://apify.com/regdata/polish-premises-prospector) · [REGON](https://apify.com/regdata/polish-regon-scraper) · [UOKiK](https://apify.com/regdata/uokik-clauses-scraper) |
| Germany | [Insolvenzbekanntmachungen](https://apify.com/regdata/germany-insolvency-scraper) · [Handelsregister](https://apify.com/regdata/germany-handelsregister-scraper) |
| Spain | [BORME](https://apify.com/regdata/borme-corporate-acts-scraper) · [Registro Mercantil](https://apify.com/regdata/spain-company-directory-scraper) · [Registro Público Concursal](https://apify.com/regdata/spain-concursal-scraper) |
| Italy | [INI-PEC](https://apify.com/regdata/italy-pec-lookup) · [Registro Imprese](https://apify.com/regdata/italy-registro-imprese-scraper) |
| Austria | [Ediktsdatei](https://apify.com/regdata/austria-ediktsdatei-scraper) · [WKO](https://apify.com/regdata/wko-business-directory-scraper) |
| France | [Societe.com](https://apify.com/regdata/societe-com-scraper) |
| Belgium | [KBO / BCE](https://apify.com/regdata/belgium-kbo-company-scraper) |
| Czechia | [ISIR](https://apify.com/regdata/czech-isir-insolvency-scraper) |
| Slovakia | [RPVS](https://apify.com/regdata/slovakia-rpvs-ubo-scraper) |
| Cyprus | [DRCOR](https://apify.com/regdata/cyprus-drcor-company-scraper) |
| Ireland | [CRO](https://apify.com/regdata/ireland-cro-company-scraper) |
| Portugal | [Publicações MJ](https://apify.com/regdata/portugal-corporate-acts-scraper) |
| Nigeria | [CAC](https://apify.com/regdata/nigeria-cac-company-scraper) |
| Colombia | [RUES](https://apify.com/regdata/colombia-rues-company-scraper) |
| USA | **California SoS (this actor)** · [California UCC](https://apify.com/regdata/california-ucc-lien-scraper) |
| UAE | [ADGM](https://apify.com/regdata/uae-adgm-public-register-scraper) |
| Global | [Adverse media](https://apify.com/regdata/adverse-media-screener) |

**Common combinations:** company register -> [UBO](https://apify.com/regdata/crbr-beneficial-owners-scraper) -> [insolvency/debtors](https://apify.com/regdata/krz-debtor-scraper) -> [adverse media](https://apify.com/regdata/adverse-media-screener) is the standard KYB/onboarding chain.

For Poland that whole chain is one call: [Poland KYB Risk Check](https://apify.com/regdata/poland-kyb-check) takes a NIP or KRS and returns identity, beneficial owners and insolvency - screened against the company **and every beneficial owner** - as a single verdict. The component registry lookups it runs bill as usual, plus a small orchestration fee.

> Full suite: [apify.com/regdata](https://apify.com/regdata) · Callable from any MCP client via [mcp.apify.com](https://mcp.apify.com)

# Actor input Schema

## `searchQueries` (type: `array`):

Company names or entity/file numbers to look up in the California Secretary of State business registry. Each query returns all matching entities.

## `maxResultsPerQuery` (type: `integer`):

Maximum number of entities to keep per query (default 50 to avoid surprise charges on broad searches). Set 0 for no limit (all matches, typically up to ~500 per search).

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "searchQueries": [
    "Tesla Motors",
    "3814816",
    "Capital"
  ],
  "maxResultsPerQuery": 50
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `entities` (type: `string`):

CA SoS register records in the default dataset.

# API

You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.

## JavaScript example

```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';

// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
    token: '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>',
});

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {
    "searchQueries": [
        "Tesla"
    ]
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("regdata/california-sos-business-scraper").call(input);

// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
    console.dir(item);
});

// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs

```

## Python example

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("<YOUR_API_TOKEN>")

# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = { "searchQueries": ["Tesla"] }

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("regdata/california-sos-business-scraper").call(run_input=run_input)

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print("💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"])
for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items():
    print(item)

# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start

```

## CLI example

```bash
echo '{
  "searchQueries": [
    "Tesla"
  ]
}' |
apify call regdata/california-sos-business-scraper --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "mcp-remote",
                "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=regdata/california-sos-business-scraper",
                "--header",
                "Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_API_TOKEN>"
            ]
        }
    }
}

```

## OpenAPI specification

Download the OpenAPI definition: https://api.apify.com/v2/actors/NuGzVdad29QqRfk51/builds/WMVyGl6dngvRsImY6/openapi.json