The New York State Department of State, one of the oldest and most diverse agencies in state government, works to make New York a more welcoming, equitable, and prosperous place for all who call it home. Established in 1778, and known as the Keeper of Records for more than two centuries, the Department improves the quality of life for all New Yorkers by providing a myriad of essential services and programs to local governments, businesses, community organizations and citizens. Business corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships must file a formation document with the New York State Department of State in order to do business within the State of New York. Each corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership name must be unique.

Out-of-state corporations which choose to do business in New York State must file with the Department of State an application for authority. If the entity name is not distinguishable from the name of all other entities on file with the Department of State, the corporation must use a fictitious name which, likewise, must be distinguishable from the name of all other entities on file with the Department of State. With some exceptions, each business corporation must submit a statement every two years verifying their service of process address and identifying the name and address of the chief executive officer of the corporation and the address of the principal executive office of the corporation. Limited liability companies must submit a statement every two years that verifies the service of process address.

This Corporation and Business Entity Database includes business and not for profit corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and other miscellaneous businesses. The database also includes assumed name filings for corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships. Each business entity is registered with DOS ID, business legal name, entity type, filing date, registered agent name and address, officer name and address, office address, etc.

To give New Yorkers the access they deserve to government data and information, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched the Open NY initiative in March 2013 and signed Executive Order 95. It directs state agencies to identify, catalog, and publish their data on the state's open data website administered by the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS). Open NY increases transparency, improves government performance, empowers New Yorkers to participate in government, and encourages research and economic opportunities statewide.