SOS ID
Definition: The Secretary of State's identifying number for a registered business.
SOS ID is shorthand for the number a Secretary of State assigns to a business at formation or registration. It means the same as entity ID; North Carolina even prints it as "SOSID" on records.
Where you will be asked for it
- Filing an annual report or amendment online
- Ordering a certificate of good standing
- Registering for state taxes or a local business license
- Applying for state contracts or vendor registration
How to find it
Search the entity by name in its home state. The ID appears on the result list or the detail page, and on the stamped copy of the formation document. In Texas there are two numbers to keep track of: the SOS file number and the Comptroller taxpayer number; see the Texas guide.
The SOS ID is assigned by the state, unlike the federal EIN, which the IRS issues. A business registered in several states has a different SOS ID in each; the nationwide search guide explains why.
Related: North Carolina SOSID search, EIN lookup.
SOS ID questions
Where do I find my SOS ID?
On your formation approval, annual report notices, or your company's record in the state business search.
Is the SOS ID the same in every state?
No. Each state assigns its own number, so a company registered in three states has three different IDs.
Sources
Data Updated Recently