Inception between the office of the secretary of state and other departments, Business express is a one-stop site that provides commercial services to companies, firms, company owners, etc. On the site, corporations easily enjoy the online services offered by the Office. Users have access to information on how to plan, start, manage, operate and expand a company. They can file biennial reports, carry out business names search, access resources for setting up a corporation and serve as a source of business documents, among others. 

What is it for

It is tasked with offering online services and providing corporation information to domestic and foreign firms. The following featured services on the site are available to companies, individuals, etc.

File annual/biennial report

Domestic-based companies must file their annual reports yearly. Online filing is a new feature of the portal and it is available for users’ comfort and ease. 

Uniform Commercial Code Forms and Filings

UCC for corporate bodied may be filed online via the link provided on the portal. While most companies choose to file their UCCs online with Express, they can still be filed in person at the Office. To acquire further information on the UCC fee schedule and forms, check the website or UCC FAQs. 

Forms & fee schedule

Forms for company registration, UCC, and other types, are available on the site. Users can pay online with their credit cards, fill out the forms then submit, them without visiting the office in person. For those who do not want to submit online, a printed copy can be mailed to the mailing address. You can check for recent charges for certain services by clicking on getting fees. 

Search for business entities 

To find company entities online, their entity names and file numbers are needed. Follow the steps below to search for an entity:

• Enter the company details into the provided spaces 
• Click on search
• The existing data on the company will appear on the screen

Note that Individuals can search for the following information; trademark, corporations, agents, the number of employees, incorporation date, company contact information, et cetera.

Certificate validation

You can apply to validate or verify any business certificate issued by the secretary of state. To carry out validation, a user has to enter the entity file and authentication number for the certificate. Verifying a certificate to check its standing follows a similar process. 

Entity name availability

Every establishment has its distinct name and trademark. This happens because, upon incorporation, company names are registered and entered into the database of entity names. For a new business owner, confirming the availability of your desired company name is important. To reserve a specific name, you have to hire a registered agent online. 

What it is made for

Information and resources available on the site for new and existing users are listed below

• Planning an establishment
• Starter kit
• Tax audits
• Purchase a certificate/ Apostille
• Service of Process
• Licenses and permits
• Grow my business
• Security and protection
• Trademarks
• Registered agents
• Business Incentives
• Administrative and Networking services
• File personal property tax returns
• Order business documents

Plan my business

• Guide to making plans on type of business
• Selecting a type of structure
• Searching for the desired name
• Checking licenses and permits

Manage my business

• Maintain licenses and permits
• Tax payments
• Certified copies and certificates
• Makes changes to business

Contact information

The department works from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday except on public holidays

Business address: Maryland department of commerce, World Trade Center, 401 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202

Toll-free: 1 888 246 6736

Phone: 410 767 6300

If you are a local-based small business looking for information about registration and licenses, visit https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/