{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/secretary-of-state","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/secretary-of-state","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"secretary-of-state","term":"Secretary of State","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"This state-level office is responsible for registering businesses, processing UCC filings, and maintaining public records related to corporations and other entities. It's a key touchpoint for legal entity verification.","what_it_means":"Lenders will perform searches with the Secretary of State to verify the legal existence and good standing of the seller's business and to conduct UCC lien searches. As a buyer, you should also confirm the seller's entity status and ensure all necessary filings are up to date before closing. This office also registers your new business entity.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/secretary-of-state","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"ucc-filing","term":"UCC filing","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/ucc-filing"},{"slug":"ucc-lien","term":"UCC lien","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/ucc-lien"},{"slug":"corporation","term":"Corporation","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/corporation"},{"slug":"llc","term":"LLC","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/llc"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Can I use an SBA 7(a) loan to buy another business that is located out of state?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-i-use-an-sba-7-a-loan-to-buy-another-business-that-is-located-out-of-state"},{"question":"Will outstanding state or local tax liens on the business affect SBA 7(a) loan eligibility?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/will-outstanding-state-or-local-tax-liens-on-the-business-affect-sba-7-a-loan-eligibility"},{"question":"What if the business I'm acquiring currently owes money to the IRS or state tax authorities?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/what-if-the-business-i-m-acquiring-currently-owes-money-to-the-irs-or-state-tax-authoritie"},{"question":"Can an SBA 7(a) loan be used to purchase a business located in a different state?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-an-sba-7-a-loan-be-used-to-purchase-a-business-located-in-a-different-state"},{"question":"Is it possible to use an SBA 7(a) loan to acquire a business in a different state?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/is-it-possible-to-use-an-sba-7-a-loan-to-acquire-a-business-in-a-different-state"},{"question":"Do I need to live in the same state as my business to get an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/do-i-need-to-live-in-the-same-state-as-my-business-to-get-an-sba-7-a-loan"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Secretary of State","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/secretary-of-state","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}