What Is a Secretary of State API?
A Secretary of State API is a standardized, official interface that allows technology platforms to access state-level public corporate records. This API connects directly to multiple state databases to provide reliable access to a business's information. It exposes entity names, filing history, amendments, and more.
These APIs are designed for real-time or frequently refreshed data, making them valuable for use cases including Know Your Business (KYB) compliance, onboarding verification, and vendor risk assessment. Many solutions also offer advanced features, such as intelligent matching for name variations, normalized status fields across differing state terminologies, and confidence scores alongside alternate result suggestions.
Key Benefits of Integrating the SoS API
Before exploring the technical advantages, it is important to understand that the SoS API is grounded in official government data and structured for modern scaling needs.
Automated Business Verification
By automating entity lookups via the SoS API, platforms eliminate manual data entry and reduce onboarding times from minutes to seconds. This efficiency lowers the risk of human error and ensures that compliance teams work with accurate, official records, streamlining validation workflows.
Scalable KYB and Compliance Workflows
Regulated sectors such as fintech require real-time business verification at scale. The SoS API enables instantaneous KYB checks during business account openings or vendor registrations, meeting regulatory demands without overtaxing development teams.
Data Reliability and Trust
Since the API sources data directly from official state registries, companies can avoid inaccurate information common in scraped databases. This reliability supports stronger compliance outcomes and enhances a strong PR strategy by reinforcing commitment to data accuracy and institutional trust.
Customizable for Multi-State Needs
Platforms operating across multiple U.S. jurisdictions can tailor API queries to fetch precisely the required data, whether entity status, filing history, or registered agent information, supporting flexible use cases and keeping infrastructure lean.
Who Should Be Using It?
Below are key technology companies positioned to gain the most from SoS API integration, each building toward next-generation systems.
Fintech Platforms
Business-facing fintechs benefit significantly, especially those underwriting loans or opening accounts. Automated and instantaneous verification helps maintain compliance and improves client experience.
Legaltech Services
Applications focused on business incorporation, compliance monitoring, or legal filings can seamlessly integrate official records into dashboards and workflows. This will reduce manual tasks and significantly enhance accuracy.
SaaS Vendors
SaaS providers offering partner or vendor verification modules elevate their reliability by embedding official data, improving user confidence and data integrity across B2B processes.
HR and Procurement Software
Tools for contractor validation, supplier onboarding, or vendor compliance checks gain scalability and accuracy, supporting broader network modernization efforts by relying on real-time official data rather than legacy clerical systems.
