> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/product/products/verification/business/details.md). # Business details Finds a business by name or registration number and returns its registration status, addresses and contact details. Finds a business by name or registration number and returns matching entities with their registration status, address and contact details. It is usually the first step before deeper business checks. {% hint style="info" %} Previously listed as *Business Search*. {% endhint %} ## How it works Search by company name or by registration number, depending on which you have. The two are separate searches and cannot be combined in one request. Results can be retrieved again later. ## What it returns The number of matching records and, for each match, the business name, registration number and status, trading number, physical and postal addresses, and contact details. Each match carries an internal identifier used to run [Business principals](/product/products/verification/business/principals.md) on that entity. ## Inputs required A company name or a company registration number. ## Data source Commercial business database. ## Consent and permissible purpose You must confirm on each request that consent has been obtained. See [Consent and permissible use](/product/overview/how-it-works/consent.md). ## Channels Portal and API. For request and response detail, see the [API reference](https://developer.fraudcheck.co.za/commercial-service/identity/business-search). ## Outcomes A list of matching businesses. If nothing matches, the result says so explicitly. See [Results and outcomes](/product/overview/how-it-works/results-and-outcomes.md). ## Turnaround Near real-time, typically under 5 seconds. ## When to use it Finding a business before running a principal or watchlist check, confirming a company's registration status and address, or resolving ambiguity when only part of a name is known. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/product/products/verification/business/details.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.