News Room

SAINT PAUL - On January 1, 2026, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State will launch a set of protections for business owners impacted by business identity theft.

Business identity theft is a nationwide problem. It occurs when someone creates a company in the name of someone else without permission, reactivates a business entity without the knowledge or consent of the business owner, or changes the address on business filings. Victims often face debts, collection calls, or damaged credit histories - all without a clear path to resolution. Previously, the only options for targeted business owners were costly court actions or law enforcement intervention.

The new Business Identity Recovery process offers individuals affected by this crime a free and fast way to correct their records. With new legal authority to intervene on behalf of targeted businesses, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State can now investigate and redact illegitimate filings after a business owner reports a wrongful filing.

This new program is the result of a years-long effort by the Secretary of State’s office to develop a legislative proposal to address the problem. The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support and was signed into law in early 2025.

“Our office has heard the voices of Minnesotans frustrated by the complicated and expensive steps needed to correct their business records after a bad actor takes over their accounts,” said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. “That's why we did the work to develop a solution and get it signed into law to help ensure business owners have a way to reclaim their identity and get back to doing business.”

Minnesota is one of the first states in America to implement this new process to help business owners impacted by business identity theft.

Learn more: Minnesota Secretary of State - Business Identity Recovery