Certificate of Authority (Qualifications)

Doing Business in Additional States

When a corporation or LLC does business outside the state in which it was originally formed, it generally needs to register to do business in the additional jurisdiction(s). This is typically referred to as a 'qualification' and involves filing a Certificate of Authority with each additional state in which business will be conducted. We can assist customers in 'qualifying to do business' in any or all U.S. states. We provide this service regardless of whether the corporation or LLC was originally formed through our company.

Qualifying To Do Business 

Registering to do business in an additional state usually involves providing proof of registration or good standing in the company's home state. This is because most states require evidence that an entity is formed and/or is satisfying annual requirements in its home state before granting it authority to operate in another jurisdiction. Proof of formation is normally a certified copy of the company's Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Formation,, and proof of your company's good standing status is normally called a Certificate of Good Standing.  CorpAmerica knows the requirements for registering to do business in additional states and will include the cost of obtaining supporting documentation in your quote for qualification.

Filing a Certificate of Authority (Qualification)

CorpAmerica begins the qualification process with a $50.00 deposit per state to research the fees and provide a cost breakdown and the paperwork for the filing. The deposit is nonrefundable, but it is deducted from our service fee of $125.00 per filing. For a qualification filing in Delaware or New York, the state permits us to conform (type) your signature on the documents and submit them directly to the state to avoid delay. In these states, we can provide the total cost up front and conform your signature on the filing if you prefer.

How to Register in Additional States

To request our assistance in a qualification filing, please contact a business specialist at 877-246-2462 (toll-free) or 302-636-5448, or contact us at info@corpamerica.com with questions about the process. We will need:

- The current legal name of the company

- The state in which it was formed

- Your shipping address (mail or e-mail) for delivery of the paperwork and fee breakdown

- Your payment authorization for the $50.00 deposit (or the total cost, for Delaware or New York filings)

Qualification FAQs

1. How much does a qualification filing cost?

We typically begin a qualification order with a $50.00 deposit to prepare the fee breakdown and paperwork. Many qualification filings cost between $400.00 and $1,000.00; however, the cost can vary widely by state.

2. What is a conformed signature?

For Delaware and New York filings, we can provide the total cost up front and conform (type) your signature on the amendment filing to submit directly to the state if you prefer. A conformed signature appears like this: /s/ John Doe. Delaware and New York recognize conformed signatures; so many filings in these states can be submitted directly without being sent to the customer first for signature.

Did you know?

All small businesses can incorporate. One person may hold all officer or director positions in a single owner corporation. That same person may also be the sole shareholder.