Education about California Certified Copies
What are California certified copies?
California certified copies are a true and correct copy of business filings, which can obtained from the California Secretary of State - Business Programs Division. Articles of incorporation are the most commonly certified document. Articles of amendment or annual reports may also be certified.
The California Secretary of State - Business Programs Division issues certified copies with an endorsement, stamp, or certificate. Certified copies are sometimes required to secure a bank loan, apply for a certificate of authority, and obtain business licenses.
What documents can be certified?
You can typically have most corporate filings certified, including:
- Articles of formation
- Articles of amendment
- Certificate of authority
- Mergers
- Annual filings, such as annual reports
- Fictitious name or DBA registration
- Dissolution and withdrawals
Where can I obtain California certified copies?
Only the California Secretary of State - Business Programs Division can issue California certified copies. It is possible to obtain certified copies yourself using the contact information below.
California Secretary of State - Business Programs DivisionPhysical Address:
1500 11th Street, 2nd and 3rd Floors (expedite to 3rd floor)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 657-5448
Website: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/
Name Search: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business
Forms: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/forms.htm
Online Filing: https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/bizfile/file-online/
