What is a Georgia certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Georgia Secretary of State before doing business in Georgia. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Georgia certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get a Georgia certificate of authority?
To obtain your Georgia Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Form: | Application - Certificate of Authority for Profit or Nonprofit Corporation (CD236) |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $235 via mail or $225 for online filing. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $235 via mail or $225 for online filing. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Form: | Application - Certificate of Authority for Profit or Nonprofit Corporation (CD236) |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $235 via mail or $225 for online filing. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days. |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Form: | Application - Certificate of Authority for Professional Corporation (CD238) |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $235 via mail or $225 for online filing. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Form: | Application - Certificate of Authority for Limited Partnerships (LP or LLLP) (CD251) |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $235 via mail or $225 for online filing. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $210 via mail or $200 for online filing. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Georgia Secretary of State |
| Form: | Application - Certificate of Authority for Limited Partnerships (LP or LLLP) (CD251) |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $235 via mail or $225 for online filing. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain a Georgia Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Georgia Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Georgia Secretary of StatePhysical Address:
2 MLK Jr. Dr., Suite 313, Floyd West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334-1530
Phone: (404) 656-2817
Website: http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/?section=corporations
Name Search: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch
Forms: https://sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-business-forms
Online Filing: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/Account
