What is a Maryland certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Maryland Department of Assessment & Taxation before doing business in Maryland. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Maryland 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 Maryland certificate of authority?
To obtain your Maryland 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: | Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Proof of existence or certificate of status dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Proof of existence or certificate of status within 60 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) |
| Form: | Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Partnership |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Proof of existence or certificate of status within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain a Maryland Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Proof of existence or certificate of status within 60 days.
- Corporation: Proof of existence or certificate of status dated within 60 days.
- Limited Partnership: Proof of existence or certificate of status within 60 days.
- Limited Liability Partnership: Proof of existence or certificate of status within 60 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of Good Standing dated within 90 days
- Professional Corporation: Proof of existence or certificate of status dated within 60 days.
- Professional LLC: Proof of existence or certificate of status within 60 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 Maryland 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?
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)Physical Address:
700 East Pratt Street 2nd Floor Suite 2700
Baltimore, MD 21202
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 17052
Baltimore, MD 21297-1052
Phone: (410) 767-1184
Website: https://dat.maryland.gov/pages/default.aspx
Name Search: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch
Forms: http://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/sdatforms.aspx#BNE
Online Filing: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress
Email: sdat.411@Maryland.gov
