What is a Missouri certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Missouri Secretary of State before doing business in Missouri. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Missouri 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 Missouri certificate of authority?
To obtain your Missouri 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: | Missouri Secretary of State - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Certificate of Authority for a Foreign For-Profit Corporation (Corp. 42) |
| Agency Fee: | $155 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Missouri Secretary of State - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC 4) |
| Agency Fee: | $105 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Missouri Secretary of State - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Certificate of Authority for a Foreign For-Profit Corporation (Corp. 42) |
| Agency Fee: | $155 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Missouri Secretary of State - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Partnership in Missouri (LP 42) |
| Agency Fee: | $105 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Missouri Secretary of State - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Partnership (LLP 1) |
| Agency Fee: | $55 for two partners, $80 for three partners, or $105 for four or more partners. |
| 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: | Missouri Secretary of State - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Limited Partnership in Missouri (LP 25) |
| Agency Fee: | $5 plus $25 per general partner, maximum fee is $105. |
| 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 Missouri Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 60 days.
- Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 60 days.
- Limited Partnership: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 60 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 60 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated 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 Missouri 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?
Missouri Secretary of State - Corporations DivisionPhysical Address:
600 West Main Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Mailing Address:
James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center, P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-4153 or 866-223-6535, Opt 2
Website: http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/
Name Search: https://bsd.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity/BESearch.aspx?SearchType=0
Forms: http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/forms.asp
Online Filing: https://bsd.sos.mo.gov/loginwelcome.aspx?lobID=1
Email: corporations@sos.mo.gov
