What is a Pennsylvania certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Pennsylvania Department of State before doing business in Pennsylvania. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania certificate of authority?
To obtain your Pennsylvania 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: | Pennsylvania Department of State - Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations - Business Program |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $250 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Pennsylvania Department of State - Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations - Business Program |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $250 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Pennsylvania Department of State - Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations - Business Program |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $250 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Pennsylvania Department of State - Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations - Business Program |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $250 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Pennsylvania Department of State - Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations - Business Program |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $250 |
| 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: | Pennsylvania Department of State - Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations - Business Program |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $250 |
| 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?
Pennsylvania does not require a certificate of good standing or certified copies for this filing.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Pennsylvania 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?
Pennsylvania Department of State - Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations - Business ProgramPhysical Address:
401 North Street, Room 206
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Phone: (717) 787-1057 or (888) 659-9962
Website: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dos/programs/business.html
Name Search: https://file.dos.pa.gov/search/business
Forms: http://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/RegistrationForms/Pages/default.aspx
Online Filing: https://file.dos.pa.gov/
Email: RA-CORPS@pa.gov
