How to Get Certificate of Existence in Washington (2025)

The Certificate of Existence is a significant document that LLC owners require if they want to expand their business outside of Washington. The Washington Secretary of State issues this document in favor of the company with the required details to submit it to the other state into which it is going to expand.

When you file an LLC in Washington while residing in a different state, you submit the certificate of authority to the Washington Secretary of State. Similarly, an LLC formed in Washington (as a principal office) has to submit this document while forming an LLC in other states. In this article, LLCBuddy editors share the ins and outs of getting the Washington Certificate of Existence.

What is a Certificate of Existence in Washington

The Certificate of Existence is a document that every business in Washington requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation in Washington, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Washington. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.

If you take your business to a different state, a Certificate of Existence will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities. Besides, to restore or reinstate an LLC in Washington after dissolution, you must obtain this document.

How to Obtain a Washington Certificate of Existence

The Washington Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Existence, you must fill out the form and send it to the Washington SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-

Step 1: Get the Form

To receive the Certificate of Existence in Washington, you just send an online request to generate it. The SOS will issue it once they receive the properly filled-out form and payment.

Generate Certificate of Existence:

Online application: Log in to the portal
Offline application: No offline request form is available
Fees: $20

The following points are required to be mentioned in the form-

Details of the Requester: The first information you need to provide is the details of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number.

Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended that you share the file number to get the process done quickly.

Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from the Washington State Secretary of State. If you request the document in person, you can return it in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it.

Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from the SOS. There is a box in the form that you need to check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended that more copies of the certificate be obtained for future use.

Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.

Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the Washington Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for corporations, LLC amendments, corporation amendments, and other registered documents with the Secretary of State. This is optional, and you can avoid this. You must pay a stipulated fee for every copy you request.

Step 2: Submit the Form

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the Secretary of State, Corporations Division. P.O. Box 40234 for offline filing. You must search the Washington SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $20 must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Existence. The amount might be more depending on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might have to pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Existence’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Existence in Washington.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Existence

Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the Washington SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Washington, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Existence.

What Information do You Have in the Washington Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence consists of very pivotal information related to your business. The following is the information your Certificate of Existence will have-

The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
The current name and address of the business entity
Whether the business entity exists today
Name and address of the Registered Agent
The State where the document is issued
A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements.
A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.

Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Existence

Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in Washington is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Existence. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Existence because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence in Washington is a character certificate of any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons,

To get business loans and advances or investors
To get business bank accounts
To purchase insurance for business coverage
To renew licenses & permits
To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC.
To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another.
To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.
If your LLC is dissolved for any administrative reasons and you want to restore it, you must obtain the Certificate of Existence for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Washington Certificate of Existence is needed.

FAQs

What is a Washington Certificate of Existence?

A Washington Certificate of Existence is a document that verifies the existence of a business entity in the state of Washington.

How do I obtain a Washington Certificate of Existence?

You can obtain a Washington Certificate of Existence by submitting a request online through the Washington Secretary of State’s website.

Do I need a Certificate of Existence to conduct business in Washington?

While not required, a Washington Certificate of Existence may be requested by banks, vendors, or other organizations as proof that your business is in good standing.

How much does a Washington Certificate of Existence cost?

The cost of a Washington Certificate of Existence varies, but generally ranges between $10 to $20.

How long does it take to receive a Washington Certificate of Existence?

It typically takes 1-2 business days to process and receive a Washington Certificate of Existence if submitted online.

Can I expedite the processing of a Washington Certificate of Existence?

Yes, you can expedite the processing of a Washington Certificate of Existence for an additional fee.

What information is included on a Washington Certificate of Existence?

A Washington Certificate of Existence typically includes the business’s name, registration number, current status, and date of issuance.

Is a Washington Certificate of Existence the same as a Certificate of Status?

Yes, a Washington Certificate of Existence is also commonly referred to as a Certificate of Status.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for any business entity?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence for any business entity that is registered with the Washington Secretary of State.

How long is a Washington Certificate of Existence valid for?

A Washington Certificate of Existence is typically valid for 30 to 90 days from the date of issuance.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a foreign business entity?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a foreign business entity that is registered to do business in Washington.

What should I do if there is an error on my Washington Certificate of Existence?

If there is an error on your Washington Certificate of Existence, you should contact the Washington Secretary of State’s office to request a correction.

Can I request multiple copies of a Washington Certificate of Existence?

Yes, you can request multiple copies of a Washington Certificate of Existence for an additional fee.

What is the turnaround time for a Washington Certificate of Existence requested by mail?

The turnaround time for a Washington Certificate of Existence requested by mail is typically 5-7 business days.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence in person?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence in person at the Washington Secretary of State’s office.

Can I verify the authenticity of a Washington Certificate of Existence online?

Yes, you can verify the authenticity of a Washington Certificate of Existence online through the Washington Secretary of State’s website.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a non-profit organization?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a non-profit organization that is registered with the Washington Secretary of State.

Is a Washington Certificate of Existence required for legal or financial transactions?

A Washington Certificate of Existence may be required for certain legal or financial transactions, such as applying for a loan or opening a bank account.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence on behalf of someone else with their authorization.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a dissolved business entity?

No, you cannot request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a dissolved business entity as it is no longer in existence.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a suspended business entity?

No, you cannot request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a suspended business entity as it is not in good standing.

What is the difference between a Washington Certificate of Existence and a Washington Business License?

A Washington Certificate of Existence verifies the existence of a business entity, while a Washington Business License grants permission to the business to operate in the state.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a sole proprietorship?

A Washington Certificate of Existence is typically not required for a sole proprietorship, but can be requested if needed for business purposes.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a partnership?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a partnership that is registered with the Washington Secretary of State.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a limited liability company (LLC)?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence for an LLC that is registered with the Washington Secretary of State.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a corporation?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a corporation that is registered with the Washington Secretary of State.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a limited partnership (LP)?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence for an LP that is registered with the Washington Secretary of State.

Can I request a Washington Certificate of Existence for a limited liability partnership (LLP)?

Yes, you can request a Washington Certificate of Existence for an LLP that is registered with the Washington Secretary of State.

What should I do if my Washington Certificate of Existence is lost or damaged?

If your Washington Certificate of Existence is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement copy by contacting the Washington Secretary of State’s office.

How can I obtain a Washington Certificate of Existence?

You can obtain a Washington Certificate of Existence by submitting a request to the Secretary of State’s office.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Existence is a vital document for any business entity in Washington, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Existence is necessary.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Washington, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Existence is one of them. In some cases, if the business gets shut down or dissolved due to administrative reasons, this document helps the owners retrieve their business in the future. In this article, we shared DIY ways to get the document, but you can always hire a professional to get that for you.