How to Get Certificate of Legal Existence in Connecticut (2025)

Get Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence

The Certificate of Legal Existence is a significant document that LLC owners require if they want to expand their business out of Connecticut. The Connecticut 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 Connecticut while residing in a different state, you submit the certificate of authority to the Connecticut SOS. Similarly, an LLC formed in Connecticut (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 Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence.

What is a Certificate of Legal Existence in Connecticut

The Certificate of Legal Existence is a document that every business in Connecticut requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation in Connecticut, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Connecticut. 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 Legal 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 Connecticut after dissolution, you must obtain this document.

How to Obtain a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence

The Connecticut Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Legal Existence, you must fill out the form and send it to the Connecticut 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 obtain the Certificate of Legal Existence (Good Standing), one has to log in to the Connecticut Secretary of State. Once you log in, you can go to the “Certificate of Legal Existence” page to obtain the good-standing document. You can also verify it by clicking the “Verify” option. In case of any discrepancy, you can submit a Ticket Request to raise a query.

Request Certificate of Good Standing:

Online application: Request Certificate of Good Standing
Offline application: No offline form is available
Fees: $50 (or $100 for expedited filing)

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 Connecticut SOS. If you request the document in person, you can take the return 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 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 Connecticut Certificate of Organization for LLCs, Certificate of Incorporation for corporations, LLC amendments, corporation amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. 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 Business Service Division, Connecticut Secretary of the State, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115, for offline filing. You must search the Connecticut SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $50 (or $100 for expedited filing) must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Legal 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 Legal 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 Legal Existence in Connecticut.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Legal 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 Connecticut SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Connecticut, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Legal Existence.

What Information Do You Have in a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence

The Certificate of Legal Existence consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Legal 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 Resident 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 Legal 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 Connecticut is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Legal Existence. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Legal Existence because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Legal Existence

The Certificate of Legal Existence in Connecticut is a character certificate for 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 Legal Existence for reinstatement.

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

FAQs

What is a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

A Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence is a document issued by the state confirming that a business entity is registered and in good standing in the state of Connecticut.

How can I obtain a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

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

Why do I need a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

A Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence may be required for various business activities such as entering into contracts, obtaining financing, or applying for permits.

Can I request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence online?

Yes, you can request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence online through the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website.

Is there a fee for obtaining a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

Yes, there is usually a fee associated with obtaining a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence.

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

The processing time for a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence varies, but you can typically expect to receive it within a few business days.

Can I expedite the processing of my Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

Yes, you may be able to expedite the processing of your Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for an additional fee.

What information is included on a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

A Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence typically includes the name of the business entity, the date of formation, and its current status.

How long is a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence valid for?

A Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence is typically valid for a specific period of time, such as one year.

Can I use a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for business transactions outside of Connecticut?

Yes, a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence can be used for business transactions outside of Connecticut to demonstrate your good standing in the state.

Do I need a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence to apply for a business license?

Some states or municipalities may require a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence as part of the business licensing process.

Can I request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for a nonprofit organization?

Yes, nonprofit organizations are also eligible to request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence.

What is the turnaround time for receiving a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence by mail?

Typically, it takes 7-10 business days to receive a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence by mail.

Can I order multiple copies of the Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

Yes, you can request multiple copies of the Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for an additional fee.

Do I need a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence to open a business bank account?

Some financial institutions may require a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence as part of the account opening process.

Can I request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for a foreign business entity operating in Connecticut?

Yes, foreign business entities operating in Connecticut can also request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence.

Can I request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for a sole proprietorship?

Connecticut does not require sole proprietors to obtain a Certificate of Legal Existence, as they are not considered separate legal entities.

What is the difference between a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence and a Certificate of Good Standing?

A Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence confirms a business entity’s registration, while a Certificate of Good Standing confirms that the entity is in compliance with all state requirements.

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

No, a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence is only available for business entities that are currently active and in good standing.

What is the easiest way to request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

The easiest way to request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence is through the Connecticut Secretary of State’s online portal.

If I request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence in person, where do I go?

You can request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence in person at the Connecticut Secretary of State’s office in Hartford.

Can I email my request for a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

No, requests for a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence must be submitted either online, by mail, or in person.

If I am a new business entity, when should I request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

New business entities should request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence as soon as they are registered with the state.

Can an attorney request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence on behalf of a client?

Yes, attorneys or other authorized representatives can request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence on behalf of a client.

What happens if my request for a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence is denied?

If your request for a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence is denied, you will typically receive a notification explaining the reason for the denial.

Can I request a rush delivery for my Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

Yes, you may be able to request rush delivery for your Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for an additional fee.

Can I request a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for a trade name or fictitious name?

No, a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence is only available for business entities registered with the state.

Do I need a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence to apply for tax-exempt status?

Some organizations may be required to submit a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence as part of the application process for tax-exempt status.

Can I request a correction to my Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence if there is an error?

Yes, you can request a correction to your Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence by submitting a written request to the Connecticut Secretary of State.

Who needs to obtain a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?

Any business entity operating or planning to operate in Connecticut may need to obtain a Certificate of Legal Existence.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Legal Existence is a vital document for any business entity in Connecticut, 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 Legal Existence is necessary.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Connecticut, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Legal 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.