How to Get Indiana Certificate of Existence

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Indiana? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Existence. This certificate is an official document issued by the state authorities to confirm that your business is compliant with state regulations and requirements. The Certificate of Existence is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the Indiana LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Existence must be obtained.

We will share the in and out of Indiana Certificate of Existence in this article. We’ll also discuss the various scenarios when you might need this certificate and provide helpful tips to ensure your business remains in good standing with the Indiana authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Indiana Certificate of Existence till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

What is Certificate of Existence in Indiana
- What Information You Have in Indiana Certificate of Existence
- Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Existence
How to Obtain Indiana Certificate of Existence
Why Do You Need a Certificate of Existence
FAQs

What is Certificate of Existence in Indiana

The Certificate of Existence is a document that every business in Indiana requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Indiana. 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, your Certificate of Existence will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities.

What Information You Have in Indiana Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence consists of very pivotal information related to your business. 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 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 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 Indiana 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.

How to Obtain Indiana Certificate of Existence

The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Existence, you must fill out the form and send it to the Indiana 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

The first thing you need to do is get the form. The form is available on the state SOS website. You can download the form and mail it or submit it online. The following points are required to mention in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the detail 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 to 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 Indiana 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 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 to get more copies of the certificate 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 Indiana Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation, amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional and you can avoid this. With every copy you request, you must pay a stipulated fee.

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 Business Services Division, 302 West Washington Street, Room E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Indiana SOS official website and search for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Existence. The amount depends on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might 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 Indiana.

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 Indiana SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Indiana, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Existence.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence in Indiana 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.

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

FAQs

What is a Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

A Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Indiana Secretary of State that verifies that a business entity exists and is authorized to transact business in Indiana.

How do I obtain a Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

To obtain a Certificate of Existence, you must file a Certificate of Existence form with the Indiana Secretary of State.

Is there a fee to obtain a Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

Yes, there is a $5 fee to obtain a Certificate of Existence in Indiana.

How long does it take to process a Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

It typically takes 3-5 business days for the Indiana Secretary of State to process a Certificate of Existence.

What information do I need to provide in order to obtain a Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

You will need to provide the name of the entity, its ID number, the type of entity (corporation, LLC, etc.), and the name and address of the person who is requesting the Certificate of Existence.

How long is a Certificate of Existence valid for in Indiana?

A Certificate of Existence issued by the Indiana Secretary of State is valid for one year.

Where do I submit my Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

The Certificate of Existence form should be submitted to the Indiana Secretary of State at 302 W. Washington St., Room E-018, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

How can I verify that my Certificate of Existence in Indiana has been processed?

You can verify that your Certificate of Existence has been processed by visiting the Indiana Secretary of State’s website and entering the entity’s name.

Can I get a copy of my Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

Yes, you can request a copy of your Certificate of Existence from the Indiana Secretary of State.

Do I need to obtain a Certificate of Existence in Indiana if my business is located out of state?

Yes, if your business is transacting business in Indiana, you must obtain a Certificate of Existence in Indiana.

What happens if I do not have a Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

If you do not have a Certificate of Existence in Indiana and are transacting business in the state, you may be subject to penalties or other legal action.

Is there a way to expedite the processing of a Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

Yes, you can request expedited processing of a Certificate of Existence from the Indiana Secretary of State for an additional fee.

Can I get a Certificate of Existence in Indiana online?

Yes, you can file for a Certificate of Existence online through the Indiana Secretary of State website.

What should I do if I need to make changes to my Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

You should contact the Indiana Secretary of State to make any changes to your Certificate of Existence.

Is a Certificate of Existence the same as a Certificate of Good Standing in Indiana?

No, a Certificate of Existence is different from a Certificate of Good Standing. A Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Indiana Secretary of State that verifies that a business entity exists and is authorized to transact business in Indiana. A Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Indiana Secretary of State that verifies that a business entity is in compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations.

What is the difference between a Certificate of Existence and an Annual Report in Indiana?

A Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Indiana Secretary of State that verifies that a business entity exists and is authorized to transact business in Indiana. An Annual Report is a document that must be filed with the Indiana Secretary of State each year to provide updated information about the business entity and its officers and directors.

Do I need to file an Annual Report in Indiana if I already have a Certificate of Existence?

Yes, you must file an Annual Report each year to provide updated information about the business entity and its officers and directors.

How can I contact the Indiana Secretary of State if I have questions about obtaining a Certificate of Existence?

You can contact the Indiana Secretary of State by phone at 317-232-6576 or by email at [email protected].

Can I obtain a Certificate of Existence for a foreign entity in Indiana?

Yes, you can obtain a Certificate of Existence for a foreign entity in Indiana.

Is there a way to renew my Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

Yes, you can renew your Certificate of Existence by filing a new Certificate of Existence form with the Indiana Secretary of State.

How can I check the status of my Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

You can check the status of your Certificate of Existence by visiting the Indiana Secretary of State’s website and entering the entity’s name.

Is there a way to obtain a copy of my filed Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

Yes, you can request a copy of your filed Certificate of Existence from the Indiana Secretary of State.

Can I file my Certificate of Existence in Indiana electronically?

Yes, you can file your Certificate of Existence electronically through the Indiana Secretary of State website.

What is the difference between a Certificate of Existence and a Certificate of Authority in Indiana?

A Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Indiana Secretary of State that verifies that a business entity exists and is authorized to transact business in Indiana. A Certificate of Authority is a document issued by the Indiana Secretary of State that authorizes a foreign entity to transact business in the state.

Is there a way to search for a business entity’s Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

Yes, you can search for a business entity’s Certificate of Existence by visiting the Indiana Secretary of State’s website and entering the entity’s name.

What forms of payment does the Indiana Secretary of State accept for obtaining a Certificate of Existence?

The Indiana Secretary of State accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards as forms of payment for obtaining a Certificate of Existence.

Do I need to obtain a Certificate of Existence in Indiana if I am forming a sole proprietorship?

No, you do not need to obtain a Certificate of Existence in Indiana if you are forming a sole proprietorship.

How often must I obtain a new Certificate of Existence in Indiana?

You must obtain a new Certificate of Existence in Indiana every year.

How do I get an Indiana Certificate of Existence?

The Indiana Secretary of State’s office can provide a Certificate of Existence for any legally existing Indiana business entity. To obtain the document, a request must be submitted either online, by mail, or in person.

What information is needed to obtain an Indiana Certificate of Existence?

To obtain the document, you will need to provide your business entity name, its address, and the entity’s filing number.

How long does it take to get an Indiana Certificate of Existence?

Typically, the Certificate of Existence can be provided within one business day.

What is an Indiana Certificate of Existence used for?

The Indiana Certificate of Existence is used to prove that a business entity is in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office.

Is there a fee for the Indiana Certificate of Existence?

Yes, there is a filing fee of $30 to obtain the certificate.

How long is an Indiana Certificate of Existence valid?

The certificate is valid for one year.

Why Indiana Certificate of Existence is So Important

The Indiana Certificate of Existence, often referred to as a Certificate of Good Standing, is a document issued by the Indiana Secretary of State that confirms a business’s compliance with state regulations. This document is not only a proof of a business’s legal standing, but also serves as a valuable tool for demonstrating credibility and reliability to clients, vendors, and other parties with whom the business may interact.

One of the primary reasons why the Indiana Certificate of Existence is so important is that it provides assurance to external stakeholders that a business is operating within the bounds of the law. By maintaining an active Certificate of Existence, businesses can showcase their commitment to compliance with state regulations, which in turn can help build trust and legitimacy in the eyes of potential partners and customers.

Moreover, the Indiana Certificate of Existence is often required when businesses engage in certain transactions, such as entering into contracts, obtaining financing, or participating in mergers or acquisitions. Without a valid Certificate of Existence, businesses may encounter difficulties in completing these transactions, as parties involved may be hesitant to proceed without proper documentation of the business’s legal status.

Furthermore, the Certificate of Existence serves as a valuable record for businesses themselves, enabling them to track their compliance with state regulations over time. By regularly obtaining updated Certificates of Existence, businesses can ensure that they are meeting all necessary requirements and avoid potential penalties or sanctions for non-compliance.

In addition, the Indiana Certificate of Existence can also be a critical tool for businesses seeking to expand their operations beyond the state. When businesses apply to conduct business in other states, they may be required to provide a Certificate of Existence from their home state as part of the application process. Having a valid Certificate of Existence on hand can streamline the process of expanding into new markets and help businesses establish a strong foundation for growth and success.

Overall, the Indiana Certificate of Existence plays a critical role in the operations of businesses in the state, serving as a vital proof of a business’s legal standing and compliance with state regulations. By maintaining an active Certificate of Existence, businesses can enhance their credibility, facilitate important transactions, and gain access to new opportunities for growth and expansion. In the competitive world of business, having a valid Certificate of Existence is not just a nicety – it is a necessity for success.

Conclusion

The Certificate of Existence is a vital document for any business entity in Indiana, 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.