How to Get Washington Certificate of Existence


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Get Washington Certificate of Existence

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Washington? 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Washington Certificate of Existence till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is 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, 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, 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 Washington 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 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.

How to Obtain Washington 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 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

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 Washington 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 Washington 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, Corporations Division. P.O. Box 40234 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Washington 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 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.

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.

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 provided by the Washington Secretary of State that confirms a business entity is in good standing with the state of Washington.
What is the purpose of a Washington Certificate of Existence?
A Washington Certificate of Existence is used to confirm that a business is legally registered with the state of Washington and is in good standing. It is often required for transactions involving out of state entities, such as when selling or transferring assets or when setting up a bank account.
Where can I get a Washington Certificate of Existence?
The Washington Secretary of State provides Washington Certificates of Existence. You can get one by visiting their website or by visiting the office in Olympia, Washington.
How much does a Washington Certificate of Existence cost?
The cost of a Washington Certificate of Existence is $20.
How long does it take to get a Washington Certificate of Existence?
The Washington Certificate of Existence is typically issued within 24 hours of the request being submitted.
How do I apply for a Washington Certificate of Existence?
You can apply for a Washington Certificate of Existence online at the Washington Secretary of State website or by mail.
What information is needed to apply for a Washington Certificate of Existence?
To apply for a Washington Certificate of Existence, you need to provide the business name, business entity type, the date of formation, the business address, and the name of the registered agent.
What type of business entities can get a Washington Certificate of Existence?
All business entities registered in the state of Washington, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and non-profits, can get a Washington Certificate of Existence.
Is a Washington Certificate of Existence the same as a Good Standing Certificate?
Yes, a Washington Certificate of Existence is the same as a Good Standing Certificate.
Can I get a Washington Certificate of Existence for a business that is no longer active?
No, a Washington Certificate of Existence is only issued for businesses that are currently active and in good standing with the state of Washington.
Is a Washington Certificate of Existence the same as an Apostille?
No, a Washington Certificate of Existence is not the same as an Apostille. An Apostille is a document that is issued by the Washington Secretary of State that certifies the authenticity of a document for international use.
How long is a Washington Certificate of Existence valid?
A Washington Certificate of Existence is valid until the business entity is dissolved or revoked by the state of Washington.
What is an Annual Report and how does it relate to a Washington Certificate of Existence?
An Annual Report is a document that must be filed with the Washington Secretary of State each year by business entities registered in the state of Washington. An Annual Report is required for the business to maintain good standing and is one of the factors considered when issuing a Washington Certificate of Existence.
How do I know if my business needs to file an Annual Report?
Most business entities registered in the state of Washington must file an Annual Report each year. You can check with the Washington Secretary of State website to see if your business is required to file an Annual Report.
Can I get a Washington Certificate of Existence for an out-of-state business?
No, a Washington Certificate of Existence can only be issued for businesses registered in the state of Washington.
Can I get a Washington Certificate of Existence for a foreign business entity?
No, a Washington Certificate of Existence can only be issued for businesses registered in the state of Washington.
Can I apply for a Washington Certificate of Existence by phone?
No, you must apply for a Washington Certificate of Existence online or by mail.
How do I change the information listed on my Washington Certificate of Existence?
To change the information listed on your Washington Certificate of Existence, you must submit an amendment to the Washington Secretary of State.
How do I know that my Washington Certificate of Existence has been issued?
You will receive an email notification when your Washington Certificate of Existence has been issued.
Can I get a certified copy of my Washington Certificate of Existence?
Yes, you can request a certified copy of your Washington Certificate of Existence for an additional fee.
Can I get an electronic copy of my Washington Certificate of Existence?
Yes, you can request an electronic copy of your Washington Certificate of Existence for an additional fee.
How can I check the status of my Washington Certificate of Existence?
You can check the status of your Washington Certificate of Existence by visiting the Washington Secretary of State website.
How do I renew my Washington Certificate of Existence?
To renew your Washington Certificate of Existence, you must file an Annual Report with the Washington Secretary of State.
Can I get a refund if I don’t need my Washington Certificate of Existence?
No, all fees paid for a Washington Certificate of Existence are non-refundable.
Is a Washington Certificate of Existence the same as a Federal Tax ID?
No, a Washington Certificate of Existence is not the same as a Federal Tax ID. A Federal Tax ID is issued by the IRS and is used for tax purposes.
Is a Washington Certificate of Existence the same as a Business License?
No, a Washington Certificate of Existence is not the same as a Business License. A Business License is issued by the local government and is required to engage in certain types of business activities.
Are Washington Certificates of Existence required to do business in the state of Washington?
No, a Washington Certificate of Existence is not required to do business in the state of Washington.
Do I need a Washington Certificate of Existence to open a bank account?
Yes, many banks require a Washington Certificate of Existence in order to open a business bank account.
How do I obtain a Washington Certificate of Existence?
You can file the Certificate of Existence with the Washington Secretary of State online or by mail.
Is a Washington Certificate of Existence the same as a Certificate of Good Standing?
No, a Washington Certificate of Existence is not the same as a Certificate of Good Standing. A Certificate of Existence is a document that provides evidence that a business entity is legally in existence in the state of Washington.
When should I get a Certificate of Existence for my business in Washington?
Generally, you should receive a Certificate of Existence when you are forming a business, changing the structure of a business, or renewing the business’s registration with the state of Washington.
What information is required when filing a Washington Certificate of Existence?
The information required when filing a Washington Certificate of Existence includes the business name, filing number, entity type, registered agent’s name and address, and signature of the authorized individual.

Also Read

Why Washington Certificate of Existence is So Important

At first glance, the Washington Certificate of Existence may seem like just another piece of paper to file away in a drawer and forget about. However, this document plays a crucial role in proving the legitimacy and good standing of a business entity in the state of Washington. Without it, business owners may face serious consequences including fines, penalties, and even legal action.

One of the main reasons why the Washington Certificate of Existence is so important is that it serves as proof of a business’s legal existence. This document verifies that a business entity has completed all the necessary steps to register and operate in the state of Washington. It also confirms that the business is in good standing with the state authorities, which is crucial for establishing credibility with customers, suppliers, and financial institutions.

But the importance of the Washington Certificate of Existence goes beyond just establishing legitimacy. This document is also required for a variety of business transactions such as opening a business bank account, applying for business loans, entering into contracts, and even selling or transferring ownership of the business. Without a valid Certificate of Existence, these important transactions may be delayed or even denied, ultimately hindering the growth and success of the business.

In addition to proving legal existence, the Washington Certificate of Existence also provides valuable information about the business entity. This document typically includes key details such as the business name, registration number, date of formation, and current status. Having this information readily available can save valuable time and effort when conducting business transactions or responding to inquiries from stakeholders.

Moreover, maintaining a valid Certificate of Existence demonstrates a commitment to compliance and good governance. By staying on top of these annual filings, businesses can avoid potential penalties and legal consequences for failing to meet their obligations. It also shows that the business is operating in a transparent and responsible manner, which can enhance its reputation and credibility in the eyes of customers, investors, and regulators.

In conclusion, the Washington Certificate of Existence is a vital document that business owners should not overlook or underestimate. By obtaining and maintaining this document, businesses can establish their legitimacy, facilitate important transactions, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and good governance. Therefore, it is crucial for business owners to prioritize this often-overlooked aspect of running a business in order to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

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.

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