What is an Arizona certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Arizona Corporations Commission before doing business in Arizona. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for an Arizona 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 an Arizona certificate of authority?
To obtain your Arizona 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: | Arizona Corporation Commission - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Authority to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Arizona |
| Instructions: | |
| Agency Fee: | $175 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments dated within 60 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Arizona Corporation Commission - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Authority to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Arizona |
| Instructions: | |
| Agency Fee: | $175 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments dated within 60 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Arizona Corporation Commission - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Authority to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Arizona |
| Instructions: | |
| Agency Fee: | $175 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments dated within 60 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Close Corporations:
| Agency: | Arizona Corporation Commission - Corporations Division |
| Form: | Application for Authority to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Arizona |
| Instructions: | |
| Agency Fee: | $175 |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments dated within 60 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days. |
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain an Arizona Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days.
- Limited Liability Company: Certified copy of the articles of organization and all amendments dated within 60 days.
- Corporation: Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments dated within 60 days.
- Corporation: Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments dated within 60 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments dated within 60 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days.
- Close Corporation: Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments dated within 60 days.
- Close Corporation: Certificate of existence or good standing dated within 60 days.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Arizona 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?
Arizona Corporation Commission - Corporations DivisionPhysical Address:
400 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
Mailing Address:
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-3026 or 1-800-345-5819 (in Arizona only)
Fax: (602) 542-4100 or (602) 542-8813
Website: https://www.azcc.gov/
Name Search: https://ecorp.azcc.gov/EntitySearch/Index
Forms: http://www.azcc.gov/Divisions/Corporations/forms/formsindex.asp
Online Filing: https://ecorp.azcc.gov/AzAccount?sessionExpired=False
Email: filings.corp@azcc.gov
