What is a Nevada certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Nevada Secretary of State before doing business in Nevada. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Nevada 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 a Nevada certificate of authority?
To obtain your Nevada 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: | Nevada Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | Depends on total number of authorized shares. $75 for $75,000 or less, $175 for not more than $200,000, $275 for not more than $500,000, $375 for not more than $1 million, and $375 plus $275 for each $500,000 over $1 million. In addition, the initial list fee of $150 and the $200 business license fee must be submitted. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of articles of incorporation, and certified copies of all amendments, all dated within 90 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Nevada Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings Division |
| Form: | Foreign (Non-Nevada) Limited-Liability Company Application for Registration |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $75 + $150 initial list fee + $200 business license fee. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Nevada Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $50 + $50 initial list fee. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Nevada Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $75 minimum + $150 initial list fee + $200 business license fee. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copy of articles of incorporation, and certified copies of all amendments, all dated within 90 days. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Nevada Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $75 + $150 initial list fee + $200 business license fee. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Nevada Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $75 + $150 initial list fee + $200 business license fee. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Nevada Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings Division |
| Form: | Certificate of Registration of Limited-Liability Limited Partnership |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $100 + $150 initial list fee + $200 business license fee. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain a Nevada Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Corporation: Certified copy of articles of incorporation, and certified copies of all amendments, all dated within 90 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certified copy of articles of incorporation, and certified copies of all amendments, all dated within 90 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 Nevada 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?
Nevada Secretary of State - Commercial Recordings DivisionPhysical Address:
401 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Mailing Address:
401 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (775) 684-5708
Website: https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/home
Name Search: https://esos.nv.gov/EntitySearch/OnlineEntitySearch/
Forms: https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses/commercial-recordings/forms-fees/all-business-forms
Online Filing: https://www.nvsilverflume.gov/home
Email: sosfilings@sos.nv.gov
