What is a New Jersey certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue before doing business in New Jersey.
Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a New Jersey 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 New Jersey certificate of authority?
To obtain your New Jersey 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: | New Jersey Department of the Treasury |
| Filing Method: | Online |
| Agency Fee: | $125 + $3.50 credit card service fee |
| Law: | NJ Rev Stat § 14A:13-3 |
| Notes: |
- The business registration process is the formation process for any business in New Jersey. Once the formation process is complete, businesses that are eligible to receive a Business Registration Certificate can download a copy within two days of approval or one will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
- A Business Registration Certificate is used for public contracting and applying for grants/tax credits. Not all businesses are issued a Business Registration Certificate after they complete the formation process. This does not mean that they are not qualified to do business in New Jersey.
|
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | New Jersey Department of the Treasury |
| Filing Method: | Online |
| Agency Fee: | $125 + $3.50 credit card service fee |
| Law: | NJ Rev Stat § 42:2C-58 |
| Notes: |
- The business registration process is the formation process for any business in New Jersey. Once the formation process is complete, businesses that are eligible to receive a Business Registration Certificate can download a copy within two days of approval or one will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
- A Business Registration Certificate is used for public contracting and applying for grants/tax credits. Not all businesses are issued a Business Registration Certificate after they complete the formation process. This does not mean that they are not qualified to do business in New Jersey.
|
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | New Jersey Department of the Treasury |
| Filing Method: | Online |
| Agency Fee: | $125 + $3.50 credit card service fee |
| Law: | NJ Rev Stat § 15A:13-3 |
| Notes: |
- The business registration process is the formation process for any business in New Jersey. Once the formation process is complete, businesses that are eligible to receive a Business Registration Certificate can download a copy within two days of approval or one will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
- A Business Registration Certificate is used for public contracting and applying for grants/tax credits. Not all businesses are issued a Business Registration Certificate after they complete the formation process. This does not mean that they are not qualified to do business in New Jersey.
|
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | New Jersey Department of the Treasury |
| Filing Method: | Online |
| Agency Fee: | $125 + $3.50 credit card service fee |
| Law: | NJ Rev Stat § 42:2A-57 |
| Notes: |
- The business registration process is the formation process for any business in New Jersey. Once the formation process is complete, businesses that are eligible to receive a Business Registration Certificate can download a copy within two days of approval or one will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
- A Business Registration Certificate is used for public contracting and applying for grants/tax credits. Not all businesses are issued a Business Registration Certificate after they complete the formation process. This does not mean that they are not qualified to do business in New Jersey.
|
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | New Jersey Department of the Treasury |
| Filing Method: | Online |
| Agency Fee: | $125 + $3.50 credit card service fee |
| Law: | NJ Rev Stat § 42:1A-51 |
| Notes: |
- The business registration process is the formation process for any business in New Jersey. Once the formation process is complete, businesses that are eligible to receive a Business Registration Certificate can download a copy within two days of approval or one will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
- A Business Registration Certificate is used for public contracting and applying for grants/tax credits. Not all businesses are issued a Business Registration Certificate after they complete the formation process. This does not mean that they are not qualified to do business in New Jersey.
|
| 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 New Jersey Certificate of Authority, you must also
submit:
- Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 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 New Jersey 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?
New Jersey Department of the TreasuryPhysical Address:
Corporate Filings Unit, 33 West State Street, 5th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608
Mailing Address:
Corporate Filing Unit, P.O. Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08646-0308
Phone: (609) 292-6748
Fax: (609) 984-6851
Website:
http://www.state.nj.us/treasuryName Search:
https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessNameSearch/Search/BusinessNameOnline Filing:
https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/index.shtml
