New Jersey Foreign Qualification Service

Order your foreign qualification online in order to obtain your certificate of authority to transact business in any state.

New Jersey Certificate of Authority

Expand your business into new states with confidence.

  • Expedite options are available to meet your deadlines
  • We complete your filings and ensure approval
  • $399 service fee includes registered agent
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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 Treasury

Physical 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/treasury
Name Search: https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessNameSearch/Search/BusinessName
Online Filing: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/index.shtml