What is an Oklahoma certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State before doing business in Oklahoma. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for an Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma certificate of authority?
To obtain your Oklahoma 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: | Oklahoma Secretary of State - Business Filing Department |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | Depends on the total authorized capital. The fee is one-tenth of one percent of the total authorized capital with a minimum fee of $300. |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Oklahoma Secretary of State - Business Filing Department |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $300 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Oklahoma Secretary of State - Business Filing Department |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $300 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
For Foreign Professional LLCs:
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $300 |
| Law: | |
| Notes: | Foreign PLLCs must also submit a certificate from the relevant regulatory board with their application. |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Oklahoma Secretary of State - Business Filing Department |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $300 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Oklahoma Secretary of State - Business Filing Department |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| 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 an Oklahoma Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Limited Partnership: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Professional LLC: Certificate of 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 Oklahoma 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?
Oklahoma Secretary of State - Business Filing DepartmentPhysical Address:
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4897
Mailing Address:
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4897
Phone: (405) 521-3912
Fax: (405) 521-3771
Website: https://www.sos.ok.gov/business/default.aspx
Name Search: https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/corpInquiryFind.aspx
Forms: https://www.sos.ok.gov/business/forms.aspx
Online Filing: https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/filing.aspx
Email: webmaster@sos.ok.gov
