Obtaining Your State Charity Registration Number

Charitable registration is a crucial step for nonprofits that solicit donations across the U.S., but the requirements vary significantly from state to state. For instance, while some states exempt certain types of organizations, such as religious or educational institutions, others provide automatic extensions for renewal filings, simplifying the compliance process.

One consistent element across many states, however, is the state charity registration number—a unique identifier for nonprofits, helping regulatory agencies track compliance and ensuring transparency for donors.

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of a state charity registration number and the general process of obtaining it. We’ll also explore how Harbor Compliance can be a great ally in registering your charitable organization across the U.S. and maintaining compliance with the issuing agency.

What Is a State Charity Registration Number?

The state charity registration number is a distinct alphanumeric identifier assigned to organizations by the state’s attorney general’s office or a similar agency. Charitable organizations that solicit contributions from residents in a state are often required to register and obtain this number, depending on the state’s requirements.

Potential donors can use the registration number to search the registry’s database to confirm whether a charitable organization or fundraiser has met the attorney general’s registration and reporting requirements. Meanwhile, charitable organizations can ensure their organization’s registration and reporting are up-to-date and in compliance with the state.

How To Obtain a State Charity Registration Number

To obtain a state charity registration number, you must register your charitable organization with the issuing agency.

Not all states require charities to register or issue a specific registration number. However, in states like California, it’s mandatory to register a charitable organization with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts within 30 days of first receiving assets. The registration requirements generally apply to:

• Charitable corporations
• Unincorporated associations
• Trustees
• Individuals managing assets

The initial registration process generally consists of similar steps, regardless of the state, so we’ll use the California charitable registration process as an example. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download and fill out the CT-1 form.
2. Attach founding documents, including:
   1. Endorsed articles of incorporation, any amendments, and the current bylaws
   2. Bylaws, constitution, and/or articles of association
   3. The trust instrument or will, along with the decree of final distribution
   4. A statement outlining your operations and the charitable purpose
3. Provide the IRS determination letter if you’ve received it. If the letter has not been received yet, submit the entity’s Employer Identification Number (EIN), which can be requested from the IRS.
4. Provide a copy of an Application for Recognition of Exemption (IRS Form 1023, 1023-EZ, or 1024), if applicable.
5. Provide fundraising professional contact information and registration numbers (if applicable).
6. Pay the $50 registration fee, payable to the Department of Justice.

Note: Foreign qualification is also required for out-of-state entities.

The processing time is around 90 days from the date the attorney general receives the application. If the submission is incomplete, you’ll receive a Notice to Register outlining the additional information required to get your initial registration approved.

You can also check the status of their registration by using the Registry Search Tool on the attorney general’s website.

After your initial registration gets approved, you’ll receive a California state charity registration number (CT#), which you can use to file the Registration Renewal Fee Report (RRF-1) annually.

Why You Should Outsource Charitable Registration to Professional Service Provider

Registering your charitable organization involves a number of complex tasks—from obtaining the required documentation to staying on top of your state’s regulations. Managing this entire process single-handedly can be overwhelming and take up a lot of your resources and staff time.

Additionally, application errors can result in delays, which can also incur hefty costs. To steer clear of this, you can seek professional guidance and save yourself from the associated risks of maintaining charitable compliance.

A trusted compliance partner like Harbor Compliance can support you during and after the charitable registration process so you can focus on your mission and scaling your efforts.

Harbor Compliance — Your Reliable Partner in Handling Charitable Registration

Harbor Compliance’s Charitable Registration Service helps you fundraise confidently in your state through letters, phone calls, emails, social media, and grant applications.

With the acquisition of Labyrinth Inc., the nation’s largest provider of charitable registration services, Harbor Compliance has further established itself as a leader in the industry. Today, we handle more than 60% of registrations for organizations in 38 states, delivering exceptional guidance and support.

When you choose our services, a dedicated registration specialist will manage all your filings, with the option to appoint a Power of Attorney to sign applications on your behalf.

In addition, we offer a range of tailored services designed to support charitable registration, including:

• Registered Agent Service—Appoint us as your registered agent, and let us handle all legal communications and ensure secure, timely delivery.
• Foreign Qualification Service—Expanding into a new state? We’ll manage the entire foreign qualification process, from obtaining certificates of good standing to securing necessary approvals.
• Tax Exemption Assistance—Our experts help your nonprofit obtain state tax exemptions, saving valuable resources and reducing administrative burdens.

How To Order Our Charitable Registration Service

The process of ordering our assistance couldn’t be any easier. Here’s all you need to do:

1. Visit the Charitable Registration Service page.
2. Enter the details about your organization, including contact information, legal company name, and business structure.
3. Submit the form.

You can also download our white papers for free to explore charitable solicitation laws and get tips on managing the complexities of charitable registration.

Other Services by Harbor Compliance

In addition to the Charitable Registration Service, we offer a comprehensive suite of solutions to help you maintain a good standing with your state, as outlined in the table below:

Category	Services
Licensing support	Construction Engineering and architecture
Document filing and retrieval	Drop-off filing Articles of reinstatement Certificate of good standing Certificate of Authority Certified copies
Entity lifecycle management	Name reservation DBA registration Amendments Initial and annual reports
Nonprofit formation	Incorporation 501(c) tax exemption
Tax services	Payroll tax registration Sales and use tax registration Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Harbor Compliance—Expert Support for Stress-Free Charity Registration

Charitable registration requires careful management of strict deadlines, dedicated time to understand state-specific requirements, and effective allocation of financial resources. The complexity increases with ongoing renewals, varying fees, and diverse regulations across states.

Order our Charitable Registration Service to simplify this process, enabling you to focus on your mission while confidently soliciting donations in your state. From initial registrations to renewals and state tax exemptions, we provide expert guidance, customized solutions, and efficient systems to handle it all seamlessly.

Interested in partnering with us? Connect with our team to learn more about our services, or schedule a demo to discover how our Compliance Software Suite can enhance your operations. You can also try our free Harbor Compliance Score™ tool to assess your organization’s current regulatory standing.

Want to learn about the charitable registration requirements and processes throughout the U.S.? Visit our Information Center or explore the table below for detailed, state-specific guides: