Certificates of Existence or Certificates of Authorization

The Secretary of State can issue certificates of existence (domestic entities) or certificates of authorization (foreign entities) on companies which are registered, active and have filed annual reports.

A certificate of existence/authorization, commonly referred to as a certificate of "good standing," does not imply that the company has met all its obligations to the state, such as payments for Unemployment Compensation or Workers' Compensation, the State Tax Department, or that it is financially sound. Certificates cannot be issued for a company solely under a trade name (dba).

Online

Use the Order Certificate of Existence/Authorization application.

Payment Options: Credit Card

By Phone:

Call the West Virginia Secretary of State's Business and Licensing Division.
(304) 558-8000.

Payment Options: Credit Card

By Mail

Mail the completed Customer Order Request form to:

Payment Options: Check, Credit Card, Money Order

In Person

Bring the completed Customer Order Request form to:

Payment Options: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order

By Email

Email the completed Customer Order Request form to: corpfilings@wvsos.gov for Standard Processing or eFilings@wvsos.gov for expedite service.

Payment Options: Credit Card

By Fax

Fax the completed Customer Order Request form to (304) 558-8381

Payment Options: Credit Card