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).
The Secretary of State issues certificates of existence (domestic entities) or certificates of authorization (foreign entities) for:
- Corporations
- Limited Liability Companies
- Limited Partnerships
- Limited Liability Partnerships
- Business Trusts
- Voluntary Associations
How to Order Certificates of Existence/Authorization
Use the Order Certificate of Existence/Authorization application.
Payment: Credit Card
Call the West Virginia Secretary of State's Business and Licensing Division at (304) 558-8000.
Payment: Credit Card
Mail the completed Customer Order Request form to:
West Virginia Secretary of State
One Stop Business Center
Attn: Business Division
13 Kanawha Blvd. W., Suite 201
Charleston, WV 25302
Bring the completed Customer Order Request form to:
West Virginia Secretary of State
One Stop Business Center
1615 Washington Street East
Charleston, WV 25311
Payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order
Fax the completed Customer Order Request form to (304) 558-8381.
Payment: Credit Card
Fees
Payment must be received before certificates will be issued.
Standard Processing (5–10 business days)
$10.00
Expedite Service (in addition to standard fee)
24-Hour — $25.00
2-Hour — $250.00
1-Hour — $500.00
