Under Georgia law, O.C.G.A. 14-2-401 (profit) and 14-3-401 (nonprofit), issuance of a name by the Secretary of State means merely that the name is distinguishable for filing purposes from the names of other entities on the records of the Corporations Division. You will note that subsection (e) provides that "this chapter does not control the use of fictitious or trade names" and that "issuance of a corporate name does not affect the commercial availability of the name.

O.C.G.A. 14-2-1502 (profit) and 14-3-1502 (non profit) list the "consequences of transacting business without authority." One possible sanction is that a corporation that should have obtained a certificate of authority, but does not, may not be able to file a lawsuit in the State of Georgia. A profit corporation that begins transacting business in Georgia and later decides it must file with the Corporations Division must pay $500 penalty.

No. An unincorporated nonprofit association may, but is not required to, file an appointment of an agent for service of process ( Form 706 Word 80kb , PDF 51kb ). In addition, the association may, but is not required to, file a statement of authorization as to real property with the county clerk. A foreign filing entity must file an Application for Registration if it “transacts business” in Texas.

No. Registration with the Secretary of State is not an endorsement by the State of Kansas, and it is unlawful for any charitable organization, professional fundraiser, or professional solicitor to represent that its registration with the state constitutes an endorsement. K.S.A. 17-1771.

We will stop issuing plastic driver license, driver permit, and identification cards over-the-counter. We will instead provide a paper interim driver license, driver permit, or identification card. The plastic or permanent card will be mailed from a separate, centralized location.

The Secretary of State is the state's chief elections official. He (or she) is responsible for certifying elections systems, gathering information from the state's 58 counties, and deals with statewide and legislative candidates among other duties. It is important to note that while the Secretary of State is responsible for state election responsibilities, each county has its own elections official either appointed by the Board of Supervisors or elected by the voters of the county.

Issuance is a reference document that implements, establishes, guides, describes or explains organizational responsibilities, authorities, policies, and/or procedures.

No. The bylaws of a corporation are documents kept by the corporation at its principal office. No statute permits the filing of bylaws with the Secretary of State; therefore, the Secretary of State cannot accept them for filing.

Yes. Although a nonprofit corporation is not required to notify the Secretary of State of changes to officer/director information, a nonprofit corporation can file a Periodic Report even if the Secretary of State has not asked for one; however, filing a voluntary report does not affect your duty to timely-file a report when the Secretary of State asks you to.

No. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 10-1-490 trade names are registered with the Clerk of Superior Court of the county where the business is principally located. A trade name is also known as a "DBA" or "fictitious name."

Sometimes. A corporation incorporated in another state, a "foreign" corporation under Georgia law, should review the provisions of O.C.G.A. 14-2-1501 (profit) or O.C.G.A. 14-3-1501 (nonprofit). These laws provide that a "foreign corporation may not transact business in this state until it obtains a certificate of authority from the Secretary of State." However, each statute lists a number of activities that "do not constitute transacting business.

Georgia laws indicate that a "foreign corporation may not transact business in this state until it obtains a certificate of authority from the Secretary of State." However, each law lists a number of activities that "do not constitute transacting business." Thus, if a company's business falls into one of those categories, it is not required to file with the Secretary of State. Corporations desiring to register as a foreign corporation should review the provisions of O.C.G.A.

In 2006 a specific definition of substantial conformance was added to the Code of Federal Regulations. 23 CFR 655.

Generally, process of most filings, except annual reports, can be expected within seven to ten business days. Many are completed in only one or two days. Even though the Secretary of State does not have an “expedited service” fee, emergency filings will be accommodated whenever possible. To insure expedited process, deliver documents to the Secretary of State’s office before noon.

The Secretary of State accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Credit or debit cards may be used when filing online.

You file Articles of Incorporation. The Secretary of State's office provides optional forms for articles of incorporation of profit corporations, or the legal document may be drawn up by an attorney or the individuals wishing to form the corporation. If the individuals do not wish to seek the help of an attorney, they may refer to Idaho Code for assistance. Section 30-1-202 for profit corporations and 30-3-17 for non-profit corporations.

Yes, but payment must accompany the fax, either by credit card payment or use of a prepaid account. The fax number directly to the Business Entity division is (208) 334-2080.