Colorado Certificate of Authority
A Colorado Certificate of Authority is a crucial legal document that allows a foreign corporation to conduct business within the state of Colorado. This certificate is necessary for any out-of-state company seeking to operate in Colorado and ensures compliance with local regulations and laws.
Obtaining a Colorado Certificate of Authority involves submitting an application to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, providing detailed information about the foreign corporation, including its name, state of incorporation, business address, and registered agent in Colorado. Once approved, the certificate grants the company the authority to legally operate within Colorado’s borders, enabling it to engage in various business activities.
Contents
What is a Colorado Certificate of Authority?
In order to operate in Colorado, companies are mandated to register with the Colorado Secretary of State. Businesses incorporated in another state typically seek a Colorado certificate of authority to be recognized as a foreign entity, avoiding the need to establish a new entity.
Failure to obtain a certificate of authority may lead to penalties or fines. Apart from state requirements, various entities like licensing agencies, banks, and vendors often require this certificate.
Common situations that call for a certificate of authority include:
- Establishing an office or physical presence in another state
- Hiring an employee residing in the state
- Commencing a contract or job in a different state
- Meeting vendor or bank requirements
- Fulfilling licensing authority mandates
How to obtain a Colorado Certificate of Authority?
To acquire your Colorado Certificate of Authority, you must submit an Application for Certificate of Authority along with necessary certificates or certified copies from your home state. You must appoint a registered agent for a successful filing approval. It’s crucial to meticulously follow the state’s guidelines to prevent rejection due to minor errors.
For Various Foreign Entities:
- Agency: Colorado Secretary of State
- Filing Method: Online
- Agency Fee: $100
- Law: CO Rev Stat § 7-90-801
- Certified Copy Requirement: Not necessary
- Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: Not necessary
What documents are required from your home state?
Colorado does not mandate a certificate of good standing or certified copies for this filing.
Definition of a registered agent
A registered agent is responsible for receiving service of process and official notices on behalf of your business. When completing your Colorado Certificate of Authority application, you must designate a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
If your business lacks an individual or physical address in a new state, using our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application fulfills the state’s requirements. Additionally, our service offers same-day document scanning in all 50 states and DC for a flat rate of $99 per year, easily added to any certificate of authority order.
State contact details
Colorado Secretary of State
– Physical Address: 1700 Broadway, Denver, CO 80290
– Phone: 303-894-2200 (press 2)
– Fax: (303) 869-4864
– Website: www.coloradosos.gov
– Name Search: www.coloradosos.gov/biz/BusinessEntityCriteriaExt.do
– Online Filing: www.coloradosos.gov/pubs/business/fileAForm.html
– Email: business@sos.state.co.us