Louisiana Certificate of Authority
A Louisiana Certificate of Authority is a crucial document that authorizes a business entity to operate in the state of Louisiana. This certificate is required for any out-of-state businesses seeking to conduct business activities within Louisiana’s borders. Obtaining a Louisiana Certificate of Authority signifies compliance with state regulations and ensures that the business has met all necessary requirements to operate legally in the state.
Businesses looking to expand their operations into Louisiana must file an application for a Certificate of Authority with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This process involves providing detailed information about the company, its structure, and its activities, as well as paying any required fees. Once approved, the business can begin conducting operations in Louisiana in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Contents
Businesses must register with the Louisiana Secretary of State before operating in Louisiana. Companies incorporated in another state usually seek a Louisiana certificate of authority, which registers them as a foreign entity and avoids the need to establish a new entity.
Failure to operate with a certificate of authority may lead to penalties. Besides state requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors often request this certificate.
Common reasons for obtaining a certificate of authority include:
- Establishing a physical presence in the foreign state
- Employing a resident of the state
- Commencing a contract or work in a new state
- Meeting vendor or bank requirements
- Fulfilling licensing authority demands
To obtain your Louisiana Certificate of Authority, you need to submit an Application for Certificate of Authority along with necessary certificates or certified copies from your home state. Appointing a registered agent is crucial for approval. Follow the state’s guidelines meticulously to prevent rejection due to minor errors.
For Different Entity Types:
- Foreign Corporations:
- Agency Fee: $125
- Law: LA Rev Stat § 12:304
- Certified Copy Requirement: Not necessary
-
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: Within 90 days
-
Foreign LLCs:
- Agency Fee: $150
- Law: LA Rev Stat § 12:1345
- Certified Copy Requirement: Not necessary
-
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: Within 90 days
-
Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
- Agency Fee: $125
- Law: LA Rev Stat § 12:304
- Certified Copy Requirement: Not necessary
-
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: Within 90 days
-
Foreign Professional Corporations:
- Agency Fee: $125
- Law: LA Rev Stat § 12:304
- Certified Copy Requirement: Not necessary
-
Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: Within 90 days
-
Foreign LLPs:
- Agency Fee: $125
- Law: LA Rev Stat § 9:3422
- Certified Copy Requirement: Not necessary
- Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: Not required
Documents required from the home state
To obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- LLC: Certificate of existence or good standing within 90 days
- Corporation: Certificate of existence or good standing within 90 days
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence or good standing within 90 days
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of existence or good standing within 90 days
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent accepts legal documents and official notices on behalf of your business. When applying for a Louisiana Certificate of Authority, you must designate a registered agent with a physical address within the state. Utilizing a local registered agent service that meets state requirements can streamline the process.
State’s contact information
Louisiana Secretary of State – Commercial Division
– Physical Address: 8585 Archives Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70809
– Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94125 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
– Phone: (225) 925-4704
– Fax: (225) 932-5314
– Website: Louisiana Secretary of State
– Name Search: Commercial Search
– Forms: Business Forms
– Online Filing: Business Documents Online