Maryland Certificate of Authority

A Maryland Certificate of Authority is a legal document issued by the state that grants permission for a foreign business entity to conduct operations within Maryland. This certificate serves as proof that the company is authorized to do business in Maryland and comply with the state’s regulations.

Obtaining a Maryland Certificate of Authority is essential for foreign companies looking to establish a presence in the state. This certification ensures that the business is operating within the confines of the law and can engage in various commercial activities in Maryland.

What is a Maryland Certificate of Authority?

Businesses must register with the Maryland Department of AssessmentTaxation before conducting operations in Maryland. Companies incorporated in another state usually apply for a Maryland certificate of authority, which registers them as foreign entities, avoiding the need to establish a new entity.

Operating without a certificate of authority can lead to penalties or fines. Apart from the state’s regulations, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors frequently request a certificate of authority.

When is a certificate of authority required?

Common situations that necessitate applying 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 new state
• Meeting requirements from vendors or banks
• Fulfilling licensing authority prerequisites

How to obtain a Maryland Certificate of Authority?

To acquire your Maryland Certificate of Authority, you need to submit an Application for Certificate of Authority with necessary certificates or certified copies from your home state. It is crucial to designate a registered agent for successful filing approval. Adhere to the state’s guidelines meticulously to prevent rejection due to minor errors.

For Various Foreign Entities:

Agency: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Form: Foreign Entity Qualification Filing Method: By mail or online Agency Fee: $100 Law: MD Corp and Assn Code § 7-202 Certified Copy Requirement: Not mandatory Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: Proof of existence or status certificate dated within 60 days.

What documents are required from the home state?

For a Maryland Certificate of Authority, you must also provide:

• Limited Liability Company: Proof of existence or status certificate within 60 days.
• Corporation: Proof of existence or status certificate dated within 60 days.
• Limited Partnership: Proof of existence or status certificate within 60 days.
• Limited Liability Partnership: Proof of existence or status certificate within 60 days.
• Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of Good Standing dated within 90 days.
• Professional Corporation: Proof of existence or status certificate dated within 60 days.
• Professional LLC: Proof of existence or status certificate within 60 days.

What is the role of a registered agent?

A registered agent accepts legal documents and official notices on behalf of your business. When applying for a Maryland Certificate of Authority, you must designate a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not accepted).

If your business lacks a physical address in a new state, using our local registered agent address in your certificate of authority application fulfills the state’s requirements. Additionally, our registered agent 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.

How to contact the state?

Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Physical Address: 700 East Pratt Street 2nd Floor Suite 2700 Baltimore, MD 21202 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 17052 Baltimore, MD 21297-1052 Phone: (410) 767-1184 Website: https://dat.maryland.gov/pages/default.aspx Name Search: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch Forms: http://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/sdatforms.aspx#BNE Online Filing: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress Email: SDAT.CharterHelp@Maryland.gov