Obtaining a Certificate of Existence in Georgia
A certificate of existence in Georgia proves that a company is legally registered with the state. It is required when companies need to show proof of registration for legal documents or contracts. To get a certificate of existence in Georgia, submit an application to the Secretary of State’s office. You’ll need to provide the business name, state of formation, and date of formation.
Why You Might Need a Certificate of Existence
Creditors or investors might request a certificate of existence before providing crucial financing to an LLC in Georgia. This certificate verifies that the business is properly registered, compliant with state laws, and in good standing.
Importance of Compliance and Authorization
Georgia doesn’t require a certificate of existence to operate a business. However, one might be needed to get business insurance, a bank loan, or to stay compliant. A certificate shows that an entity exists and is authorized to operate in the state.
Certificate Validity and Authorization
Operating without a valid certificate risks fines, penalties, or revocation of authorization. To get a certificate, submit a form and $7.50 fee to the Secretary of State. Processing time ranges from days to weeks.
Security and Validity of Certificates
When an entity needs to prove existence, it gets a certificate from a Certificate Authority. The Authority verifies identity then issues an encrypted certificate confirming legitimacy. The encryption provides security, ensuring validity.