Certificate of Incorporation - General Form
Overview of this form
The Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document that officially establishes a corporation within a state. It outlines the fundamental details of the corporation, such as its name, purpose, registered agent, and capital structure. This form differs from other business formation documents, such as Articles of Organization for LLCs, as it specifically pertains to corporations and includes more detailed requirements related to corporate governance and structure.
What’s included in this form
- Name of the corporation
- Purpose of incorporation
- Registered office and agent details
- Principal office address
- Duration of the corporation
- Information about directors and incorporators
- Capitalization details including share structure
Common use cases
You should use the Certificate of Incorporation when you are ready to officially establish a corporation in your chosen state. This form is necessary for all new corporations and must be filed with the appropriate state agency, often the Secretary of State. It is typically used when starting a new business structure that provides limited liability to its owners or when changing an existing business into a corporate form.
Who this form is for
- Entrepreneurs looking to incorporate a new business
- Business owners transitioning an existing business to a corporate structure
- Individuals or groups planning to form a non-profit corporation
- Incorporators or company founders needing to fulfill state requirements
Steps to complete this form
- Enter the proposed name of the corporation in the appropriate section.
- Clearly state the purposes for which the corporation is being formed.
- Fill in the address for the registered office and the name of the registered agent.
- Provide the address of the principal office of the corporation.
- Indicate the duration of the corporation (e.g., perpetual).
- List the initial board of directors and their addresses.
- Specify the capitalization details, including share structure and par values.
Notarization guidance
Notarization is not commonly needed for this form. However, certain documents or local rules may make it necessary. Our notarization service, powered by Notarize, allows you to finalize it securely online anytime, day or night.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Common mistakes
- Failing to accurately state the corporation's purpose.
- Omitting the required information about directors or incorporators.
- Not including the registered agent's name or address.
- Leaving out the signature of the incorporator(s).
Benefits of completing this form online
- Convenient access to templates that are easy to fill out.
- Availability of guidance throughout the completion process.
- Editability to customize details specific to your corporation.
- Reliable access to attorney-reviewed content.
- Instant download, making it quick to file with state authorities.
Legal use & context
- The Certificate of Incorporation serves as evidence of the corporation's existence.
- It is a necessary document for obtaining business licenses and permits.
- Proper filing of this certificate ensures limited liability protection for owners.
What to keep in mind
- The Certificate of Incorporation is essential for legally forming a corporation.
- Ensure compliance with state-specific requirements when completing the form.
- Accurate and complete information is crucial to avoid delays in processing.
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FAQ
A certificate of incorporation is a legal document/license relating to the formation of a company or corporation. It is a license to form a corporation issued by state government or, in some jurisdictions, by non-governmental entity/corporation. Its precise meaning depends upon the legal system in which it is used.
A new corporation founded in New York State must file a Certificate of Incorporation. This certificate is filed with the NYS Department of State (NYSDOS). Businesses should consult an attorney to learn about legal structures. Completed applications, with a fee, must be sent to the NYSDOS.
California Articles of Incorporation Apostille The red seal is placed on the front of the original Articles of Incorporation document you received when forming your Corporation.Some of these documents will require notarization (Agreements, Bylaws, Power of Attorney, etc2026).
Legal Name of the Organization (Not taken by other companies in your State) Address of the Organization (Should be in the Incorporating State) Incorporator of the Nonprofit Organization.
The fee for filing the Certificate of Incorporation is $125. The fee may be paid by cash, check, money order, MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
The name, address, and signature of one or more incorporators. This is generally the person who files the certificate of incorporation. Any adult may be an incorporator. This may, but need not, be an officer, director, or shareholder of the company.
A new corporation founded in New York State must file a Certificate of Incorporation. This certificate is filed with the NYS Department of State (NYSDOS). Businesses should consult an attorney to learn about legal structures. Completed applications, with a fee, must be sent to the NYSDOS.
The name of your corporation. your corporation's principal place of business. the name and address of your corporation's registered agent. a statement of the corporation's purpose. the corporation's duration. information about the number of shares and classes of stock the corporation is authorized to issue.
Broadly, articles of incorporation should include the company's name, type of corporate structure, and number and type of authorized shares. Bylaws work in conjunction with the articles of incorporation to form the legal backbone of the business.
