Certificate of Existence Authentication for International Use
Purpose of Authentication
A certificate of existence must be authenticated to be accepted by foreign authorities, banks, and regulatory agencies. Authentication confirms the issuing state authority so the certificate of existence is legally recognized outside the United States.
Required Steps
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State Authentication
The certificate of existence issued by the Secretary of State is authenticated at the state level. -
U.S. Department of State Processing
Federal processing is completed when required for international use. -
Apostille or Embassy Legalization
The final step depends on the destination country’s requirements.
Important Notes / Requirements
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Only original certificates issued by the Secretary of State are accepted.
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Certificates often must be recently issued to remain valid.
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Online printouts or altered documents are commonly rejected.
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The business name and status must exactly match state records.
How DC Consular Helps
DC Consular manages certificate of existence authentication from start to finish. We verify document eligibility, coordinate state and federal processing, and complete apostille or legalization accurately to avoid delays and rejection.
Start Your Certificate of Existence Authentication
Submit your certificate of existence to DCConsular.com for fast, compliant processing. Our team works directly with the appropriate authorities to ensure your document is ready for international use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a certificate of existence?
A certificate of existence is an official state-issued document confirming that a business is legally registered and active.
Do I need a certificate of existence for my LLC?
It is often required when an LLC conducts business, opens accounts, or registers with authorities abroad.
How to get a certificate of existence?
The certificate is obtained from the Secretary of State where the business is registered.