Foreign Registration in Delaware

If your company is registered outside of Delaware it is required to obtain a certificate of authority before transacting business in the state.

This process is called “Foreign Qualification”, and it involves filing Certificate of Authority with the Delaware Secretary of State.

To approve foreign qualification application Delaware Secretary of State requires certificate of good standing or its equivalent from the home state. The certificate must be current within 6 months. Keep in mind, foreign entity is required to appoint and maintain a registered agent in Delaware on file at all times in order to be in good standing.

The filing process with Delaware Secretary of State could take about 3 weeks, with expedited option of 1 business day plus mailing available for extra fee. Applicants should also allow additional time for obtaining the certificate of good standing from their home state.