The Secretary of State — or the equivalent state agency — is the office that registers business entities and maintains their official records. When you form an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, you file formation documents with this office and pay a one-time filing fee. The same office issues certificates of good standing, processes registered agent changes, and keeps the public record of every entity authorized to do business in the state.
Each state page on this site lists the office's mailing address, phone number, and website alongside the current formation fees for the most common entity types. You'll also find a directory of the state's licensing agencies — the separate bodies that issue professional and occupational licenses once an entity is registered.
The responsible office and its fee schedule vary by state. In most states it's literally the Secretary of State; in others it's a Department of Commerce, Corporation Commission, or Division of Corporations. Check your state's page for the specifics. This site is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Select a state below to view its Secretary of State office contact information, entity formation fees, and licensing agency directory.
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