Certificate of Formation Apostille
In Delaware, Texas and several other states, a Certificate of Formation is the document that brings a company into existence. Foreign offices treat it like Articles of Organization.
What this document is
The title varies by state and entity type, which can confuse foreign reviewers. If yours uses a less familiar name, a short note from your local adviser can explain what it is.
Where it is used
Companies present it when registering a branch, appointing a Spanish or Portuguese director or proving ownership to a foreign bank.
How to prepare it
- Send the filed certificate showing the state's acceptance.
- Note the state and the entity type.
- Include a list of any related filings the office requested.
Check this first
Certificates from one state cannot be apostilled by another state's Secretary of State as state records. The Maryland route applies to a copy notarized in Maryland.
How the apostille is obtained
- We review the document and check whether a notarized copy meets the request.
- A Maryland notary performs the notarization.
- The Circuit Court clerk certifies the notary where required, and the Maryland Secretary of State issues the apostille.
- We scan the apostilled document and email you a high-resolution PDF.
A common question
What is the difference from Articles of Organization?
Mainly the name each state gives it. Both can serve as the founding filing of an LLC.