New Mexico Certificate of Authority

What is a New Mexico certificate of authority?

Companies are required to register with the New Mexico Secretary of State before doing business in New Mexico. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a New Mexico certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.

Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.

When do I need a certificate of authority?

The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:

  • Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
  • Hiring an employee who resides within the state
  • Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
  • A vendor or bank’s requirements
  • Licensing authority requirements

How do I get a New Mexico certificate of authority?

To obtain your New Mexico Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.

For Foreign Corporations:

Agency:New Mexico Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Application for Certificate of Authority

Agency Fee:

Determined by authorized shares. Minimum of $200 and maximum of $1,000.

Law:

NM Stat § 53-17-1

Certified Copy Requirement:

Certified copies not required.

Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:

Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.

For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:

Agency:New Mexico Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Application for Registration

Agency Fee:

$100

Law:

NM Stat § 53-19-48

Certified Copy Requirement:

Certified copies not required.

Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:

Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.

For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:

Agency:New Mexico Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Application for Certificate of Authority

Agency Fee:

$25

Law:

NM Stat § 53-8-64

Certified Copy Requirement:

Certified copies not required.

Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:

Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.

For Foreign Professional Corporations:

Agency:New Mexico Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Application for Certificate of Authority

Agency Fee:

Determined by authorized shares. Minimum of $200 and maximum of $1,000.

Law:

NM Stat § 53-17-1

Certified Copy Requirement:

Certified copies not required.

Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:

Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.

For Foreign Limited Partnerships:

Agency:New Mexico Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Foreign Limited Partnership Registration Form

Agency Fee:

$100

Law:

NM Stat § 54-2A-904

Certified Copy Requirement:

Certified copies not required.

Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:

Good standing certificate not required.

For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:

Agency:New Mexico Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Foreign Limited Liability Partnership Registration Form

Agency Fee:

$50

Law:

NM Stat § 54-1A-1102

Certified Copy Requirement:

Certified copies not required.

Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:

Good standing certificate not required.

For Foreign Limited Liability Limited Partnerships:

Agency:New Mexico Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Foreign Limited Liability Limited Partnership Registration Form

Agency Fee:

$100

Law:

NM Stat § 54-2A-904

Certified Copy Requirement:

Certified copies not required.

Certificate of Good Standing Requirement:

Good standing certificate not required.

What do I need from my home state?

In order to obtain a New Mexico Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:

  • Limited Liability Company: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.
  • Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.
  • Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your New Mexico Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).

Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.


What is the contact information for the state?

New Mexico Secretary of State - Business Services Division

Physical Address:
325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300
Santa Fe, NM 87501


Mailing Address:
325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300
Santa Fe, NM 87501

Phone: 505-827-3600
Fax: 505-827-4387

Website: https://www.sos.state.nm.us/business-services/
Name Search: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/BFS/online/corporationbusinesssearch
Online Filing: https://portal.sos.state.nm.us/BFS/online/Account
Email: Business.Services@state.nm.us

Order Registered Agent Service Order Online
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