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If you form your Connecticut LLC by mail, the Secretary of State will not mail you a copy of your approved Certificate of Organization.
If you form your Connecticut LLC online, the Secretary of State will email you a copy of your approved Certificate of Organization.
I know it’s weird to only get a copy of the Certificate of Organization if you file online, but that is how the state does things.
Whether you filed your Certificate of Organization by mail or online, you may need a copy of your documents for the following reasons:
- opening a bank account
- obtaining financing
- bringing on investors
- signing a lease
- for other secretaries of state (if registering your Connecticut business in another state)
- you just need a copy (since you filed by mail and the state didn’t send you one)
When ordering a copy of your Certificate of Organization from the state, you have two options:
1. Plain Copy ($40)
A Plain Copy sounds just like it is. It’s pretty much a regular copy of your Certificate of Organization filed with the state. It shows the “file number”, which references where in their books it was filed (but there is no official state stamp or seal on the document).
2. Certified Copy ($55)
A Certified Copy is a more official document with the state’s stamp and seal, showing proof of authenticity.
Tip: If you’re not sure whether you need a Plain Copy or a Certified Copy, check with the person/company requesting it. If you’re still unsure, just pay the extra $15 and get a Certified Copy. A Certified Copy will always be accepted. A Plain Copy may or may not be accepted.
Certificate of Organization (Plain Copy)
1. Download and complete the Request for Plain Copy Form.
2. Prepare a Check or Money Order for $40, made payable to “Secretary of the State”.
3. Mail your request form and payment to:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
PO BOX 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Certificate of Organization (Certified Copy)
1. Download and complete the Request for Certified Copy Form.
2. Prepare a Check or Money Order for $55, made payable to “Secretary of the State”.
3. Mail your request form and payment to:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
PO BOX 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Request Copies by Fax
If you prefer to submit your request to the state using a fax, you can alternatively complete the Fax Filing Service Request form and fax it to the state at 860-509-6069. You’ll need to make payment with a debit or credit card by entering your card details on the form.
Please note that your copy (whether plain or certified) will only be returned by mail. The state will not fax anything back to you.
Processing Time
It will take the state 3-5 business days to process your request, which means you’ll receive your copy back in about 1 week (taking into account mail times).
Connecticut Secretary of State
If you have any questions about an order you placed with the Connecticut Secretary of State, you can contact them at 860-509-6002. Their hours are 8am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Connecticut LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See Connecticut LLC
The link is broken for the fax method, is that no longer an option?
Hi Tiffani, thank you for letting us know. We’ve fixed the broken link. That method is still available. Hope that helps.
fax link still broken.
Thank you Tammy. We’ve updated the link (the state updated the URL to the PDF). It’s working now.
Very helpful, thank you.
You’re very welcome Ilirian!