Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | WA Secretary of State
Source: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/frequently-asked-questions-faqs
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:32
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | WA Secretary of State
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Notification:
The Corporations and Charities Division’s Eastern Regional Branch In-Person services hours will be changing effective April 1
st
, 2026.
Visit our Contact Us page for the most up-to-date operating hours
.
[POSTED 03/26/2026]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
OSOS Home
Corporations & Charities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Topics & Questions
Certificates and Certified Copies
Fee Schedule / Expedited Service
File Online
How to Verify a Notice is from the Secretary of State
Examples of Potentially Confusing or Misleading "Notices" & "Solicitations"
Business Entities
Start or Register a Business
Start a Domestic (WA) Business
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Business
Steps after Registration with the Secretary of State
Maintain Business Compliance
Annual Reports
Registered Agents
Period of Duration
Update Business Information
Return a Business to Active Status
Voluntary Business Closure
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Online Filing Instructions
Processing Guidelines & Procedures
Business Entity Conversions
Other Links
Business Structures
Common Reasons for Returned Documents
Glossary of Terms
Governors, Officers, Directors, Members and Managers
Obtain a Certificate of Existence or Status from another state
Ownership
What addresses to use when filing?
How do I find my business filings? (Download/Print copies for my record)
Apostilles
Apostille FAQs
Apostille Forms
Apostille Contact Info
What is the difference between an Apostille and a Certificate of Authentication?
Washington State Notary Certificate/Language
How do you know when your document has been notarized correctly?
Vital Records
How do I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on my birth certificate?
Where can I order a Certified Birth Certificate?
How do I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on a Death Certificate?
Where can I order a Certified Death Certificate?
What is the process to get my Marriage Certificate Apostille/Authenticated?
Where can I get a letter of Single Status?
Background Checks/Criminal History Record
How do I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on a Washington State Background Check/Criminal History Record?
How do I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on my FBI Background Check?
Washington State Business Entity Records
How do I get my business entity documents Apostilled? (e.g. Profit or Nonprofit Corp, LLC, LP, etc.)
Washington State High Schools
Do my Washington State High School transcripts need to be notarized?
Does my High School diploma need to be notarized, or do you need my original diploma?
Washington State Colleges & Universities
Do my Washington State College or University transcripts need to be notarized?
Does my College or University diploma need to be notarized?
Driver License/Identification:
How do I get my Driver License Apostille/Authenticated?
How do I get my passport Apostille/Authenticated?
Personal Documents
How can I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on my personal document?
Charities, Fundraisers & Trusts (CFTs)
Charity, Fundraiser, & Trust (CFT) FAQs
CFT Forms
CFT Contact Info
General Questions
What is a "Charitable Organization?"
What is the difference between a Nonprofit Corporation and a Charitable Organization?
What is the difference between a Charitable Organization and 501c3 status?
What is a Commercial Fundraiser or Professional Fundraiser?
Who must register?
Do all states require a registration?
Who is not required to register?
Why is registration required?
Assured Giving
Know the Charity Before You Give
How can I tell if it is legitimate?
How can I check out a Charity?
How can I check out a commercial fundraiser?
What percentage of funds actually spent on the organization's charitable purpose is considered an “acceptable” percentage?
FAQ Regarding Fundraising Auctions and Events (Noncash Gifts)
Are donations of art, wine, theatre tickets, and other tangible property tax deductible?
When does a donor need an appraisal?
What are the rules for donating a vehicle?
Are donations of services tax deductible?
How much can be claimed as a tax benefit when goods or services are received in exchange for the donation?
What type of documentation is required by the IRS to claim federal tax deductions for noncash gifts?
Is the recipient organization required to provide the donor with a receipt?
What is an IRS Form 8283?
Is the recipient organization required to provide written documentation when non-deductible items are donated?
Domestic Partnerships
Domestic Partnership FAQs
Domestic Partnership Forms
Domestic Partnership Contact Info
What happened to state registered domestic partnerships on June 30, 2014?
Are the City and County Domestic Partnerships included in the June 30, 2014, conversion?
How do we dissolve our state registered domestic partnership?
We are over the age of 62 but wish to convert our state registered domestic partnership to marriage. Can we?
Do I need to notify the Secretary of State if we marry after registering a domestic partnership?
How do I check if I’m in a Washington State Registered Domestic Partnership?
My partner and I are registered with a city government. Do we need to register our Domestic Partnership with the State?
How can a domestic partnership be terminated?
Can we register a state domestic partnership after June 30, 2014?
How do we register a domestic partnership?
Can the Secretary of State notarize our declaration of domestic partnership?
Can we register by mail or online?
Are records of domestic partnerships public information?
What will we receive after our registration?
Can we get extra Certificates?
I lost my wallet card. Can I get a replacement?
Who can register as domestic partners after June 30, 2014?
What should we do if we are in the process of dissolving our state registered domestic partnership?
Trademarks
Trademark FAQs
Trademark Forms
Trademark Contact Info
What is a Trademark?
How do I file a Trademark Registration?
Can I submit a Trademark online?
What kind of samples are needed with a Trademark Registration and how many samples are required?
How long does it take to process a Trademark?
When do Trademark Reservations expire?
Can they be renewed and are samples required for Reservations?
Once registered, can I use the TM or the R symbol on my products?
How do I add or change classifications to my Trademark?
How do I change or update the Applicant Information or an Address?
How often do I need to renew my Trademark?
How do I cancel my Trademark?
What can I do if someone else is using a mark very similar to mine?
Is a Trademark the same as a Tradename?
How do I file my Trademark federally?
Have additional questions?
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Close a Corporation Online
Close an LLC, PLLC, LP, LLP, LLLP Online
File an Annual Report (Multiple Entity Tpyes) Online
File an Annual Report (Nonprofit 24.03A Only) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Company (LLC) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Service Corporation Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Profit Corporation Online
Reinstate a LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online
Reinstate a Nonprofit Miscellaneous & Mutual Corporation Online
Reinstate a Nonprofit or Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online
Requalify an LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) LP or LLLP Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online
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Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Social Purpose Corporation Online
Submit an Amended Annual Report (All Entity Types) Online
Submit an Initial Report (All Entity Types except NPs) Online
Ownership
Start or Register a Business
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Business
Start a Domestic (WA) Business
Steps after Registration with the Secretary of State
Update Business Information
Voluntary Business Closure: Dissolution or Withdrawal
Nonprofits & Charities
Organization Search
Nonprofits
Download Forms
2022 Nonprofit Law and Process Changes
Charities
All Forms
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Fee Schedule for Commercial Fundraisers
Want to Renew Your Commercial Fundraiser Registration Early?
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Fee Schedule for Charitable Trusts
Information for Donors
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Storefront Solicitors- Where does your donation go?
National "Do Not Call" Registry
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Assured Giving
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To File a Complaint
Nonprofit & Charity Resources
Apostilles Program
Apostilles Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact Information and Location - Apostilles
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Domestic Partnership FAQs
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Skip to main content
Notification:
The Corporations and Charities Division’s Eastern Regional Branch In-Person services hours will be changing effective April 1
st
, 2026.
Visit our Contact Us page for the most up-to-date operating hours
.
[POSTED 03/26/2026]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
OSOS Home
Corporations & Charities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Topics & Questions
Certificates and Certified Copies
Fee Schedule / Expedited Service
File Online
How to Verify a Notice is from the Secretary of State
Examples of Potentially Confusing or Misleading "Notices" & "Solicitations"
Business Entities
Start or Register a Business
Start a Domestic (WA) Business
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Business
Steps after Registration with the Secretary of State
Maintain Business Compliance
Annual Reports
Registered Agents
Period of Duration
Update Business Information
Return a Business to Active Status
Voluntary Business Closure
Filing Resources
Filings, Forms & Information (Download Forms)
Online Filing Instructions
Processing Guidelines & Procedures
Business Entity Conversions
Other Links
Business Structures
Common Reasons for Returned Documents
Glossary of Terms
Governors, Officers, Directors, Members and Managers
Obtain a Certificate of Existence or Status from another state
Ownership
What addresses to use when filing?
How do I find my business filings? (Download/Print copies for my record)
Apostilles
Apostille FAQs
Apostille Forms
Apostille Contact Info
What is the difference between an Apostille and a Certificate of Authentication?
Washington State Notary Certificate/Language
How do you know when your document has been notarized correctly?
Vital Records
How do I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on my birth certificate?
Where can I order a Certified Birth Certificate?
How do I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on a Death Certificate?
Where can I order a Certified Death Certificate?
What is the process to get my Marriage Certificate Apostille/Authenticated?
Where can I get a letter of Single Status?
Background Checks/Criminal History Record
How do I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on a Washington State Background Check/Criminal History Record?
How do I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on my FBI Background Check?
Washington State Business Entity Records
How do I get my business entity documents Apostilled? (e.g. Profit or Nonprofit Corp, LLC, LP, etc.)
Washington State High Schools
Do my Washington State High School transcripts need to be notarized?
Does my High School diploma need to be notarized, or do you need my original diploma?
Washington State Colleges & Universities
Do my Washington State College or University transcripts need to be notarized?
Does my College or University diploma need to be notarized?
Driver License/Identification:
How do I get my Driver License Apostille/Authenticated?
How do I get my passport Apostille/Authenticated?
Personal Documents
How can I obtain an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication on my personal document?
Charities, Fundraisers & Trusts (CFTs)
Charity, Fundraiser, & Trust (CFT) FAQs
CFT Forms
CFT Contact Info
General Questions
What is a "Charitable Organization?"
What is the difference between a Nonprofit Corporation and a Charitable Organization?
What is the difference between a Charitable Organization and 501c3 status?
What is a Commercial Fundraiser or Professional Fundraiser?
Who must register?
Do all states require a registration?
Who is not required to register?
Why is registration required?
Assured Giving
Know the Charity Before You Give
How can I tell if it is legitimate?
How can I check out a Charity?
How can I check out a commercial fundraiser?
What percentage of funds actually spent on the organization's charitable purpose is considered an “acceptable” percentage?
FAQ Regarding Fundraising Auctions and Events (Noncash Gifts)
Are donations of art, wine, theatre tickets, and other tangible property tax deductible?
When does a donor need an appraisal?
What are the rules for donating a vehicle?
Are donations of services tax deductible?
How much can be claimed as a tax benefit when goods or services are received in exchange for the donation?
What type of documentation is required by the IRS to claim federal tax deductions for noncash gifts?
Is the recipient organization required to provide the donor with a receipt?
What is an IRS Form 8283?
Is the recipient organization required to provide written documentation when non-deductible items are donated?
Domestic Partnerships
Domestic Partnership FAQs
Domestic Partnership Forms
Domestic Partnership Contact Info
What happened to state registered domestic partnerships on June 30, 2014?
Are the City and County Domestic Partnerships included in the June 30, 2014, conversion?
How do we dissolve our state registered domestic partnership?
We are over the age of 62 but wish to convert our state registered domestic partnership to marriage. Can we?
Do I need to notify the Secretary of State if we marry after registering a domestic partnership?
How do I check if I’m in a Washington State Registered Domestic Partnership?
My partner and I are registered with a city government. Do we need to register our Domestic Partnership with the State?
How can a domestic partnership be terminated?
Can we register a state domestic partnership after June 30, 2014?
How do we register a domestic partnership?
Can the Secretary of State notarize our declaration of domestic partnership?
Can we register by mail or online?
Are records of domestic partnerships public information?
What will we receive after our registration?
Can we get extra Certificates?
I lost my wallet card. Can I get a replacement?
Who can register as domestic partners after June 30, 2014?
What should we do if we are in the process of dissolving our state registered domestic partnership?
Trademarks
Trademark FAQs
Trademark Forms
Trademark Contact Info
What is a Trademark?
How do I file a Trademark Registration?
Can I submit a Trademark online?
What kind of samples are needed with a Trademark Registration and how many samples are required?
How long does it take to process a Trademark?
When do Trademark Reservations expire?
Can they be renewed and are samples required for Reservations?
Once registered, can I use the TM or the R symbol on my products?
How do I add or change classifications to my Trademark?
How do I change or update the Applicant Information or an Address?
How often do I need to renew my Trademark?
How do I cancel my Trademark?
What can I do if someone else is using a mark very similar to mine?
Is a Trademark the same as a Tradename?
How do I file my Trademark federally?
Have additional questions?
Corporations & Charities Filing System (CCFS)
Account Creation
Advanced Corporations Search (searching for multiple businesses)
Browser Support
Clearing your Browser Cache
Duplicate Filings
Express Annual Report
Filing History
Login Issue Resolution (Forgot User ID Forgot/Reset Password)
Mobile Device Tips
Online Search Results
Online Search Result Exports
Routine Maintenance/Outages
Save Feature
Shopping Cart
Home
About the Office
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs Biography
Newsroom
Employment
Internship Opportunities
Public Records Request
Invite Secretary Hobbs to an Event
History of the Office
Washington's Secretaries of State - Past and Present
Contact Us
Corporations & Charities
Business Entities
Filings, Forms & Information
Limited Liability Companies
Return a Business to Active Status
Limited Liability Company (LLC) & Professional LLC (PLLC) Filing Resource Page
Maintain Business Compliance
Registered Agents
Annual Reports
Period of Duration
Online Filing Instructions
Close a Corporation Online
Close an LLC, PLLC, LP, LLP, LLLP Online
File an Annual Report (Multiple Entity Tpyes) Online
File an Annual Report (Nonprofit 24.03A Only) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Company (LLC) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Service Corporation Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Profit Corporation Online
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