Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Topics & Questions

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?

Online Filing System Help Topics