Return a Business to Active Status
Read Before Use: This page offers general guidance on the steps required to return a business to active status of the business’ registration with the Secretary of State and does not constitute legal advice. Each business may have unique obligations depending on the nature and scope of its operations. Consult legal counsel for additional questions.
All submitted documents can be affected by submission processing delays.
Learn more about “Expiration of Duration” notices and the steps required to return to active status.
Select your status on record for more information.
- Administratively Dissolved Status
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An “administratively dissolved” status means the domestic business entity has failed to remain compliant. A Reinstatement may be filed within 5 years from the date of Administrative Dissolution to return to active status.
- Reactivate a Domestic LLC, PLLC, Profit Corporation, Profit Professional Service Corporation – RCW 23.95, 18.100, 25.15, 23B & 18.100
- Reactivate a Domestic Nonprofit (NP) or Nonprofit Professional Service (NPPS) Corporation – RCW 24.03A
- Reactivate a Domestic Nonprofit Miscellaneous and Mutual Nonprofit (NP Misc & Mutual) Corporation – RCW 24.06
- Reactivate a Domestic LLC, PLLC, Profit Corporation, Profit Professional Service Corporation – RCW 23.95, 18.100, 25.15, 23B & 18.100
- Delinquent Status
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A "delinquent" status means the business entity has failed to file its Annual Report.
A domestic (WA) business entity has 120 days from the notice date to submit a past due Annual Report filing to return to active status.
- Failure to file within four months of this date will result in administrative dissolution of their registration.
A foreign (Non-WA) business entity has 90 days from the notice date to submit a past due Annual Report filing to return to active status.
- Failure to file within this timeframe will result in termination of the registration.
- Inactive Status
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An "Inactive" status means your business entity is still legally recognized by the Washington Secretary of State but is not currently in good standing. This typically occurs when required filings, such as annual reports, have not been submitted.
Inactive status may lead to permanent dissolution; however, an eligible business may revert back to active status by filing missing reports and paying applicable fees.
Reviewing the Notice on record will clarify the specific filing obligations within the business' filing history.
- Terminated Status
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A “terminated” status means the foreign business entity has failed to remain compliant and may file for Requalification online.
Foreign Nonprofit Corporations must submit Requalification by mail only.
- Voluntarily Dissolved Status
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A “voluntarily dissolved” status means the domestic business entity has voluntarily closed its business registration in Washington State.
This action was initiated and executed under penalty of law by a governing person of a business entity and is not reversable after 120 days of the effective date of the filed record of this action. Learn more about Voluntary Business Closure.
- Withdrawn Status
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A "withdrawn" status means the foreign business entity has voluntarily closed its business registration in Washington State.
This action was initiated and executed under penalty of law by a governing person of a business entity and is not reversable after 120 days of the effective date of the filed record of this action. Learn more about Voluntary Business Closure.