How to Register a Corporation
A corporation is a business that is recognized by a single state as a fictitious legal entity. Registration as a corporation allows that corporation to transact business within that state. However, large corporations often have places of business in more than just the single state they have incorporated in. Most state laws require that if a corporation enters into repeated business transactions within the state or with citizens of the state, it must register in that state as well.
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Instructions
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Obtain a certificate of good standing from your state of incorporation. Generally, your state's chamber of commerce or secretary of state will be able to provide this form to you provided that you are following the reporting rules of the state, have no outstanding state business taxes and have not been subject to any disciplinary procedures.
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Fill out a designation by foreign corporation form with the state you intend to register in. This form may be called different names in different states but will typically include the words "foreign corporation." Note that even though yours is a domestic company, states consider a foreign corporation to be one that did not incorporate in that state.
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Verify that your business name has not been registered in the state already. Even though you may have a validly registered name in your home state, your business name may already be in use by another company in the second state. Most states offer a name availability lookup form on their secretary of state's website, and all will be able to conduct a name search if you call the secretary of state office.
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Submit the certificate of good standing and foreign corporation registration form with the state's secretary of state or chamber of commerce. Many states will charge a nominal registration fee--typically around $15--to submit this information.
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