Register a Foreign Corporation in New Jersey

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Corporation in New Jersey

What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in New Jersey?

$125 for normal processing; $50 additional for same day expedited processing; $15 additional for 8.5 business hour expedited processing; $1 per page for return fax. If you file online, there’s also a credit card service fee of $3.50.

How long does it take for the state to process the New Jersey Certificate of Authority?

Online: New Jersey processes online filings in about 1 day.
Mail: New Jersey processes mailed filings in 2-3 business weeks, plus additional time for mailing.
In Person/Fax: Hand delivered or faxed applications will be processed by the state in 2-3 business weeks.

How will I get verification of qualification back from New Jersey?

You will be able to print your Certificate of Authority if filing online. Otherwise, the documents will be mailed to you.

What forms do I file with New Jersey to qualify my out of State Corporation?

If filing by mail or fax the Registration Application, the Public Records Filing in duplicate, a Certificate of Good Standing or Existence, transmittal letter or service request sheet, and filing fee is required. Depending on the type of filing or type of business you are registering additional forms may be required.

To file online, click on the “I Want To” drop-down menu, then choose the option that says “Form/register a business”. Once you complete step 1 and pay the $125 fee, you will receive a Certificate of Authority. You will want to be sure to print this Certificate of Authority at this time, otherwise additional copies will require a fee. The Certificate of Authority will have a 10-digit ID number that you will need to complete step 2. The Certificate of Good Standing or Existence will need to be faxed in before filing can be completed. Processing will take approximately 48 hours if you fax your Certificate of Good Standing right away.

What do I need from my home state?

A Certificate of Good Standing or Existence is required.

Does it need to be an original copy?

No.

How current does the certificate need to be?

The Certificate cannot be more than 30 days old.

Will I need an New Jersey registered agent for my corporation?

Yes, when you hire Northwest as your registered agent service, it’s a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year, you’ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states your registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You’ll receive annual report reminders. It’s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.

You’ll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they are emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of registered agent service.

Does the New Jersey registered agent need to sign the filing?

No.

How can I file the New Jersey Certificate of Authority?

By mail, fax, in person or online.

What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?

New Jersey Secretary of State
Business Registration Application
PO Box 252
Trenton, NJ 08646-0252

33 West State Street, 3rd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608

New Jersey Secretary of State
Public Records Filings
PO Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08646

33 West State Street, 5th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609)292-9292 or (866)534-7789
Fax: (609)984-6851

Do the signatures on the New Jersey corporation application need to be original?

No.

Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?

An owner, partner or officer must sign the forms.

Are there any weird things about registering in New Jersey?

No fee is required for the Registration Application. The fee is required for the Public Records Filing.
County filing or publication is not necessary, unless specifically required by the county in which your New Jersey registered agent resides.

Is there ongoing New Jersey annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?

New Jersey annual reports are due on the exact date you initially filed.

You should also look into New Jersey taxes.

What are your fees?

You’ll need to have an New Jersey registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in New Jersey. It’s a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents.

We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.

Additional Resources:

New Jersey Corporation
Withdraw foreign corporation from New Jersey
State by state foreign corporation requirements