Note to Financial Institutions | WA Secretary of State

Accepted Articles, Forms, and Certificates

There has been recent discussion about differences in online, printed and down-loadable corporations forms provided by the Secretary of State, and the proof of filing required by some financial institutions.

The most common concern is that some banks and financial institutions may not accept certain web confirmations, validated forms, or certificates provided by the Secretary of State because the format does not meet the expectation of the financial institution.

With the Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS), copies of business entity records are available on-demand and free by using the Business Search or by using the Advanced Business Search. Simply search by UBI number or exact business name. From the summary screen select "Filing History" from the lower right corner. No log-in is required to access any of the documents filed in this office.

Additional things to note:

Bylaws and operating agreements are not filed in this office; these are internal documents kept on file with the business. The Office of the Secretary of State does not regulate how bylaws or operating agreements are to be obtained. To obtain this information, you must follow up directly with the business.
The Legal Entity Registration document is no longer provided or available. A copy of the filed annual report is now available in the entity's online Filing History.

Please see samples below of approved certificates and various formats issued by the Office of the Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division. Should you have any specific questions, or would like to research the filing of articles, forms, or certificates please contact our office at 360-725-0377, by email [email protected], or by selecting live chat during normal business hours.

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