Secretary of State Questions
Q: Can I sign the form electronically?
A: No. The Secretary of State will not currently accept DocuSign, signature stamps, or otherwise electronically generated signatures. They do accept clear scans/copy of a wet signature. Any California Articles of Incorporation, LLC Organization, or Partnership Formation must be signed.
Q: What form do I use?
A: Since we are not a law firm, we cannot provide legal advice. That said, the Secretary of State publishes all their forms, samples, and corresponding fees on their website. Choose the form that best suits your circumstances – California Articles of Incorporation, LLC Organization, or Partnership Formation. Still not sure? You can also review our Filing Tips, or contact the State’s Business Programs Division at 916.657.5448
Q: What is the difference between Standard and Expedited?
A: The processing time for Standard varies according to the State’s workload. While it carries a smaller nonrefundable $15 fee, it can take several weeks for documents to be returned. Expedited processing carries a nonrefundable $350 fee but guarantees a State turnaround time of 24 hrs/1 business day.
Q: Can my street/mailing address be different?
A: Yes. The State requires both valid street and mailing information for each business entity. They can be the same address for both, or different for each. Just remember that the State will not accept a P.O. box or mail store box (UPS, FedEx, etc.) as a valid street address.
Sierra Express Questions
Q: Do you need the originals or can I just email the documents to you?
A: That depends on the filing. Most filings (California Articles of Incorporation or Organization, Statements of Information, Records Requests, etc.) can be sent through our online order form. The Apostille counter will only accept original hard copies. Most of which must also be notarized locally before the State will process them.
Q: Do I need a certified copy?
A: Usually, yes. We request one certified copy by default. Most companies want one for their records. And most banks will require one in order to open a business account.
Q: What is a Registered Agent? Do I need one?
A: A Registered Agent for Service of Process is an individual or corporation who receives the initial summons in the event your company is sued. Any legal adult resident of California can serve as an individual registered agents. Again, no P.O. boxes – the agent must be available in person during regular business hours. If you’d rather use a corporate agent, that’s okay too. We offer Registered Agent service for $200 a year.
Q: When will I get my processed documents back?
A: If you filed on an expedited basis, you’ll receive scans of the California Articles of Incorporation, LLC Organization, or Partnership Formation the following business day. If you filed on a standard basis, the timing varies and we’ll send you scans of the documents as soon as they become available from the State. We send the scans the day we receive them between 3:30pm & 4:30pm
Q: What does the courtesy review entail?
A: Our staff reviews California Articles of Incorporation, LLC Organization, or Partnership Formation for overall quality and clarity. We also check for some of the most common causes of rejection (missing information, electronic signature, etc.). That said, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of client provided information, nor if a submission will be approved by the State’s Examiners.
Q: What happens if the State rejects my filing? How can I refile?
A: In the event the State rejects a document, the examiner includes a rejection letter. This letter outlines any errors or required revisions. Read the rejection letter thoroughly and correct the California Articles of Incorporation, LLC Organization, or Partnership Formation accordingly. The examiner provides their contact information if you’d like to dispute the rejection. You can also ask them additional questions about your filing. To refile, follow the instructions provided to you in the rejection email we sent. If you instead submit a refile as a new order, it will be processed as such.
Other Questions
Q: Does Sierra Express handle other State’s filings, outside of California?
A: We can help you obtain the records required to take a California company out of state. But we do not offer any Out-of-State SOS Delivery Services.
Q: What is an EIN? Do I need one?
A: Employer Identification Numbers are issued directly from the IRS. This is separate from the entity’s Secretary of State number (stamped in upper right). You may apply for an EIN online, by fax, or by mail.
Q: Can Sierra Express help with business licenses, DBAs, Trademarks, or Patents?
A: Unfortunately, no. Business licenses and DBA’s are handled at the local level – you’ll need to check with your city/county. Patents and trademarks are handled at the Federal level.