Filing online updates the record immediately. If the document is filed on paper, it can take up to 10 business days to be processed. Paper filings that are not filled out properly or do not have the correct fee will be rejected.
To file documents online for an existing entity, trade name, trademark or other record:
- Under the "Business Organization Information" column, select “File a document affecting an existing record”.
- Type in the name or ID number of the record and select “Search”.
- If the ID number is used to search, the website will immediately display the Record Confirmation page. If the name is used to search, the website will display a list of possible matches. Find the correct record and select the ID number to proceed to the Record Confirmation page.
- Review the information on the Record Confirmation page. If the information displayed corresponds with the proper record, select “Confirm”. Selecting “Confirm” enables you to access a particular record; it does not confirm that the information displayed on that page is current or correct.
- A list of documents available for filing will be displayed. Select the appropriate document.
- Complete the form. All fields with a red asterisk (*) must be completed.
- Select “Submit” after information has been entered in the appropriate fields. The Transaction Preview page will be displayed after selecting “Submit”, unless an attachment is necessary, in which case the Manage Attachments page will be displayed. For more information on managing attachments click here.
- If the website does not proceed to the Transaction Preview page, scroll to the top of the page and look for error messages in red. Correct the errors and then select “Submit”.
- The Transaction Preview page will display an image of the document. Review the document for errors. If any changes or corrections need to be made, select “Return to Form” at the bottom of the screen to go back to the form. Otherwise, select “Accept” to proceed to the payment screen.
- A copy of the document may be printed from the Transaction Preview page by selecting the print button in the image window.
- The Online Payment page will be displayed after selecting “Accept” on the Transaction Preview page.
- Enter either credit card or prepaid account information on the Online Payment page, then select “Pay Now”. Do not click “Pay Now” more than once. Clicking “Pay Now” more than once may result in multiple charges to your account. Do not use spaces or dashes in the credit card number.
- A confirmation page will display. The document is now filed and will appear in the History and Documents for the affected record. You may print the confirmation page for your records.
Do not use the Internet browser’s “Back” button while navigating the Secretary of State website. Using the “Back” button will cause errors to occur and may result in the loss of information.
If after submitting the payment online you receive a message saying the page has expired or you have been timed out, return to the Business Division and search the business database for the record. On the Summary page, select “View History and Documents”. If the document was filed, it will appear in the History and Documents. Please note that items are listed in chronological order on the History and Documents pages; therefore, it may be necessary to either scroll to the bottom of the screen or go to the last page of History and Documents to find and view the document.
You can find more information at the “Helpful Filing Tips & Troubleshooting Information” page.
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To file documents online for a new record:
- Under the "Business Organization Information" column, select “File a document creating a new record”.
- Select the appropriate form for your transaction.
- Complete the form. All fields with a red asterisk (*) must be completed.
- Select “Submit” after information has been entered in the appropriate fields. The Transaction Preview page will be displayed after selecting “Submit”, unless an attachment is necessary, in which case the Manage Attachments page will be displayed. For more information on managing attachments click here.
- If the website does not proceed to the Transaction Preview page, scroll to the top of the page and look for error messages in red. Correct the errors and then select “Submit”.
- The Transaction Preview page will display an image of the document. Review the document for errors. If any changes or corrections need to be made, select “Return to Form” at the bottom of the screen to go back to the form. Otherwise, select “Accept” to proceed to the payment screen.
- A copy of the document may be printed from the Transaction Preview page by selecting the print button in the image window.
- Enter either credit card or prepaid account information on the Online Payment page, then select “Pay Now”. Do not click “Pay Now” more than once. Clicking “Pay Now” more than once may result in multiple charges to your account.
- A confirmation page will display. The document is now filed and will appear in the History and Documents for the affected record. You may print a copy of the confirmation page for your records.
Do not use the Internet browser’s “Back” button while navigating the Secretary of State website. Using the “Back” button will cause errors to occur and may result in the loss of information.
If after submitting the payment online you receive a message saying the page has expired or you have been timed out, return to the Business Division and search the business database for the record. Enter the entity name or ID number and select “Search”. If you enter a name, a list of entities with similar names will display. Select the ID Number of the appropriate entity. If you do not find your record by the entity name or ID number, your document was not filed.
You can find more information at the “Helpful Filing Tips & Troubleshooting Information” page.
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Revised August 24, 2009 at 5:00 PM