Texas Certificate of Fact: How to Request Online
A Texas Certificate of Fact – Status, often shortened to Certificate of Fact, is an official document issued by the Texas Secretary of State. It verifies a company’s legal name, formation or registration date, and current status in the state’s business records.
Businesses may need a Certificate of Fact – Status to apply for financing, register in another state, or prove their legal existence or authority to transact business in Texas. You can order a Texas Certificate of Fact through the state’s electronic business filing system or use a trusted online service such as FastFilings.
What Is a Texas Certificate of Fact?
The Certificate of Fact – Status provides official evidence that a domestic entity legally exists or that a foreign entity has authority to transact business in Texas.
The certificate generally displays:
- The entity’s current legal name
- Its formation or registration date
- Its status with the Texas Secretary of State
The Texas Secretary of State considers the Certificate of Fact – Status equivalent to a certificate of good standing or certificate of existence.
The certificate reflects the information in the state’s records on the date of issuance. It does not guarantee that the entity will maintain the same status after that date.
Apply for a Texas Certificate of Fact!
Who Can Request a Texas Certificate of Fact?
You do not need to be the company’s owner, manager, officer, or registered agent to order a Certificate of Fact. Texas business records are public, so another person or organization can generally submit the request.
The entity must have a record with the Texas Secretary of State. Eligible entities may include:
- Texas LLCs and corporations
- Limited partnerships
- Professional entities
- Nonprofit corporations
- Foreign entities registered in Texas
Sole proprietorships and some general partnerships do not file formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State. They may not have a state business record for which a Certificate of Fact can be issued.
When Do You Need a Certificate of Fact?
A Certificate of Fact allows another organization to verify that a business exists or has authority to conduct business in Texas. You may need one when:
- Registering the business in another state
- Applying for a loan or line of credit
- Opening certain business accounts
- Entering a major contract
- Selling or transferring the company
- Completing a license application
For example, another state may request the certificate when a Texas company applies for foreign qualification. A lender may request one before approving financing.
A Certificate of Fact does not have a set expiration date. However, the organization requesting it may require a certificate issued within the previous 30, 60, or 90 days. Check the recipient’s requirements before placing your order.
How to Request a Texas Certificate of Fact Online
You can request a Certificate of Fact in Texas through SOSDirect, the Texas Secretary of State’s electronic business filing system. You will need the company’s SOS file number or enough information to locate the correct entity by name.
Check the company’s legal name and file number before submitting the request. Businesses can have similar names, so choosing the correct record matters.
You can also order through a trusted third-party online service. This option gives you a simpler request process. You provide the company information, and the service prepares and submits the order on your behalf.
Get Your Texas Certificate of Fact Online With FastFilings
FastFilings makes it easy to request a Certificate of Fact in Texas without navigating the state ordering system yourself. Provide your business information through our online service, and we will prepare the request. Get the official certificate you need for your next transaction or compliance requirement.
FAQs
What is a TX Certificate of Fact?
It is an official document from the Texas Secretary of State that verifies information in the state’s business records. The certificate confirms an entity’s name, formation or registration date, and current status.
How do you get a Certificate of Fact in Texas online?
Request it through SOSDirect or use an online filing service such as FastFilings. You will need the company’s SOS file number or enough information to identify the correct business record.
How long does it take to get a Texas Certificate of Fact?
Processing times vary based on the ordering method and current request volume. Online requests are often completed quickly, while some orders may take one or more business days. Allow additional time if delivery by mail is required.
Is a Certificate of Fact the same as a certificate of good standing in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Secretary of State considers a Certificate of Fact – Status equivalent to a certificate of good standing or certificate of existence in Texas. However, some organizations may use “good standing” to refer to franchise tax account status. Confirm which document the requesting party requires.
Is a Certificate of Fact the same as a Certificate of Account Status in Texas?
No. A Certificate of Fact – Status comes from the Secretary of State and confirms an entity’s existence or authority in Texas. A Certificate of Account Status comes from the Texas Comptroller and addresses the entity’s franchise tax account status.
