Instructions For Filing An Application For Certificate Of Authority printable pdf download

Instructions for Filing an Application for Certificate of Authority

Check for availability of the corporate name in West Virginia. Preliminary information is available by

phone at 304-558-8000. To reserve your name, file an application for name reservation with a $15 fee. If

approved, the name will be held for 120 days. If an insurance company, list your NAIC number, if you

have one. Insurance companies are subject to and must adhere to the naming provisions of WV Code §33-

1-12.

Obtain a certificate of good standing or certificate of existence from your home state of incorporation dated

during the current tax year.

Pursuant to West Virginia Code §33-3-3 the Secretary of State shall not issue a certificate of incorporation

to any insurance company until the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner has examined the charter of the

insurance company and approved same in writing. If the application is for a currently licensed insurance

company, please submit a copy of the Certificate of Authority issued by the West Virginia Insurance

Commissioner for your current tax year. If the application is from an insurance company with a pending

license review before the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner, please submit a copy of the written

approval of the charter from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Submitting a copy of the

Certificate of Authority issued by the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner or copy of the written

approval of the charter, whichever is applicable, at the time of filing will avoid denial of the application by

the Secretary of State.

Complete one copy of the application according to the instructions below. If you would like a filed copy

returned to you then submit two original applications. Incomplete applications will be returned.

Mail or deliver to the Secretary of State the following as a packet:

Certificate of Existence/Good Standing from the State of Incorporation

Original application(s) for certificate of authority, signed by an officer of the corporation

A resolution of your board of directors adopting DBA if your home state name isn’t available in

Insurance companies include a copy of the Certificate of Authority issued by the WV Insurance

Commissioner for your current tax year or a copy of the written approval of the charter from the

Offices of the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner.

Completing the Application

Section 1. a. The name entered here must match the name on your good standing certificate.

b. Even if your corporation is not perpetual in your home state, remember that your

responsibilities for tax reporting in West Virginia will not end until you file a certificate of

withdrawal.

c. If an insurance Company, list your NAIC number, if your have one.

Section 2. a. The principal office address whether it is in WV or out-of-state.

b. A mailing address, if different, from principal office address.

Instructions For Filing An Application For Certificate Of Authority