¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ

Certificate of Authorization Template for United States

Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Let's create your document

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get your first 2 documents free

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Certificate of Authorization

I need a certificate of authorization for a compliance officer to operate within the EU, valid for 3 years, including adherence to GDPR and ISO 27001 standards, with annual audits required.

What is a Certificate of Authorization?

A Certificate of Authorization lets organizations practice professional services like engineering, architecture, or surveying under their business name. It's basically the state's way of saying "yes, this company has qualified professionals and can legally offer these services."

Many state licensing boards require these certificates to protect public safety and ensure quality work. To get one, companies typically need to prove they have licensed professionals on staff, carry proper insurance, and meet state-specific business requirements. The certificate must be renewed regularly and displayed where clients can see it.

When should you use a Certificate of Authorization?

Your business needs a Certificate of Authorization when offering professional services like engineering, architecture, or land surveying to clients. Most states require this certificate before you can legally advertise or perform these specialized services under a company name.

Get this certificate when starting a new professional firm, expanding services into regulated fields, or opening branches in different states. It's essential for bidding on government contracts, pulling building permits, and protecting your firm from liability issues. Many clients and partners also check for this credential before signing major contracts.

What are the different types of Certificate of Authorization?

  • Business Entity COA: Required for corporations, LLCs, and partnerships offering licensed professional services. Confirms the company structure meets state requirements.
  • Professional Practice COA: Specifically for engineering, architectural, or surveying firms. Details the licensed professionals on staff and scope of services.
  • Branch Office COA: Needed when expanding professional services to new locations across state lines. Lists local qualified supervisors.
  • Limited Service COA: Covers firms offering specialized subset of professional services, with specific restrictions on practice areas.
  • Temporary Project COA: Short-term authorization for out-of-state firms working on specific projects within another state's jurisdiction.

Who should typically use a Certificate of Authorization?

  • Professional Services Firms: Engineering, architectural, and surveying companies that need legal authority to practice under their business name
  • State Licensing Boards: Issue and regulate Certificates of Authorization, ensuring companies meet professional standards
  • Licensed Professionals: Must be listed on the certificate as qualified staff members responsible for overseeing work
  • Company Officers: Sign and maintain compliance with certificate requirements, often including managing renewals
  • Client Organizations: Verify certificates before contracting professional services to ensure firms are properly authorized

How do you write a Certificate of Authorization?

  • Business Details: Gather your company's legal name, address, and state registration information
  • Professional Roster: List all licensed professionals who will supervise services, including license numbers and specialties
  • Service Scope: Define exactly which professional services your firm will offer under this authorization
  • Insurance Coverage: Document professional liability insurance that meets state requirements
  • State Requirements: Check your licensing board's specific application forms and fee schedule
  • Quality Control: Prepare documentation of your firm's quality assurance procedures and professional standards

What should be included in a Certificate of Authorization?

  • Company Information: Full legal business name, physical address, and state registration details
  • Professional Credentials: Names and license numbers of qualified professionals supervising services
  • Scope Statement: Clear description of authorized professional services and any limitations
  • Duration and Renewal: Certificate validity period and renewal requirements
  • Compliance Declaration: Statement affirming adherence to state professional practice laws
  • Official Signatures: Authorized company officer signatures and state board approval
  • Insurance Verification: Professional liability coverage details meeting state minimums

What's the difference between a Certificate of Authorization and a Certificate of Authority?

A Certificate of Authorization differs significantly from a Certificate of Authority. While they sound similar, they serve distinct purposes in business operations.

  • Purpose and Scope: A Certificate of Authorization permits professional firms to offer specific services like engineering or architecture. A Certificate of Authority allows companies to conduct general business in states outside their home jurisdiction.
  • Issuing Authority: Professional licensing boards issue Certificates of Authorization, while state governments issue Certificates of Authority through their Secretary of State offices.
  • Requirements: Authorization certificates need licensed professionals on staff and specific insurance coverage. Authority certificates focus on tax compliance and corporate registration requirements.
  • Renewal Process: Authorization certificates typically require annual renewal with proof of continued professional oversight. Authority certificates often have simpler renewal processes focused on maintaining good standing.

Get our United States-compliant Certificate of Authorization:

Access for Free Now
*No sign-up required
4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Find the exact document you need

Tax Authority Certificate

An official U.S. tax authority document certifying tax compliance or status for individuals or businesses.

find out more

Certification Of Authorization By Principal

A U.S. legal document certifying authority granted by a principal to an agent to act on their behalf.

find out more

Certificate Of Borrowing Authority

A U.S. legal document certifying a corporation's authority to borrow money and enter into loan agreements.

find out more

Certificate Of Fiduciary Authority

A U.S. legal document that validates a fiduciary's authority to act on behalf of another party.

find out more

Certificate Of Fact Trust Authority

A U.S. legal document certifying key facts about a trust's existence and authority for third-party verification.

find out more

Franchise Authorization Certificate

A U.S. legal document granting rights to operate a franchise under specified terms and conditions, compliant with federal and state franchise laws.

find out more

Certificate Of Authority To Operate

A U.S. regulatory document authorizing an organization to conduct specific operations after meeting required standards and compliance criteria.

find out more

Certificate Of Authority To Transact Business

An official U.S. state-issued document authorizing a foreign business entity to conduct operations within the state.

find out more

Certificate Of Corporate Authority

A U.S. legal document certifying individuals' authority to act on behalf of a corporation.

find out more

Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal

By providing your email address you are consenting to our Privacy Notice.
Thank you for downloading our whitepaper. This should arrive in your inbox shortly. In the meantime, why not jump straight to a section that interests you here: /our-research
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ³Ò±ð²Ô¾±±ð’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security

You retain IP ownership of your documents

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

Innovation in privacy:

Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London

Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts

Want to know more?

Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.