Who must register with the Ohio Secretary of State?
Anyone who is planning to do business within the State of Ohio, using a name other than their own personal name, must register with our office. Sole Proprietorships are not required to register with the Secretary of State`s office. This applies to companies in Ohio and companies in other states or countries wishing to do business in the State of Ohio. Companies outside the State of Ohio often have to include a Certificate of Good Standing from their home state`s Secretary of State or registering authority to accompany their filing.
Any business entity, domestic or foreign, planning to transact business within the State of Ohio, using a name other than their own personal name, must register with our office. Business entities must file the appropriate formation documents to form or register their business. Sole Proprietorships and general partnerships are not required to register the business entity with the Secretary of State`s office, however, they may need to register a trade name or report the use of a fictitious name.
