Are Articles of Incorporation Public Records?

Key Takeaways

• Articles of incorporation are public records filed with the state to legally establish a corporation.
• These documents generally include the corporation’s name, registered agent, business address, purpose, and stock details.
• States differ in what additional information is required—some include directors’ names, while others do not.
• Anyone can access articles of incorporation, either online for free or for a small fee through the Secretary of State.
• Sensitive information, such as home addresses, should be carefully considered before inclusion since it will be publicly available.
• Certified copies may be required for opening bank accounts, obtaining financing, or dealing with investors.
• Professional filing or retrieval services can assist, but most processes can be done directly with state agencies.

Are articles of incorporation public? The answer is yes. These documents, which are filed with the Secretary of State or similar agency to create a new business entity, are available for public viewing. If you're starting a corporation, it's important to be aware of this so that you don't accidentally reveal personal information.

In some states, including Arizona, the articles of incorporation can be downloaded by anyone for free. In states where these documents are not uploaded online, individuals can access them in person or by mail for a small filing fee.

About Articles of Incorporation

Specific guidelines about the articles of incorporation vary depending on the state where your company will be located. In some areas, you need to publish the articles in a local newspaper as designated by the state. The articles of incorporation typically include the following information:

• The name of the business.
• The name and contact information for a registered agent authorized for service of process.
• The number of authorized stock shares to be issued.

If you are acting as the registered agent, you may list your home address without realizing that this information will be made publicly available.

Some states, such as Illinois, require your articles to include the names of all board members, but this is not required in other states. Stockholders are not included and this information should not be publicly shared. Stockholders are usually allowed to examine the corporation's records, including lists of shareholders and meeting minutes. If the company does not allow a shareholder to do so, it could be subject to a fine.

Although you don't need your articles of incorporation every day, you should keep a copy of this document on hand in case you need it open a bank account, apply for a loan, or conduct other corporate business. It may also be requested if you have to appear in court or if you're pursuing a potential investor. Keep a certified copy of the articles in a safe deposit box.

What Information Do Articles of Incorporation Contain?

Articles of incorporation serve as the corporation’s founding document and typically include:

• Corporate Name: Must be unique and compliant with state naming rules.
• Business Purpose: Some states require a general business purpose clause; others expect a specific description of activities.
• Registered Agent Information: The individual or company designated to receive legal notices.
• Principal Office Address: The official business location, which becomes part of the public record.
• Stock Structure: The number and type of shares authorized for issuance.
• Incorporators’ Details: Names and signatures of the people forming the corporation.

Certain states may also require disclosure of initial directors’ names and addresses. However, shareholder details are typically excluded. Because this information is public, business owners should avoid including unnecessary personal details, especially home addresses.

Obtaining Articles of Incorporation

The process of requesting the articles of incorporation for a business varies from state to state. If you have trouble obtaining these documents, you may need to hire an attorney in the state in question.

• In New Jersey, you can request photocopies of all corporate documents included in the public record, such as meeting minutes, articles of incorporation, registered agent information, and merger documents. Many are available online.
• In Illinois, you can request a regular or certified copy of articles of incorporation for a small fee from the Secretary of State's business services division.
• Delaware makes annual reports and articles of incorporation available for a modest photocopying fee.

You'll need to gather the correct information to make your request, including the original legal name of the business and its state control number. In some states, you may also need to supply the name of the registered agent and his or her address. You can often gather this information by searching for the business entity on the Secretary of State website.

You can also download the forms you need from the website. In many states, you can file the request form in person or through the mail. In most cases, you'll need to pay the fee by check. Most requests take at least 24 hours to fulfill, although you may be able to request rush service for an additional fee. Some states charge a flat fee while others charge per copied page. Certified copies typically cost extra.

For example, New Jersey charges 10 cents for each copied page and $25 per document for a certified copy. If the business entity cannot be found, you can obtain a no record certificate for $25. You can also search yourself online for free at no cost.

Professional firms can be hired to obtain articles of incorporation and other public documents for a fee, but in most cases, they aren't doing anything you couldn't do by yourself.

You can also search for corporate filings on federal and state intellectual property database. These documents include patent, trademark, and copyright registration documents. This information is available from the U.S. Copyright Office and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Why Are Articles of Incorporation Public?

Articles of incorporation are public for reasons of transparency and accountability. Making them accessible allows:

• Investors and creditors to verify that a business is properly registered.
• Consumers and partners to confirm the legitimacy of a company.
• Regulators to ensure compliance with state laws.

This openness helps build trust in the corporate system, but it also underscores the importance of carefully reviewing what information is submitted. Unlike operating agreements or bylaws, which remain private, articles of incorporation are part of the permanent state business registry.

Amending or Updating Articles

Corporations may need to amend their articles of incorporation to reflect changes such as:

• Changing the business name.
• Modifying the number of authorized shares.
• Updating the registered agent or office address.
• Revising the business purpose.

Amendments are filed with the Secretary of State and also become public records. Some states require filing Articles of Amendment, while others may allow restated articles. Failing to keep filings up to date can cause compliance issues or administrative dissolution.

Alternatives and Related Documents

It’s helpful to distinguish articles of incorporation from other corporate documents:

• Bylaws – Internal operating rules, not public.
• Operating Agreements (for LLCs) – Private contracts outlining member rights.
• Annual Reports – Public filings that update corporate information with the state.

While articles of incorporation establish the corporation’s existence, these related documents govern daily operations and ownership but usually remain private unless specifically required by law.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are articles of incorporation public in every state?
   Yes. All states treat them as public records, but access methods vary. Some provide free online databases, while others require fees.
2. Can I keep my personal address private on articles of incorporation?
   In most states, you must list a registered agent’s address. To avoid using your home address, you can hire a commercial registered agent service.
3. What is the difference between articles of incorporation and bylaws?
   Articles of incorporation are public documents establishing the corporation. Bylaws are internal, private rules governing management.
4. How do I amend articles of incorporation?
   You file an amendment with the Secretary of State. Common reasons include name changes, share adjustments, or changes in registered agent information.
5. Do I need a certified copy of articles of incorporation?
   Often yes—for opening business bank accounts, obtaining loans, or working with investors, a certified copy is required.

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