NYS Department of State – Division of Corporations – Albany, NY

Division of Corporations Overview

The Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code is a vital arm of the New York Department of State. Located on the 6th floor of One Commerce Plaza at 99 Washington Avenue, this office serves as the official depository for the creation and registration of business entities in New York. Whether launching a startup or managing a large enterprise, business owners interact with this division to file the legal documents that grant their companies standing to operate within the state.

Business Filing and Records

The Division processes hundreds of thousands of filings annually. Its primary services include:

• Business Formation: Accepting Certificates of Incorporation for corporations and Articles of Organization for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
• Foreign Qualification: Authorizing out-of-state companies to conduct business in New York.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Filing financing statements (UCC-1) that publicize a creditor’s interest in a debtor’s personal property, crucial for secured lending.
• State Records: Maintaining official state documents, including the oaths of office for public officials and the registration of trademarks and service marks.

Service of Process

The Secretary of State acts as the statutory agent for service of process for most business entities. The Division accepts legal papers (summons and complaints) served upon registered businesses and forwards them to the address on file. This function ensures that companies can be held legally accountable.

Visiting One Commerce Plaza

The Customer Service Counter is open to the public for in-person filings and expedited processing. Visitors must present valid photo identification at the building’s security desk to gain access to the elevators. While many filings can now be completed online through the Department’s e-file systems, the counter remains a resource for complex transactions and obtaining certified copies of documents.