Oklahoma Foreign Qualification

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Oklahoma is the process by which a business that was originally formed in another state registers to do business in Oklahoma. This allows the business to legally operate in Oklahoma and ensures compliance with state laws and regulations.

There are 3 different ways to foreign qualify in Oklahoma depending on your legal entity type and tax classification. Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Oklahoma or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Foreign Qualification for LLC

If you are "doing business" in Oklahoma, you are required to file a Certificate of Qualification (Form 0083) with the Secretary of State. Oklahoma provides a list of limited liability company activities not constituting "doing business."

  1. Obtain Certificate of Good Standing

    Obtain Certificate of Good Standing issued in the last 60 days.

  2. Establish Additional Registered Agent

    All foreign businesses are required to maintain the Secretary of State as their registered agent in Oklahoma. However, you can maintain an additional registered agent to accept service of process. The additional registered agent must have a physical address in Oklahoma and must be an individual resident of Oklahoma or a business qualified to do business in Oklahoma.

  3. File Certificate of Qualification

    Visit Oklahoma Secretary of State On-Line Services to file your Certificate of Qualification online.

Oklahoma Foreign Qualification for Corporation

If you are "doing business" in Oklahoma, you are required to file a Certificate of Qualification (Form 0012) with the Secretary of State. Oklahoma provides a list of activities that are exceptions to the foreign qualification requirement and a list of activities not constituting "doing business." Note: As a foreign corporation registered with the Secretary of State, you will be required to register for franchise tax and pay a registered agent fee annually. Starting with the tax year 2024 and beyond, however, there will be no Oklahoma franchise tax filing requirement and businesses will no longer need to register for the tax. Tax year 2023 is the last year that franchise tax returns will be required to be filed.

  1. Obtain Certificate of Good Standing

    Obtain Certificate of Good Standing issued in the last 60 days.

  2. Establish Additional Registered Agent

    All foreign businesses are required to maintain the Secretary of State as their registered agent in Oklahoma. However, you can maintain an additional registered agent to accept service of process.The additional registered agent must have a physical address in Oklahoma and must be an individual resident of Oklahoma or a business qualified to do business in Oklahoma.

  3. File Certificate of Qualification

    Visit Oklahoma Secretary of State On-Line Services to file your Certificate of Qualification online.

Oklahoma Foreign Qualification for LLP

If you are "doing business" in Oklahoma, you are required to file a Statement of Foreign Qualification, Foreign Limited Liability Partnership (Form 0096) with the Secretary of State. Oklahoma provides a list of limited liability partnership activities not constituting "doing business."

  1. Obtain Certificate of Good Standing

    Obtain Certificate of Good Standing issued in the last 60 days.

  2. Establish Additional Registered Agent

    All foreign businesses are required to maintain the Secretary of State as their registered agent in Oklahoma. However, you can maintain an additional registered agent to accept service of process. The additional registered agent must have a physical address in Oklahoma and must be an individual resident of Oklahoma or a business qualified to do business in Oklahoma.

  3. File Statement of Foreign Qualification

    Visit the Oklahoma Secretary of State Online Services to file your Certificate of Qualification.

What else do I need to know?

Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.

Maintaining a Registered Agent

Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in Oklahoma.

Annual Reports and Taxes

In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's Foreign Qualification Agencies

Review your compliance risks, free.

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

What Is a Statutory Agent in Arizona and Do You Need One?

Your statutory agent is essentially your business’s official point of contact in Arizona — the designated person or company that accepts important legal documents on your behalf. This isn’t a choice — it’s a requirement. Arizona law mandates that all businesses operating within the state must have a statutory agent in place. Why? A statutory agent ensures that your business always has a reliable way to receive critical notices and legal documents, protecting you from potential setbacks and surprises.

Kaitlin Edwards | May 19, 2024

Cell Phone & Internet Reimbursement Laws by State

Tracking internet usage for expense reports is important for individuals and businesses alike, as it directly impacts taxable income and potential tax deductions. If your employees work in person, you probably have an intuitive sense of which expenses are your responsibility and which remain with your staff. You don’t need to buy your COO a spiffy new suit or take the whole office out to lunch every day—but you also wouldn’t dream of asking your team to fund the office electric bill or pay for their own desks.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Aug 18, 2023

Colorado Family Leave Act: CO Employers Guide 2024

The Colorado Family Leave Act (CFLA) is a significant shift in family leave regulations for employers in Colorado. Some employers may already partially comply with CFLA provisions due to their existing leave procedures. However, other employers may have to revisit their policies. Mosey’s guide will dive into the details of the Colorado Family Leave Act, how it compares to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), its implementation timeline, and practical steps for compliance.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Sep 16, 2024

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.