Can I sign Form 100 electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws adopted in 49 states. Ensure signer intent, consent to electronic transactions, signature attribution, and record retention to meet the four-part ESIGN validity test.

Does the state require notarization or witnesses?

Most states do not require notarization or witnesses for articles of incorporation; requirements vary by state. Check the specific secretary of state filing instructions before submitting; certain ancillary documents may require notarization.

Who must sign the Articles?

Typically an incorporator signs the Articles. For multi-step formation, incorporator(s) execute the articles and officers or directors adopt bylaws after filing. Check the form instructions for required signatory roles.

What if the state rejects my filing?

A rejection usually requires correction and resubmission; unresolved rejections delay formation and may forfeit filing fees. Correct the specified errors promptly and confirm any fee or expedited resubmission options with the secretary of state.

How do I amend Articles after filing?

States provide an Articles of Amendment form to change name, shares, or other provisions. Filing an amendment typically requires a separate fee and must follow the state’s amendment procedures.

Are e-signed articles accepted for banking and tax registrations?

Most banks and the IRS accept electronically signed articles when accompanied by a certified PDF and a verifiable audit trail, but some banks may request a certified paper copy or additional verification. Confirm with the institution.

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Articles of Incorporation Form 100

Articles of Incorporation Form 100

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

What the Articles of Incorporation Form 100 Is

The Articles of Incorporation Form 100 is the formal document filed with a state secretary of state to create a corporation. It establishes the legal entity by naming the corporation, identifying the registered agent, stating the authorized shares and classes, and listing incorporator information. Filing Form 100 (or the state-equivalent articles) begins the statutory formation process, triggers state filing fees, and creates the public record that defines the corporation’s basic structure and governance.

Why accurate Articles of Incorporation Form 100 matter

Filing correct Articles creates the corporate entity, establishes limited liability, and sets basic governance terms. Accurate, complete articles reduce delays, avoid rejection, and protect owners’ rights under state law.

Who commonly prepares and files Form 100

Choose the preparer based on complexity: simple single-share incorporations may be handled by founders, while complex capital structures usually require attorney review.

Entrepreneurs and founders forming a C or S corporation for investment and liability protection.
Corporate attorneys and paralegals preparing compliant formation documents for clients.
Registered agents and formation services responsible for filing and initial state notices.

Step-by-step: Completing and filing the Articles of Incorporation Form 100

Follow these steps in order to prepare, sign, and submit Form 100 efficiently while preserving legal effect.

01

Prepare the draft: Gather corporate name, registered agent, incorporator names, and share structure.
02

Review legal terms: Confirm purpose clause, duration, and any special provisions with counsel if needed.
03

Execute signatures: Have incorporator(s) sign using the required format and any witness or notary steps.
04

File with state: Submit by the state’s accepted method and pay the filing fee.

How electronic completion and submission typically works

The typical electronic workflow moves from document preparation to signature and then to e-filing or mail submission; each step preserves an audit trail for legal recordkeeping.

Upload document: Convert the Articles to a PDF and upload to your e-signature or filing platform.
Place fields: Add signature, date, and text fields for incorporators and agents.
Authenticate signers: Use email links, SMS codes, or stronger authentication where required.
Export & file: Download the signed PDF for state e-filing or prepare a certified copy for mailing.

Recommended online workflow settings for Form 100

Configure these settings when using an e-signature or document platform to complete Form 100.

Field	Configuration
Signature fields	Place incorporator signature and date fields; require signer name entry.
Authentication	Use email link or SMS code; select stronger authentication for sensitive filings.
Conditional fields	Enable conditional fields for optional articles or share class details.
Export format	Export completed PDF/A for recordkeeping and state submission.

Technical requirements and supported integrations

Ensure the provider supports audit trails, multiple authentication options, and the export formats required by your state secretary of state.

File formats: PDF, DOCX accepted for uploads and exports
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
Security: TLS and AES encryption in transit and at rest

Core elements to include on a professional Form 100

A complete Articles of Incorporation Form 100 contains certain essential provisions; including them properly reduces the need for amendments and protects stakeholders.

Corporate Name

Legal name with required corporate designator and any fictitious name disclosures.

Registered Agent

Name and physical address for service of process and official notices.

Purpose Clause

General business purpose or specific activities, depending on state requirements.

Authorized Shares

Total number and classes of shares, par value if applicable, and rights.

Incorporator Details

Names and addresses of incorporators responsible for execution and filing.

Effective Date and Duration

Specify immediate effect or a future effective date and perpetual or fixed duration.

Required information fields at a glance

Company Name: Full legal name

Registered Agent: Name and street address

Principal Office: Business street address

Incorporator: Name and mailing address

Authorized Shares: Number and class

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY or 'upon filing'

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Using an unavailable or reserved corporate name, which leads to rejection and delays in formation.
Providing only a P.O. box for the registered agent instead of a physical street address.
Misstating authorized shares or classes, forcing an amendment and additional filing fees.
Failing to have the incorporator sign in the required format or without required witness or notary steps.

Consequences of incorrect Articles of Incorporation Form 100

Filing Rejection: State returns and fees forfeited

Formation Delay: No corporate protections until accepted

Liability Exposure: Owners risk personal liability if formation is defective

Additional Fees: Amendments and expedited filings incur costs

Tax Issues: Misclassification may affect IRS filing status

Registered Agent Risk: Missed notices if agent info is incorrect

Timing: filing windows and processing expectations

There is no universal filing deadline; timing depends on when you want the corporation to be effective and on state processing speeds.

When to File:

File when you want corporate existence to begin; choose an effective date if needed

State Processing:

Processing times vary by state and method (online usually faster)

Expedited Options:

Many states offer expedited filing for an additional fee

Tax Filings:

Obtain EIN and register for state tax accounts shortly after filing

Annual Requirements:

Budget for annual reports and franchise taxes per state rules

Key milestones from preparation to certificate issuance

These milestones represent the typical sequence from drafting to the state issuing a certificate of incorporation.

01

Draft Articles

Compile name, agent, shares, incorporators before signing.

02

Execute Signatures

Incorporator(s) sign and apply any required notarization.

03

Submit Filing

File online or by mail and pay required fees.

04

Receive Certificate

State issues certificate or acknowledgment of filing.

Real-world examples of using e-signatures for formation filings

Organizations often use e-signatures and digital workflows to streamline incorporation and preserve a verifiable audit trail.

Optica Ventures (COO)

Optica used an online signing flow for initial formation documents to simplify distribution to remote founders.

The approach reduced time to collect incorporator signatures.
As a result, the company completed formation without in-person meetings and retained a certified audit trail for corporate records and banking setup.

Martin Properties (Founder)

Martin Properties completed incorporation paperwork and registered agent acceptance electronically from multiple devices.

Remote signing enabled same-day execution.
The firm preserved signed PDFs for their records and expedited obtaining an EIN and opening bank accounts while avoiding travel and in-person notarization delays.

Comparing e-signature vendor pricing and basic features

This vendor comparison lists common commercial eSignature features and starting prices; signNow appears first per platform comparison convention.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day free trial	Yes, trial available	Yes, trial available	Yes, limited trial	Yes, limited trial
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently asked questions about Articles of Incorporation Form 100

Answers to common questions about signing, filing, and correcting Form 100.

Need help? Contact support

Can I sign Form 100 electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws adopted in 49 states. Ensure signer intent, consent to electronic transactions, signature attribution, and record retention to meet the four-part ESIGN validity test.
Does the state require notarization or witnesses?
Most states do not require notarization or witnesses for articles of incorporation; requirements vary by state. Check the specific secretary of state filing instructions before submitting; certain ancillary documents may require notarization.
Who must sign the Articles?
Typically an incorporator signs the Articles. For multi-step formation, incorporator(s) execute the articles and officers or directors adopt bylaws after filing. Check the form instructions for required signatory roles.
What if the state rejects my filing?
A rejection usually requires correction and resubmission; unresolved rejections delay formation and may forfeit filing fees. Correct the specified errors promptly and confirm any fee or expedited resubmission options with the secretary of state.
How do I amend Articles after filing?
States provide an Articles of Amendment form to change name, shares, or other provisions. Filing an amendment typically requires a separate fee and must follow the state’s amendment procedures.
Are e-signed articles accepted for banking and tax registrations?
Most banks and the IRS accept electronically signed articles when accompanied by a certified PDF and a verifiable audit trail, but some banks may request a certified paper copy or additional verification. Confirm with the institution.

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