Entity Identification
Legal name, original formation file number, and state of formation to ensure the revival references the correct corporate record and avoids administrative rejection.
Revival restores legal authority to contract and shields owners from personal exposure for post-dissolution obligations under state law and corporate statutes such as those enforced by the Secretary of State.
The Certificate of Revival is prepared and delivered by parties who need the entity legally active again, often after administrative dissolution or voluntary cessation.
After filing, copies are typically shared with banks, counterparties, licensing authorities, and tax agencies to confirm restored authority.
A corporate secretary or authorized officer signs when the entity is a corporation; that signer certifies corporate resolution and authority to request revival, and must ensure filings reflect corporate records and approvals.
For LLCs, a managing member or manager signs the certificate, attesting to payment of taxes and fees and confirming that the entity meets state statutory conditions for reinstatement.
Legal name, original formation file number, and state of formation to ensure the revival references the correct corporate record and avoids administrative rejection.
Short statement describing administrative dissolution or forfeiture cause and confirmation that qualifying conditions for revival have been satisfied under state law.
Declaration that outstanding taxes, fees, penalties, and required returns have been paid or arrangements made with taxing authorities where required by the state's statute.
The date the revival becomes effective (MM/DD/YYYY) or language stating statutory retroactive effect if the state permits revival to relate back.
Supporting exhibits such as payment receipts, tax clearance letters, or amended formation documents required by the Secretary of State.
Printed name, title, signature, and date from an authorized signer; notary acknowledgment or witness statements if the state requires them.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Authentication | Use email plus SMS code or stronger KBA if required by jurisdiction |
| Attachments | Enable PDF attachments and require tax clearance upload before submission |
| Signing Order | Set role-based order: preparer → authorized signer → notary (if needed) |
| Retention Settings | Keep final PDF and audit trail for statutory retention period |
Use a platform that supports common formats and provides an auditable signing trail to satisfy legal and agency requirements.
Ensure the chosen platform captures time stamps, IP addresses, and a complete audit trail and stores the signed PDF per record retention rules.
Assemble formation records, tax clearances, and exhibits required for filing.
Get internal corporate approvals and any required external tax clearances.
Submit the Certificate of Revival and any fees to the Secretary of State.
Receive official filing confirmation and distribute copies to stakeholders.
Ranges from same-day online acceptance to several weeks via mail, depending on state.
Some states allow retroactive revival; others make revival effective on acceptance date.
Obtaining tax clearance can add days to weeks depending on taxing authority responsiveness.
Notary or Remote Online Notarization sessions may require scheduling and additional fees.
Plan for time to notify banks, licensing boards, and vendors after official restoration.
| Document Type | Certificate of Revival | Certificate of Existence |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | restore active status | evidence of good standing |
| Required Signatures | authorized officer | state clerk certification |
| Notarization | sometimes required | not typically required |
| Legal Effect | reinstates authority | confirms current status |
| 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 | 7-day free trial, no credit card | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
A local restaurant owner missed an annual report and lost active status
A corporation was administratively dissolved for failure to file franchise taxes