Small Business Reading Room

Monday, October 31, 2005

Delaware's Official Certificates could soon be Black and White

One of the topics discussed at the 19th Executive Strategic Planning Conference earlier this month was the adaptation of Black and White Certificates in Delaware. While nothing has been actually been decided yet, if approved, the move could come as early as January 2006.

What does this mean?

Well, anyone who has obtained a certified copy of a filing made with the Division of Corporations or a Certificate of Good Standing, knows that the document has some color in it. The header and the signature of the Secretary of State are both blue. If the official certificates move to black and white, obviously, that will no longer be the case.

How will you know if the certificate is real?

As it stands now, both certified copy certificates, and certificate of good standing or status have an authentication code on them. This is a 7-digit number that appears below the signature of the Secretary of State. Discussion at the conference also included implementing the ability to verify an authentication number through the internet. You, your bank, or whoever could be able to verify the kind of document and the date it was issued simply by visiting the Division of Corporations website.

Why do this?

If you take away the cost advantage, other reasons included the ability to share and send original certificates instantly, the security of online document verification, and the simple fact that other states are already doing this.

What do you think?

Give us some feedback! This is our opportunity to let the State know how you, our clients, feel about this idea. Leave us a comment, or send us an e-mail and we'll make sure to voice your opinions for you.

We'll keep you posted as to any new developments in this area as information becomes available.

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Small Business Reading Room

Delaware's Official Certificates could soon be Black and White

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