Requirements for a Company Seal
What is a Company Seal?
The company seal, sometimes called a corporate seal, is a tool used to stamp or emboss your company's important documents in order to show the document is certified by, and agreed upon by, the Board of Directors of the company.
This company stamp contains the company’s name, its year of incorporation and the state in which the company was filed. Think of the corporate seal as the official signature of your company.
Some of the documents you might want to use a company seal on include:
- employment and vendor contracts
- minutes from Board of Directors meetings
- leases
- agreements of sale
- loan documents
- other commitments by the company
Any company may adopt a company seal, change it as it sees fit and use it as needed by affixing, impressing or reproducing it onto documents. This decision is usually made in the organizational meeting called by the initial director of the company; this meeting is normally held as soon as possible after the company is incorporated.
Once this meeting is held and the proper documents are signed, sealed and placed in the minutes book, the corporation or LLC possesses the authority to conduct the day-to-day operations of the business.
One of the first orders of business in this meeting is the issuing of stock (for a corporation) or the issuing of membership certificates (for an LLC). The company seal can be used to stamp the stock or membership certificates in tandem with the signature of the president.
This is important because the certificates and the Board of Directors' resolution authorizing the issuance of the certificates are the evidence that prove ownership in the business entity.
LLCs often use the digital corporate seal on the Operating Agreement, membership certificates, banking resolutions, invoices, receipts, et al. Corporations can use their corporate seal on their bylaws, stock certificates, and meeting minutes to make them official.
Be sure the stock certificates are properly stamped and signed by the president, as this can make it harder for someone to claim ownership with fraudulent certificates, which does happen from time to time.
How to Get a Corporate Seal
Do you need a company seal? While the use of company seals has diminished, some businesses still choose to have them for ceremonial or traditional purposes. Harvard Business Services, Inc. offers a free digital seal to all new Delaware corporations and LLCs we form on behalf of our clients. For more information on obtaining a physical company seal, or to order additional seals for you company, contact Harvard Business Services, Inc. via phone (800-345-2677) or live chat.
Next: Is a Corporate Kit Necessary?
*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
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There are 26 comments left for Requirements for a Company Seal
Denis Mountain said: Thursday, June 2, 2022I have no idea earlier about this but after reading your blog i got lot of informations about requirement of company seals. Thank you so much.
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, June 2, 2022Thank you for reading our blog. We are glad you found it to be helpful. If you have any questions we are here to assist.
Mrs. Stewart said: Thursday, July 22, 2021My LLC was not formed with Harvard Business Services, can I still purchase a seal and/or kit?
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, July 22, 2021Hi Mrs. Stewart, a member of our sales team will be reaching out to you about your request!
Rakhi Krishna said: Monday, March 15, 2021How do I obtain/ order a digital corporate seal. Thank you.
HBS Staff replied: Monday, March 15, 2021Rakhi,
We will be happy to email your digital corporate seal.
Notary Services said: Thursday, February 4, 2021This is really Helpful Content That you share with your audience and Thank you So Much With This Useful Information.
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, February 4, 2021Thank you for reading our article and we are glad you found it helpful.
Ibrahim Hamza said: Thursday, December 17, 2020How does it cost to own a seal?
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, December 17, 2020We offer a corporate seal as part of our corporate kit. The cost starts at $65, depending on where you are located. Please contact our sales team for more information: sales@delawareinc.com or 800-345-2677 ext 6911.