If you're a business owner, voter, or resident in Washington State, you've probably come across the term "WA Secretary of State" at least once. This office plays a huge role in how the state runs, from elections to business registrations and beyond. But what exactly does the Secretary of State do, and why does it matter to you? Let’s break it down in a way that's easy to understand and even easier to apply to your daily life.

So, you might be wondering, what's the big deal about the WA Secretary of State? Well, it's more than just a government title. Think of this office as the glue that holds a bunch of important state-level processes together. From making sure your ballot gets counted to helping your small business get officially recognized, the Secretary of State has a hand in quite a few things that affect everyday Washingtonians.

Whether you're starting a business, verifying your nonprofit’s status, or just trying to make sense of election day logistics, knowing a little more about the WA Secretary of State can save you time, hassle, and maybe even a few phone calls to their office. So let’s dive into the details and get you up to speed on this key state position and how it impacts your life.

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Table of Contents

• Who Is the Secretary of State in Washington?
• Key Responsibilities of the WA Secretary of State
• How to Use the Business Entity Search Tool
• Services for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
• Voting and Elections in Washington State
• How to Contact the Office of the Secretary of State
• FAQ Section

Who Is the Secretary of State in Washington?

As of 2025, the 16th Secretary of State of Washington is Steve Hobbs. He took office after being appointed by the Governor, and he’s been working hard to keep the office running smoothly. You can find him in the Legislative Building in Olympia, right at 416 Sid Snyder Ave. If you ever need to visit in person, the office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parking is available behind the building, which you can access from Talcott Ave.

Steve Hobbs didn’t just wake up one day as Secretary of State. He’s worked in public service for a long time, and now he’s overseeing one of the most critical roles in the state. His office handles everything from elections to business filings, and he’s helped shape how residents and businesses interact with the state government.

So, if you ever need to contact the Secretary of State’s office, you’ll be speaking with a team that supports Hobbs in making sure everything runs like clockwork.

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Key Responsibilities of the WA Secretary of State

The Secretary of State wears a lot of hats. It’s not just one job — it’s more like three rolled into one. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the office actually does:

• Chief Elections Officer – This means the Secretary of State is in charge of making sure elections run smoothly. That includes mailing out ballots, setting up voting centers with AVUs (Accessible Voting Units), and ensuring every vote counts.
• Chief Corporations Officer – If you’re starting or running a business in Washington, you’ll interact with this part of the office. They handle business registrations, trademarks, and keeping track of all the companies legally doing business in the state.
• Supervisor of the State Archives and State Library – This is where history and information management come in. The office maintains records, historical documents, and even programs like Legacy Washington, which highlights the state’s milestones — like the journey to marriage equality in 2023.

It’s a big job, and that’s why the office has different departments to manage each of these areas. But at the core, the Secretary of State is all about making sure Washington State’s government works the way it should — transparent, fair, and accessible to everyone.

How to Use the Business Entity Search Tool

One of the most useful tools offered by the WA Secretary of State is the Business Entity Search. Whether you’re starting a new company or checking the status of an existing one, this tool can be a lifesaver. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Visit the Corporation and Charities website. This is where you’ll find the search tool. Make sure you’re using the official site to get accurate information.
2. Enter the business name or ID. You can search by exact name, partial name, or even by the entity ID if you have it handy.
3. Review the results. Each result will show the business name, registration number, status, and other key details. You can click through to get more information or print out a certificate of existence if needed.

It’s a good idea to check this database if you’re planning to do business with a company or verify your own status. And if you’re registering a new business, you’ll definitely need this tool to make sure your name is unique and available.

Oh, and if you’re a foreign business (meaning you’re based in another state), you’ll also need to submit a certificate of status dated within the last 60 days. That’s just one of the requirements to do business in Washington State.

Services for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

Small business owners and nonprofit leaders, take note — the WA Secretary of State has a bunch of resources to help you out. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to stay compliant, here’s what you can do:

• Register your business – You’ll need to file the correct forms and pay the appropriate fees, which vary depending on your business type. You can find all the forms and fee schedules on their website.
• Verify your nonprofit’s status – If you’re running a charity or nonprofit, you can check your registration status and make sure you’re in good standing.
• Get official documents – Need a Certificate of Existence or a Certificate of Status? You can request these online or in person, depending on your needs.

They also offer guides and FAQs to help you avoid common mistakes. For example, some companies send out fake notices or solicitations that look official but aren’t. If you ever receive something that seems suspicious, it’s a good idea to double-check with the office before taking any action.

You can find more details on their website or by contacting their office directly. And if you’re ever confused about forms, fees, or filings, there’s a whole section devoted to helping you navigate the process step by step.

Voting and Elections in Washington State

If you're a registered voter in Washington, you’re probably already aware that ballots are usually mailed out to every registered voter. But did you know that you also have the option to vote in person using an AVU (Accessible Voting Unit)?

These units are available at voting centers across the state and offer a secure, accessible way to cast your ballot — especially helpful for those who prefer to vote in person or need assistance. Ballots are typically mailed out on July 28 for major elections, and you’ve got time to return them by mail or drop them off at a designated location.

The Secretary of State’s office is the one making sure every vote is counted, every ballot is secure, and every voter has access to the information they need. That includes managing voter registration databases, certifying election results, and working with county auditors to coordinate local election efforts.

If you ever want to check your voter registration status, find your polling location, or learn more about upcoming elections, the WA Secretary of State’s website is a great place to start. And if you’re interested in becoming a poll worker or learning how the election process works behind the scenes, there’s info on that too.

How to Contact the Office of the Secretary of State

There may come a time when you need to get in touch with the Secretary of State’s office directly. Whether you have a question about business filings, voting, or anything else, here’s how to reach them:

• Email: You can send an email to the Legacy Washington team if you have questions about historical records or state programs.
• Phone: If you prefer a phone call, they have numbers listed on their contact page. Just make sure you check for the most up-to-date information, which you can find on their official website.
• In Person: The office is located in the Legislative Building at 416 Sid Snyder Ave, Olympia, WA 98501. If you’re in the area and need face-to-face help, you can stop by during regular business hours.

If you’re not sure who to contact, the website has a handy FAQ section that might already have the answer you’re looking for. And if not, they’ve got forms and guides to help you submit your request or file the right paperwork.

FAQ Section

How do I get a Certificate of Existence or Status from another state?

If you're registering your business in Washington but it was originally formed in another state, you'll need a Certificate of Status from that state first. This document must be dated within 60 days of your registration here. You can usually request this through the Secretary of State office in the state where your business was formed.

Where can I find forms and fees for business entities?

All forms and fee schedules for domestic and foreign business entities are available online. You can find them under the Corporations and Charities section of the WA Secretary of State website. If you need help, check out their step-by-step guides or reach out directly.

How can I verify if a notice I received is legitimate?

If you’re unsure whether a notice or solicitation is real, the best thing to do is verify it through the official Secretary of State website or contact their office directly. Some companies send fake notices that look official — so always double-check before sending any money or personal information.

For more information, you can always learn more about how to verify official status on their site, or view examples of misleading notices to avoid confusion.