What document must be filed with the Secretary of State by a corporation wishing to operate?

For a corporation wishing to operate, the correct document to file with the Secretary of State is the charter. The charter, also known as the articles of incorporation, is a formal document that establishes the existence of a corporation in the eyes of the state. It outlines fundamental details about the corporation, such as its name, purpose, and the number and type of shares authorized.

Filing the charter with the Secretary of State is essential because it is the legal step required to formally create the corporation, allowing it to operate within the state’s jurisdiction. Once the charter is approved, the corporation is recognized as a legal entity, distinct from its owners, enabling it to enter contracts, own property, and engage in business activities.

Other choices, while relevant to corporate governance and regulations, serve different purposes. Bylaws govern the internal management of the corporation, licenses are often required for specific business activities but are not the foundational legal document for creating a corporation, and a memorandum of association, although used in some jurisdictions, is not typically required in the United States for the formation of corporations.