Virginia § 12.1-20 - Facts to be certified by clerk upon request; signing and sealing; fees

Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 12.1-20 — Facts to be certified by clerk upon request; signing and sealing; fees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12.1-20. Facts to be certified by clerk upon request; signing and sealing; fees

The clerk of the Commission shall, when requested, certify any one or more of the following facts:

1. That a named domestic corporation is organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Commonwealth and whether it is in good standing.

2. That a named foreign corporation of a named state or other jurisdiction is authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth and whether it is in good standing in the Commonwealth.

3. That a particular security has or has not been registered for sale in the Commonwealth pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Act (§ 13.1-501 et seq.).

4. That a statement or other document required or permitted by law to be filed in the office of the clerk of the Commission has not been filed in that office.

5. The existence or nonexistence of any other fact appearing from the official records of the Commission, unless the disclosure of such fact is forbidden by law, regulation, or legal privilege.

The certificate shall be signed by the clerk or by a member of the clerk's staff and shall be sealed with the seal of the Commission, or a facsimile thereof. Any signature may be a facsimile. When so sealed, the certificate shall be admitted in evidence in all cases, civil and criminal, as prima facie evidence of the facts contained in it.

For each certificate, the clerk shall charge and collect fees pursuant to § 12.1-21.1 or subsection C of § 12.1-21.2.

Code 1950, § 12-41.1; 1962, c. 219; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 157; 1982, c. 564; 1985, c. 522; 1991, c. 123; 2001, c. 545; 2002, c. 1; 2010, c. 669; 2015, c. 446.

Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 12.1-20

What does Code of Virginia § 12.1-20 cover?

Section 12.1-20 ("Facts to be certified by clerk upon request; signing and sealing; fees") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Virginia § 12.1-20?

A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 12.1-20" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.

How does Virginia § 12.1-20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.