The New York Certificate of Authority (COA) is a document required by the New York Department of State for any business entity wishing to conduct business in the State of New York. It is a certificate of authority granted by the Department of State that authorizes a business to operate in the state. This certificate is required for businesses that are registered as a foreign corporation, limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership (LP), or limited liability partnership (LLP). There are two types of New York Certificates of Authority: (1) a certificate of authority to transact business, and (2) a certificate of authority to conduct business. The first type is for any business entity wishing to open a business in the state. The second type is for those entities wishing to expand their business into New York and conduct business activities in the state. Both types of New York Certificate of Authority must be obtained in order to operate legally in the state.