What document serves as proof that a corporation is duly registered and recognized?

The Certificate of Incorporation is the document that serves as evidence that a corporation has been duly registered and acknowledged by the relevant governmental authority. This certificate typically contains essential information about the corporation, such as its name, purpose, registered office, and details about its shares and shareholders. The issuance of this certificate marks the official creation of the corporation as a separate legal entity, enabling it to operate independently from its owners and to enjoy legal rights and protections.

While documents like the Articles of Association and Bylaws provide important internal rules and regulations for corporate governance, they do not serve as proof of registration. The corporate charter may also refer to foundational documents, but it is not the specific term used to describe the actual registration document recognized by the state or national authority. Thus, the Certificate of Incorporation is uniquely positioned as the formal acknowledgment of a corporation's legal existence.