Frequently Asked Questions for Form Series 3500 - Veterans Organizations Solicitation
Solicitation Hotline 1 (800) 648-9642
1. How do I register as a veterans organization?
A veterans organization registers by filing a registration statement with the Secretary of State and paying the required $150.00 filing fee. In addition, if the veterans organization uses a solicitor, the organization must post a surety bond with the Secretary of State.
2. How much is the bond?
The amount of the bond depends on the type of organization and the number of counties that the organization will solicit.
(1) If the organization is a veterans organization chartered by the United States Congress, a bond of $1,000.00 is required.
(2) If the organization is not chartered by the United States Congress, the amount of the bond is:
(a) $5,000.00 if the organization solicits in not more than one county;
(b) $10,000.00 if the organization solicits in more than one county but fewer than six counties; or
(c) $25,000.00 if the organization solicits in more than five counties.
3. How do I register as a solicitor for a veterans organization?
A solicitor for a veterans organization registers by filing a registration statement with the Secretary of State and paying the required $500.00 filing fee, and posting a surety bond.
4. What is the amount of the surety bond?
The bond is:
(a) $5,000.00 if the solicitor solicits in not more than one county;
(b) $10,000.00 if the solicitor solicits in more than one county but fewer than six counties;
(c) $25,000.00 if the solicitor solicits in more than five counties.
5. Where can I obtain a bond?
Contact an insurance company or surety bonding company that is licensed to write surety bonds in the State of Texas.
6. Is a veterans organization or solicitor considered "legitimate" because they are registered with the Secretary of State?
The Secretary of State is the filing agency for the documents required by the Veterans Solicitation Act ("Act"). Registration with the Secretary of State does not imply approval or endorsement of the organization or its solicitor.
7. What information can I obtain concerning a veterans organization or its solicitor?
The Registrations Unit maintains a telephone hotline (1-800-648-9642) that is dedicated exclusively to handling solicitation matters. An individual can obtain information concerning a veterans organization, or solicitor that has filed a registration statement with the Secretary of State.
8. Does the Secretary of State investigate violations of the Act?
As stated above, the Secretary of State is the filing agency for documents required by the Act. The Attorney General is charged with enforcement of the registration requirements and/or violations of the Act. A person that has been injured by a veterans organization or solicitor in an action that relates to a solicitation, may file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office. In addition, an alleged violation can be reported to the Secretary of State by calling the solicitation hotline at 1 (800) 648-9642. Information received on the hotline will be forwarded to the Attorney General's Office.
