California Code, Financial Code - FIN § 5504

Upon issuance of a certificate of approval of articles of incorporation to a proposed association, the commissioner shall attach the original signed copy of the certificate of approval to the original signed copy of the articles and deliver it to the proposed association for filing with the Secretary of State. Corporate existence shall begin on the date of filing of the articles with the Secretary of State. Prior to the date the commissioner issues the association a certificate of authority, the activities of the association shall be limited to completing its organization activities and the association shall not open its office for transacting business with the public.