In this guide, we will explain exactly what a certificate of good standing is, when you need one, how to get it, how much it costs, and what to do if your business is not currently in good standing. If you are preparing to open a bank account, apply for financing, or register in another state, this will walk you through what to expect.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
A certificate of good standing is a state government-issued seal of approval that says your business is a registered entity and you run it per state laws and regulations.
And, of course, it proves to others that you’re a legitimate business.
A certificate of good standing has many names, including a ‘status certificate,’ ‘certificate of existence,’ ‘certificate of status,’ and ‘certificate of authorization.’
Short form vs long form certificates
Not all certificates of good standing look the same.
A short form certificate typically confirms that your business is legally registered and compliant as of the date issued. This version satisfies most routine requests, such as opening a bank account.
A long form certificate may include additional details, such as historical filings, name changes, or status history. Government agencies, lenders, or foreign qualification applications sometimes require this more detailed version.
If the requesting party does not specify which version they need, it is best to ask before ordering. Some states charge different fees depending on the format.
When do you need a Certificate of Good Standing?
While you don’t need a certificate of good standing to run your business in your state, there are several reasons you could need one.
Common scenarios include:
- Forming a contract with another company or supplier
- Opening a business bank account. Many financial institutions require proof that your LLC or corporation is active and compliant.
- Applying for business loans or credit. Lenders want confirmation that your company legally exists and is in good standing before approving financing.
- Registering as a foreign LLC or entity in another state. Most states require a certificate dated within 30 to 90 days of your application.
- Entering certain government contracts. Agencies often require compliance verification before awarding contracts.
- Selling your business. Buyers typically request proof of good standing during due diligence.
- In most cases, the certificate must be recently issued. Some institutions will not accept a certificate older than 60 days.
Many of those situations mentioned are essential for growing your business, so consider getting your certificate of good standing before you need them.
Who’s eligible for a Certificate of Good Standing?
Each state has different laws regarding which business types are eligible for a certificate of good standing.
You discover your state’s laws by contacting your business registration agency (usually your secretary of state’s office).
That said, most states allow the same business entities to apply for the certificate.
Types of business entities that can get the certificate
Businesses that register as a legal entity with their state can apply for a certificate of good standing. These include:
- Limited liability companies
- Limited partnerships
- Limited liability partnerships
- Corporations (including C-corps and S-corps)
Suppose your business isn’t a legal business entity. In that case, your state cannot give you a certificate of good standing.
So, if your business needs one to grow, you could consider forming a limited liability company or one of the limited partnerships.
Types of businesses that don’t need a certificate of good standing
The following 2 types of businesses do not register with their state and are not legal entities, so your state will not issue you a certificate of good standing:
- Sole proprietorships regardless if you have a DBA (doing business as)
- General partnerships (regardless if you have a DBA)
All pretty straightforward so far, right?
Let’s look at how you get a certificate next.
Certificate of Good Standing requirements by state
While the concept is similar across the country, the process for getting a certificate of good standing depends entirely on your state.
In most states, you must:
- Be current on annual report filings
- Have no outstanding state taxes or penalties
- Maintain a registered agent on file
- Have paid all required state fees
Some states issue certificates instantly online. Others require mail-in requests or manual review. Processing times can range from immediate digital delivery to several business days.
The fee also varies widely. In many states, the cost falls between $5 and $50, though expedited processing may cost more.
Because procedures differ, the safest approach is to request your certificate directly from your Secretary of State’s office or authorized business filing agency. If you are unsure whether your business is in good standing, you can typically check your status on the same website before applying.
Table of State Fees for Certificate of Good Standing
Certificate of Good Standing fees change frequently so it is important to verify with the state official website. Some states also frequently waive fees.
| State | Certificate fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $28 |
| Alaska | $10 |
| Arizona | $10 |
| Arkansas | $25 |
| California | $5 |
| Colorado | $0 |
| Connecticut | $50 |
| Delaware | $50 (short form); $175 (long form) |
| Florida | $5 (LLCs) |
| Georgia | $20 |
| Hawaii | $7.50 |
| Idaho | $10 |
| Illinois | $25 |
| Indiana | $30 |
| Iowa | $5 |
| Kansas | $10 (online); $15 (paper) |
| Kentucky | $10 |
| Louisiana | $15 |
| Maine | $30 |
| Maryland | $20 |
| Massachusetts | $0 |
| Michigan | $10 |
| Minnesota | $5 (mail/in-person); $15 (online) |
| Mississippi | $25 |
| Missouri | $10 |
| Montana | $5 |
| Nebraska | $10 |
| Nevada | $50 |
| New Hampshire | $5 |
| New Jersey | $50 (short form); $100 (long form) |
| New Mexico | $25 (LLCs); $10 (nonprofit) |
| New York | $25 |
| North Carolina | $15 |
| North Dakota | $20 |
| Ohio | $5 |
| Oklahoma | $20 |
| Oregon | $10 |
| Pennsylvania | $40 |
| Rhode Island | $22 (LLCs); $7 (nonprofits); $30 (long form) |
| South Carolina | $10 |
| South Dakota | $20 |
| Tennessee | $20 |
| Texas | $15 (short form); $25 (long form) |
| Utah | $0 |
| Vermont | $25 |
| Virginia | $6 |
| Washington | $20 |
| Washington, DC | $50 (LLCs); $40 (nonprofits) |
| West Virginia | $10 |
| Wisconsin | $10 |
| Wyoming | $0 |
How to get a Certificate of Good Standing in your state
You apply for a certificate of good standing from the state agency where you registered your business. As I mentioned, that will be your secretary of state’s office in most states.
You can discover how to get a certificate of good standing and the costs by researching your filing agency’s website.
Here are the steps to get a certificate of good standing in your state.
- Have a registered business entity
- Make sure your business is in good standing
- Apply with your state’s business filing agency
- Pay a fee
pain, here are the most common steps to getting your certificate of good standing.
Have a registered business entity
If your business is not registered, you cannot get a certificate of good standing. (See above for the list of legal entities that qualify.)
Make sure your business is in good standing
States give you a certificate of good standing when you comply with state business laws and regulations.
That’s the “good standing” part of the certification! But to comply, your business must have the following in place:
- The correct licenses and permits
- Has filed all necessary reports
- Current on all taxes and fees
When you own a legal entity like an LLC, you register it with your state, which means you can check out your status online via your state’s filing agency.
Apply with your state’s business filing agency
You get your certificate of good standing from the business filing agency you used to register your entity in your state–i.e. your secretary of state office. Still, in some states, you’ll have to find the equivalent sub-agency responsible for filing entities, maintaining state records, and issuing certifications.
Depending on your state, you can apply for a certificate online, by email, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Pay a fee
Most states charge administration fees when you apply for your certificate of good standing, but not all.
Some states that allow you to apply online to waive the fee. The good news is that the states that charge have relatively low costs, ranging from $5 to $50. You can view the table above to see fees by state.
How to fix a business that is not in good standing
If your business is not in good standing, do not panic. It is usually fixable.
Common reasons for losing good standing include:
- Missing an annual report deadline
- Failing to pay franchise taxes or state fees
- Not maintaining a registered agent
- Administrative dissolution due to inactivity
To restore your status, you typically need to:
- File any overdue reports
- Pay outstanding fees and penalties
- Submit reinstatement paperwork if your business was dissolved
Each state has its own reinstatement process. Some allow online restoration, while others require formal applications and additional fees.
It is important to address compliance issues quickly. Operating while not in good standing can limit your legal protections and prevent you from expanding into other states.
How long is a Certificate of Good Standing valid?
Technically, a certificate of good standing reflects your status on the date it was issued. It does not have a built-in expiration date.
That said, most banks, lenders, and state agencies require a certificate issued within the last 30 to 90 days. If you are preparing for a loan, foreign registration, or contract bid, it is best to request the certificate shortly before submitting your application.
Conclusion
Staying in good standing is not just about paperwork. It protects your liability shield, keeps your expansion options open, and prevents unnecessary roadblocks when you need financing or enter contracts.
The good news is that maintaining good standing is usually straightforward. File your annual reports on time. Pay state taxes and fees when due. Keep your registered agent active. When those basics are handled, requesting a certificate becomes a quick and routine step.
If you are unsure about your compliance status or want help staying on top of annual requirements, having the right support system can save time and prevent costly mistakes. Business maintenance is ongoing, and staying organized today makes growth easier tomorrow.
FAQ
A certificate of good standing for an LLC is an official state document confirming that the company is legally registered and compliant with state filing and tax requirements.
You can request a certificate of good standing through your state’s Secretary of State or business filing agency website once your company is current on required reports and fees.
The cost of a certificate of good standing typically ranges from $5 to $50 depending on the state, with additional fees possible for expedited processing.
Many states issue certificates instantly online, while others may take several business days depending on processing method and whether you request expedited service.
A certificate of good standing does not technically expire, but most banks and agencies require one issued within the last 30 to 90 days.
You generally cannot obtain a certificate of good standing if your business owes state taxes or has outstanding compliance issues until those obligations are resolved.
Many banks require a certificate of good standing to verify that your LLC or corporation is legally active before opening a business account.
If your business is not in good standing, you may face penalties, administrative dissolution, and difficulty securing loans or registering in other states until you restore compliance.