Certificate of good standing quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Secretary of State or state filing agency |
| Used for | Banking, loans, foreign registration, contracts |
| Typical cost | Free to $50, depending on the state |
| Processing time | Instant online delivery to several business days |
| Available for | LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs |
| Other names | Certificate of existence, certificate of status, certificate of fact |
| Validity | Often accepted for 30–90 days |
A certificate of good standing is an official state document showing that your business is legally registered and compliant with state requirements.
Businesses often need a certificate of good standing to open a business bank account, apply for financing, register in another state, or enter certain contracts. You may also hear it called a good standing certificate, certificate of existence, certificate of status, or certificate of authorization depending on the state.
In this guide, learn 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 no longer in good standing. It’s part of the maintaining your LLC series.
What is a certificate of good standing?
A certificate of good standing confirms that a business is authorized to operate in a state and has complied with state filing and fee requirements.
The certificate typically verifies four things.
- the business legally exists
- required reports have been filed
- state fees and taxes are current
- the company has not been administratively dissolved
For many businesses, an LLC certificate of good standing is required before working with banks, lenders, investors, or government agencies.
Although the process varies by state, certificates are usually issued through the Secretary of State or another state business filing agency. A few states also issue separate tax clearance or account status certificates through the state tax agency. Those confirm tax compliance, which is a different question from good standing with the filing office.
The certificate vs. being in good standing
Good standing is your LLC’s status with the state. The certificate is the document that proves it on a given date. To keep the status, see how to keep your LLC in good standing. This page covers the certificate itself.
What information is typically included in a certificate of good standing?
While the format differs by state, most good standing certificates include the same basic details.
- the legal business name
- business entity type
- formation or registration date
- confirmation that the business is active and compliant
- the issuing state agency
- an official seal or certification
Some states also offer short form and long form certificates. A short form certificate generally confirms current compliance status, while a long form certificate may include additional business history, prior filings, or name changes.
Short form vs. long form certificates
Not all certificates of good standing contain the same level of detail.
| Item | Short form | Long form |
|---|---|---|
| What it shows | The business exists, is active and is compliant as of the issue date | Current status plus prior names, filing history, mergers or amendments |
| Common uses | Bank accounts, payment processing, general verification | Foreign qualification, government contracts, mergers, lender or investor due diligence |
| Cost | The state’s standard certificate fee | Often higher, where offered |
Short form certificates
A short form certificate typically confirms that a business legally exists, is active with the state, and is compliant as of the issue date. This version is commonly used for opening business bank accounts, applying for payment processing, and general business verification.
Long form certificates
A long form certificate includes additional historical or compliance information about the business. Depending on the state, it may list prior business names, filing history, mergers or amendments, and status history.
Long form certificates are sometimes requested for foreign qualification filings, government contracts, mergers or acquisitions, and lender or investor due diligence. Some states charge higher fees for long form certificates, and not every state offers both versions.
What is the purpose of the certificate of good standing?
The purpose of a certificate of good standing is to prove that a business is legally registered and authorized to operate.
Banks, lenders, investors, and state agencies often request the document before working with a company because it helps confirm the business is active and compliant. A good standing certificate may be required in these situations.
- opening a business bank account
- applying for business loans or credit
- registering as a foreign LLC in another state
- entering certain government contracts
- securing investor funding
- leasing commercial office space
- applying for payment processing services
- renewing business licenses or permits
- selling a business or transferring LLC ownership
In many cases, the certificate must be recently issued. Some institutions will only accept a certificate dated within the last 30 to 90 days. If you move your LLC to another state, the new state usually asks for a recent certificate from your home state too.
Who can get a certificate of good standing?
Businesses that register with the state as legal entities can typically request a certificate of good standing. Eligible entities usually include the following.
- LLCs
- corporations
- limited partnerships (LPs)
- limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- limited liability limited partnerships (LLLPs)
Because these businesses register with the state, the government can verify whether they remain compliant with filing and tax requirements.
Businesses that usually cannot get a certificate of good standing
Businesses that are not formally registered with the state generally cannot receive a certificate of good standing. These commonly include sole proprietorships and general partnerships.
Even if these businesses use a DBA, they usually do not qualify because they are not separate legal entities registered with the state.
Certificate of good standing requirements by state
Although requirements vary by state, businesses generally must meet four conditions.
- file all required annual reports
- pay state taxes and filing fees
- maintain a registered agent
- remain active with the state filing agency
Some states issue certificates instantly online, while others require manual review or mail requests. New York, for example, takes orders by mail, hand delivery or email, and doesn’t take them online or by phone. Processing times can range from immediate digital delivery to several business days depending on the state.
Certificate of good standing fees by state
Certificate of good standing fees change, so check the state’s official fee schedule before you order. Online orders may also carry a small card or portal fee.
| State | Certificate fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $25 (mail); $28 (online) |
| Alaska | $10 |
| Arizona | $10 |
| Arkansas | $15 |
| 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 | $26 (online); $30 (paper) |
| 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 (nonprofits) |
| 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 (certificate of fact or status); $25 (long form) |
| Utah | $0 |
| Vermont | $35 |
| Virginia | $6 |
| Washington | $20 |
| Washington, DC | $50 (LLCs); $40 (nonprofits) |
| West Virginia | $10 |
| Wisconsin | $10 |
| Wyoming | $0 (online) |
How to get a certificate of good standing
The process for getting a certificate of good standing varies by state, but the steps are generally similar.
1. Make sure your business is registered
Only registered business entities can receive a certificate of good standing. If your business has not been formally registered with the state, you may need to take a few steps first.
- form an LLC or corporation
- file formation documents
- appoint a registered agent
- obtain required licenses and permits
2. Confirm your business is in good standing
Before applying, verify that your business filed all required reports, paid outstanding fees and taxes, maintained an active registered agent, and remains active with the state.
Most states allow businesses to check their status online through the Secretary of State website.
3. Request the certificate
Depending on the state, you can usually request a good standing certificate online, by mail, in person, or through a registered agent service. A few states also take phone or email orders.
Online filing is often the fastest option, with some states providing immediate digital certificates.
4. Pay the filing fee
Most states charge a fee to issue a certificate of good standing.
Costs typically range from free to $50, although expedited processing or long form certificates may cost more.
How long is a certificate of good standing valid?
A certificate of good standing reflects a business’s status on the date it was issued.
Technically, the certificate itself does not expire. However, banks, lenders, and government agencies often require certificates issued within the last 30 to 90 days.
If you need a certificate for financing, foreign qualification, or a contract application, it is usually best to request a new one shortly before submission.
How to fix a business that is not in good standing
If your business is not currently in good standing, it is usually possible to restore compliance. Businesses most often lose good standing for one of these reasons.
- missing annual report deadlines
- unpaid state taxes or fees
- failing to maintain a registered agent
- administrative dissolution
To restore good standing, businesses typically need to file overdue reports, pay penalties or outstanding fees, and submit reinstatement paperwork if the state dissolved the LLC. The LLC reinstatement guide walks through that process.
Some states allow online reinstatement, while others require additional filings or review.
Resolving compliance issues quickly helps, because businesses that are not in good standing may struggle to enter contracts, obtain financing, register in other states, and maintain liability protections.
Next steps
A certificate of good standing is one of the most commonly requested business compliance documents for LLCs and corporations. Whether you are opening a bank account, applying for financing, registering in another state, or entering a contract, maintaining good standing helps keep your business operations running smoothly.
Staying compliant is usually simple. Filing annual reports on time, paying state fees, and maintaining an active registered agent can help prevent costly compliance issues and delays later on.
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 once your company is current on required reports and fees.
The cost of a certificate of good standing typically ranges from free to $50 depending on the state, with additional fees possible for long form certificates or 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.
Usually, yes. States use different names for the same document, including certificate of existence, certificate of status and certificate of fact. Check which name your state uses before ordering.