California secretary of state good standing certificate

A Certificate of Good Standing confirms that a business is active, paid its tax obligations, and complied with state regulations. To obtain a certificate of good standing, go to the state’s website and make a request.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

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Table of Contents

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

A Certificate of Good Standing is sometimes called a certificate of existence or certificate of authorization. It is an official document issued by a state government or regulatory agency. The certificate verifies that a corporation or LLC is legally registered in the state and has complied with all filing requirements. The certificate also confirms that the company is authorized to do business in that state. A Certificate of Good Standing is often required when a business seeks to expand, obtain financing, or enter into specific contracts in other states or countries.

What is a Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC?

For a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Certificate of Good Standing verifies that the LLC is legally formed, registered, and authorized to do business in the state. The Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC confirms that the LLC has complied with all of the taxes, regulatory, and statutory filing requirements. The Certificate of Good Standing includes basic information such as the LLC’s name, registration date, and confirmation of good standing with the state.

An LLC Certificate of Good Standing is often needed when the company is looking to:

  1. Expand Operations: When the LLC company wants to do business in another state, the certificate confirms that the LLC complied with the laws in the state in which it was formed.
  2. Secure Financing and Open Bank Account: When the company wants to open a bank account, the bank may require a Certificate of Good Standing from the LLC. Also, when the LLC wants to borrow money, the bank may want a Certificate of Good Standing for the LLC.

Getting a Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC is as simple as submitting a request to the Secretary of State or the relevant state agency where the LLC is registered.

What is the purpose of a certificate of standing?

A Certificate of Good Standing serves the following purposes:

  1. Legal Compliance: A Certificate of Good Standing confirms that the company complies with all state regulations and tax obligations. The certification helps assure third parties that the company is legitimate and operating within the law.
  2. Authorization to Operate: A Certificate of Good Standing confirms that the company is legally formed and authorized to conduct business within the state it was established. A Certificate of Good Standing is necessary for a company to expand to another state.
  3. Financial Institutions: Many banks and financial institutions will request a Certificate of Good Standing before providing services or making loans.
  4. Contracts: A Certificate of Good Standing is required for some contracts to confirm that the company can enter into the contract.

Where to get a Certificate of Good Standing?

To get a Certificate of Good Standing for a company that is an LLC, Corp, S Corp, or LLP, you need to contact the Secretary of State in the state where the company was formed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a Certificate of Good Standing:

  1. Identify the State: Visit the Secretary of State’s website where the company was formed.
  2. Requirements: Check the steps for requesting a Certificate of Good Standing. Be prepared to provide information such as the company’s name and entity number.
  3. Submit the Request: Fill out the necessary form or application for the certificate.
  4. Pay Fees: Nearly all states charge a fee for issuing a Certificate of Good Standing.

Remember, the process and requirements for getting a Certificate of Good Standing differ from state to state.

Who issues a Certificate of Good Standing?

The state’s Secretary of State’s office issues a Certificate of Good Standing. The Secretary of State keeps records of companies registered within the state. Most Secretary of State has an online portal to request a Certificate of Good Standing. The Secretary of State then reviews the company’s records to confirm that it has met all its filing requirements, paid all taxes, and complied with state laws. If everything is in order, the Secretary of State issues the Certificate of Good Standing.

How much does a Certificate of Good Standing cost?

The cost of a Certificate of Good Standing differs for each state and is generally $20 to $ 99. The price will increase if you want expedited processing or a certified copy. To find out the exact price for getting a Certificate of Good Standing, visit the Secretary of State’s website and look for its fee schedule.

How to get a Certificate of Good Standing?

To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for your company (corporation, LLC, LP, LLP), do the following steps:

  1. Identify the State: You can get a Certificate of Good Standing from the state where the company was formed.
  2. Necessary Information: You will need the company’s name and identification number to get a Certificate of Good Standing.
  3. Go to the Secretary of State’s Website: Go to the Secretary of State’s online portal and search for the Certificate of Good Standing.
  4. Fill Out the Application: Complete the application to get a Certificate of Good Standing.
  5. Submit the Request: Follow the instructions provided by the Secretary of State to submit your request to get a Certificate of Good Standing.
  6. Wait for Processing: The processing time to get a Certificate of Good Standing differs for each state. Some states offer expedited services for an additional fee if you urgently need the Certificate of Good Standing.
  7. Receive the Certificate: Once your request is processed, you’ll receive the Certificate of Good Standing. It might be available for download online or sent by mail.

Links to every state’s Secretary of State online portal to get a certificate of good standing.

Alabama

To access the online request, taxpayers can log on to the department’s Web site at www.revenue.alabama.gov, go the menu selection entitled “E-Services,” and click on “Certificates of Good Standing.” To submit a certificate request, taxpayers will simply follow the user-friendly prompts.

Alaska

Gather all necessary information before you begin online filing to get a certificate of good standing. The system may time out if there are long interruptions or delays, which will require starting over. Be aware that auto-fill features enabled in your web browser can cause incorrect data entry in your application. We recommend disabling auto-fill if this causes issues.

Arizona

A Certificate of Good Standing can be requested online through our eCorp system. Once logged in, simply navigate to the Online Services link and select Service Requests. Once there, you will find the option to request a Certificate of Good Standing. If you choose to process your request via “expedited” processing time, you will receive the Certificate of Good Standing immediately through your eCorp dashboard. If you choose to process your request via “regular” processing time, you will receive the Certificate of Good Standing within 15 business days, on average.

As an alternative, you can fax or mail your request and payment for a Certificate of Good Standing. Please find our Records Request Form here.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Corporation Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office that certifies that a corporation or other business entity is in good standing with the state. The certificate confirms that the business entity has complied with all state requirements for registration and has paid all necessary fees and taxes. The Arkansas Corporation Certificate of Good Standing is often required by banks, lenders, and other organizations as a condition for obtaining loans or other types of financing.

It is also commonly used by businesses as proof of their good standing with the state, particularly when seeking to do business with other companies or government agencies. The certificate typically includes information such as the name of the business entity, its date of incorporation, and its current status with the state.

California

Certificates of Status (Online) - certificates of status are available within minutes online at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov. Certificate of Status certifies to the current status of an entity (e.g., active/good standing, suspended, dissolved, cancelled, etc.). If you need a certificate of good standing in California, please contact our California business attorneys for legal services for corporation and LLC.

Colorado

“Good Standing” status means that statutory filing requirements have been met with our office. However, this office does not review or verify information submitted in those filings. This office also does not regulate or investigate business practices or operations. To print a Certificate of Good Standing for any business entity in Good Standing:

  1. Go to the Business Organizations page.
  2. Search for the entity.
  3. From the Summary page, select “Get a Certificate of Good Standing”.
  4. The Certificate will open as a PDF image.
  5. You may save the Certificate, or print in either black and white or color depending on the preference of who needs the Certificate.

If the status of the entity is anything other than Good Standing, a Certificate cannot be issued. If you have additional questions regarding the status of the entity, refer to the Noncompliance and Delinquency FAQs.

Connecticut

A Certificate of Legal Existence (called a Certificate of Good Standing in some states) verifies that a business entity is registered with our office and is up-to-date with the filing obligations of the Secretary of the State. It is often required by banks and other financial institutions in conjunction with closings and other financial transactions.

Delaware

You may order a Certificate of Status or Certificate of Good Standing by submitting a request in writing to the Division of Corporations. The fee is $50.00 per certificate for a short form certificate of status (includes the name of the entity and the status at the time the certificate is issued) or $175.00 for a Long Form certificate of Good Standing (states all documents that have been filed, including the dates and times and any name changes that occurred along with the status at the time the certificate is issued).

Florida

To order a Certificate of Status:

Review the information listed below.
Then select the “Order a Certificate of Status” button.
On the next page, enter your 6-digit or 12-digit document number.
Enter your email address.
Pay for your Certificate of Status.
Once your payment processes, we will email the Certificate of Status to you as a PDF file.

Georgia

A certificate of good standing in the State of Georgia is called a Certificate of Existence. You can order by mail, phone or online, but we recommend online. Online orders are immediate. Normal processing by mail takes up to 48 hours, plus additional time for mailing, and costs $10.

Hawaii

Search to find and learn more about a business. You can also purchase available documents such as a Certificate of Good Standing.

Idaho

A certificate of good standing includes the attorney’s name, current status, date of admission, whether or not admission was by examination or motion, and the date the attorney’s current status began. If you also need a copy of your discipline records, please see Bar Counsel’s Office for information on requesting discipline records. First, verify that you need a certificate of good standing from the Idaho State Bar. Some jurisdictions require certification from “the highest court where admitted” or “from the clerk of the court.”

If you need a certificate from the Idaho State Bar, please use the Online Request Form. If you need a certificate from the Idaho Supreme Court, visit the court’s website for information about ordering and cost. The cost is $10 for the first one and $2.50 for any additional certificates (for the same attorney on a single request). Please use the Online Request Form to submit your request and pay by credit card. You can also send a written request to the Licensing Department. Please include your name, Idaho State Bar membership number, the address where the certificate should be sent, and appropriate fee. Please make checks payable to the Idaho State Bar.

Illinois

A Certificate of Good Standing confirms compliance with the state of Illinois Business Services Department.

To purchase a Certificate of Good Standing Report:

Indiana

To obtain the Certificate of Existence or Good Standing

Go to: INBiz.in.gov

Once the Certificate has been paid for, it will be emailed to you, but it may also be downloaded from the Documents widget found on your INBiz dashboard.

Iowa

To print a Certificate of Standing online, you must first search our database for the desired business entity. A link will be provided for you to print a Certificate of Standing if the business entity is eligible. This printed certificate contains a unique Certificate ID to verify validity.

You may search the Certificate ID to verify the validity of the certificate.

Kansas

To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing , first perform a business entity search on the company for which you need these documents.

When you view the search results you will see a button to order a Certificate of Good Standing. If you order online, you may pay the fee at the time of your order using a credit card, checking account, or Kansas.gov subscriber account. If you order online, you must provide an email address to receive an order confirmation from our office and you must print the certificate on your own printer.

If instead you would like to order the Certificate of Good Standing by phone or mail, you may call us at (785) 296-4564 and provide payment with credit card or mail us your request to the address above, with a check. This option has a higher fee than the online request.

Fees for a Certificate of Good Standing:
Online Request: $10
Paper Request: $15

Kentucky

Certificates of existence may be relied on as conclusive evidence that a domestic corporation or domestic limited liability company is in existence; certificates of authorization may be relied on as conclusive evidence that a foreign corporation or foreign limited liability company is authorized to transact business in Kentucky. Anyone may purchase a certificate of ​existence or authorization online or by mail/fax for a $10.00 fee.

Louisiana

The office of the Secretary of State also prepares certificates which reflect information filed of record with the office. The following is a list of the commonly requested certificates:

In addition, certificates issued with filings after July 15, 2005, such as certificates of incorporation, certificates of merger, trade name registration certificates, etc., may be reissued by the Secretary of State as a ‘duplicate’ certificate. The fee for a certificate is $20.

Maine

Certificates of Existence – Good Standing can be downloaded from the Interactive Corporate Services website.

Maryland

When one is obtaining a license, a license renewal or a loan settlement, the person is often required to obtain a “Certificate of Status” (generally called a “good standing” certificate) from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. On the specific date and time the Department issues a certificate verifying that a business entity is in “good standing,” it means that all documents and fees required by law to be submitted to the Department have been received, and that no other government agency has notified the Department tha​t the entity is delinquent in tax payments.

Massachusetts

DOR recommends that individuals, businesses and other organizations obtain a Certificate of Good Standing with MassTaxConnect. It’s fast, easy and secure.