Why do I need a certificate of good standing?

A certificate of good standing is often requested by a third party as proof that your business entity has paid all required filing fees and is fully compliant with state regulations for the state within which the business is registered. This document may be required by financial institutions when applying for a business bank account and business loans, or by other states when you are trying to expand your company to legally do business in a different state. Most accreditation entities will also request a certificate prior to issuing business licenses.

How do I maintain good standing for my company?

The specific requirements for maintaining good standing may vary by state and entity type, but good standing typically includes keeping up-to-date records and complying with state regulations. It is imperative to also be sure that all your state business fees and taxes are paid and annual filings are submitted to the Secretary of State on time.

How long does it take to get a certificate of good standing?

Most states will process an application for a certificate of good standing within 3 to 5 business days; however, if you need your certificate immediately, many states offer expedited processing for an additional fee to reduce this wait time to between 24 and 72 hours.

What do I do if my company is not in good standing?

As part of our process, we will notify you if your company is not in good standing and, if it is publicly available from the Secretary of State, why your company is not in good standing. Typically, a lack of good standing can be quickly remedied by paying any outstanding required fees or filing any past-due annual paperwork.

Certificate of Good Standing | LegalNature for Business

What is a certificate of good standing?

A certificate of good standing is a state-issued document that proves a business entity is properly registered, up to date on registration fees, and authorized to operate in a specific state. It demonstrates that the business is legitimate and compliant with state laws, including being current on state fees, taxes, and required business filings.

Depending on the state, this document may be titled differently:

Certificate of Existence
Certificate of Status
Certificate of Authorization
Certificate of Authentication
Letter of Good Standing
Certificate of Compliance

While not required for daily operations, a certificate of good standing may be necessary for various business activities such as opening a business bank account, obtaining business insurance, applying for loans, or competing for government contracts. It is important to note that this certificate usually has an expiration date, often coinciding with when registration renewal or periodic filings are due.

Obtain a certificate of good standing in your state

When will I need a certificate of good standing?

Your business entity will need a certificate anytime a person or another organization requests proof that you are authorized to do business in the state. For example, certificates are often required in the following situations:

To be approved for a bank loan
To receive utilities from a utility company
To rent an office space
To register as a foreign entity authorized to do business in another state
To compete for government contracts
To sell your business
To apply for business licenses

Steps to retrieve your certificate of good standing

Complete our short questionnaire

Indicate what type of business you own, your state of formation, and your contact information.
We complete your application and submit it to the Secretary of State

We provide updates on the status of your application and your entity's status.
Receive your certificate

Your certificate will be sent to you as soon as it is ready, which varies by state.

Why choose LegalNature?

The professionals at LegalNature offer the expertise and guidance to navigate the nuances of obtaining a certificate of good standing across all 50 states. LegalNature offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, then we’re not happy. Give us a call and let us help.

Obtain your certificate of good standing

Complete our form

We apply for the certificate from your state

Receive your certificate

Obtain your certificate of good standing

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Certificate of Good Standing