A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by a state, usually by the Secretary of State or a similar business filing office, that confirms your company legally exists and has met its basic state requirements. It shows that your LLC or corporation is registered, has filed its required reports, and has paid the fees the state tracks.
It is one of the most commonly requested business documents in the United States. If you have ever opened a business bank account, applied for a loan, or registered your company in a second state, there’s a good chance someone asked you for one.
What a Certificate of Good Standing shows
The exact content differs by state, but most certificates include:
- The legal name of your company, exactly as registered
- The entity type, such as LLC, corporation, or limited partnership
- The date your company was formed or registered in the state
- A statement that the company is active, in existence, or in good standing
- The date the certificate was issued, and a state seal or authentication code
The certificate does not list your company’s owners, finances, or tax returns. It is a simple, official confirmation of status, which is why so many institutions rely on it.
What “good standing” actually means
A company is in good standing when it is up to date with the state’s ongoing requirements. Those requirements usually include:
- Filing your annual report, biennial report, or statement of information on time
- Paying annual fees, franchise taxes, or other state charges
- Keeping a registered agent with a valid address in the state
- Not having been administratively dissolved, revoked, or forfeited
If any of these slip, the state can change your status to “not in good standing,” “delinquent,” “inactive,” or something similar. Until the issue is fixed, the state won’t issue a Certificate of Good Standing.
What the certificate is called in different states
Not every state uses the term “Certificate of Good Standing.” The document serves the same purpose but goes by different names. You may see it called:
- Certificate of Existence – used by several states
- Certificate of Status – used by states such as California and Florida
- Certificate of Fact – Status – used in Texas
- Certificate of Authorization or Certificate of Compliance – used by some states and agencies
If a bank or agency asks for a “Certificate of Good Standing,” any of these state-issued equivalents will normally satisfy the request.
When you need a Certificate of Good Standing
Most business owners first need one when a third party wants proof that the company is legitimate. Common situations include:
Opening a business bank account
Many banks ask for a recent certificate, along with your formation documents and EIN, before opening an account for an LLC or corporation.
Applying for loans, credit, or financing
Lenders, including SBA lenders and equipment financiers, use the certificate to confirm the borrower is a valid, compliant entity.
Registering in another state
When you register as a foreign LLC or corporation in a new state, that state almost always requires a certificate from your home state. Many states want it dated within the last 30 to 90 days. Learn more about registering a foreign LLC.
Selling the business or bringing in investors
Buyers and investors check your company’s status as part of due diligence. A certificate is a quick, official way to show the company is in order.
Signing contracts, leases, and licenses
Landlords, large customers, government agencies, and licensing boards often ask for proof of good standing before signing an agreement or issuing a permit.
Renewing business licenses or registrations
Some cities, counties, and professional boards require a current certificate when you renew a license.
How long is a Certificate of Good Standing valid?
A certificate doesn’t technically expire. It reflects your company’s status on the date it was issued. However, most banks, lenders, and state agencies only accept certificates issued recently, often within the last 30, 60, or 90 days. Because your status can change at any time, it’s best to order a fresh certificate shortly before you need it.
How to get a Certificate of Good Standing
You have two options: order it directly from the state, or use a filing service.
- 1Confirm your company is in good standing. Check the state’s business search to make sure your status is active and your reports are current.
- 2Find the right office. In most states, the Secretary of State issues the certificate. Some states use a Division of Corporations or a separate commission.
- 3Submit the request and pay the state fee. State fees typically range from a few dollars to around $50, depending on the state and whether you need a long-form or certified version.
- 4Receive the certificate. Some states issue certificates online instantly. Others process requests by mail or require several business days.
Ordering through a service like Verisly saves time when you’re unfamiliar with the state’s system, need a certificate from a state where you don’t live, or need it quickly. We submit your order the same day for $49 plus the state fee.
Short-form vs. long-form certificates
Some states offer two versions. A short-form certificate simply confirms that the company exists and is in good standing. A long-form certificate also lists the company’s filing history, such as amendments, mergers, and name changes. Unless a bank, buyer, or agency specifically asks for the long form, the short form is usually enough.
Do you need an apostille?
If you’re presenting the certificate in another country, you may need an apostille, which authenticates the document for use abroad under the Hague Convention. Apostilles are issued separately, usually by the Secretary of State, after the certificate itself is obtained.
What if your company isn’t in good standing?
If the state shows your company as delinquent, inactive, or dissolved, you’ll need to correct the problem first. Typical fixes include filing missed annual reports, paying past-due fees and penalties, appointing a new registered agent, or filing for reinstatement. Once the state updates your status, you can order the certificate.
Order your certificate online
If you need a Certificate of Good Standing for a single order, our sister site Certificate of Good Standing Online specializes in exactly that, with fast turnaround from every state. You can also order directly through Verisly alongside any of our other compliance services.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
In most cases, yes. Different states use different names for the same document, including Certificate of Existence, Certificate of Status, and Certificate of Fact. Each confirms that the company exists and is compliant with the state.
How much does a Certificate of Good Standing cost?
State fees vary, typically from a few dollars to about $50. Verisly charges a $49 service fee plus the state fee, with no extra charge for fast processing.
How long does it take to get one?
Some states issue certificates online the same day. Others take several business days. We submit every order the same day it’s placed.
Can I get a certificate if my annual report is late?
Usually not. Most states won’t issue a certificate until your overdue reports and fees are filed and paid.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. State requirements and fees change; confirm current rules with the state or a qualified professional.