Free Guide to Getting a Certificate of Good Standing

What Is a Certificate of Good Standing and Why People Request It

A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by a state government agency—typically the Secretary of State's office—that confirms a business or organization is currently registered and in compliance with state requirements. This certificate serves as proof that the entity exists, is authorized to conduct business, and has met all filing and payment obligations with the state.

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Businesses request these certificates for many practical reasons. A company might need one when opening a bank account, securing a business loan, bidding on government contracts, or expanding operations into another state. Nonprofit organizations often need certificates when applying for grants or partnerships. The document essentially says, "This organization is legitimate and current with the state."

The certificate typically includes specific information: the legal business name, the date the organization was formed or registered, the type of entity (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.), the state of registration, and the date the certificate was issued. Some certificates also show whether the entity is in good standing regarding tax obligations and annual report filings.

Different states issue these documents under slightly different names. Some call it a "Certificate of Good Standing," others use "Certificate of Existence," "Certificate of Authorization," or "Certificate of Status." Regardless of the name, the purpose remains the same: providing official confirmation that an organization meets state requirements.

Practical takeaway: Before searching for your certificate, identify which state issued your business registration. You'll need to contact that specific state's Secretary of State office, not another state or the federal government.

Where to Obtain Your Certificate of Good Standing

The primary source for a Certificate of Good Standing is your state's Secretary of State office. This is a real government agency with responsibility for maintaining business registration records. Every state has one, though some call it the "Department of State" or use a similar title. This office keeps files on all registered businesses, nonprofits, and other entities within that state.

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Most states now offer multiple ways to request a certificate. Online ordering has become the standard method in nearly every state. You visit the Secretary of State's website, usually navigate to a section labeled "Business Search" or "Records Request," enter your business name or registration number, and pay a fee. The certificate is typically mailed to you within 5-10 business days, though some states offer expedited processing for higher fees.

In-person requests are still available in many states. You can visit the Secretary of State's office directly during business hours. This method works well if you need the certificate immediately, though it requires travel to the state capital. Some offices issue certificates on the spot, while others mail them within a few days.

Telephone requests are another option in some states. You call the Secretary of State's office, provide your business information, and pay by credit card. The certificate is then mailed to you. Mail-in requests are also possible—you send a written request with payment to the Secretary of State's office and wait for the certificate to arrive by post.

Here are typical fees for certificates across states:

• Standard processing (7-10 business days): $5 to $30
• Expedited processing (1-3 business days): $15 to $75
• Same-day or rush processing: $25 to $100

Practical takeaway: Visit your state's official Secretary of State website and look for links labeled "Request a Certificate," "Order Records," or "Business Services." Bookmark this page for future reference since you may need certificates periodically.

Information You'll Need to Provide

When requesting a Certificate of Good Standing, you'll need to provide identifying information about your business. The most straightforward piece of information is your business name—exactly as it appears in your state registration documents. If you're unsure of the exact legal name, check your articles of incorporation, LLC operating agreement, or partnership formation documents.

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Many states also ask for your business registration number, often called an "EIN" (Employer Identification Number) or a state-specific business ID number. This is a unique identifier assigned by the state when your business was first registered. If you have your original registration paperwork, this number appears on it. If you don't have this number handy, most state websites allow you to search for your business name to find the number before submitting your request.

You'll need to specify what type of entity you are. Are you a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, nonprofit organization, or something else? This information helps the Secretary of State's office locate your records in their system. Different entity types are often filed and maintained in different sections of the office.

Payment information is required for all requests. You'll need to provide a payment method—credit card, debit card, check, or money order depending on your request method. The fee varies by state and by processing speed. Some states offer one flat rate regardless of how quickly you need the certificate. Others charge more for expedited service.

For in-person visits, bring a photo ID. For mail-in requests, include your contact information so the office can reach you with questions. For online requests, create an account with a username and password so you can track your order status.

Here's a checklist of what to gather before making your request:

• Your business legal name
• Your state registration or ID number (if known)
• Your business entity type
• Contact phone number and mailing address
• Payment method and card or check information
• The state where your business is registered

Practical takeaway: Spend 10 minutes locating your original business registration documents before contacting the Secretary of State. Having these details ready will speed up your request and reduce the chance of errors.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Requests

Most people now order certificates online because it's convenient and fast. Here's how the typical online process works, though individual state websites vary slightly.

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First, go to your state's Secretary of State website. Search for your state by name plus "Secretary of State" in a web browser. Make sure you're on the official government website—look for ".gov" in the web address. Once on the site, look for sections labeled "Business Services," "Certificates," "Records," or "UCC Filings." Some states have a search function that lets you look up your business name before ordering anything.

Click on the option to request or order a Certificate of Good Standing. You may see different names for this service depending on your state. Common labels include "Order a Certificate," "Request Records," "Business Certificates," or "Corporate Documents." Read the description carefully to confirm you're selecting the right service.

On the order form, enter your business information. You'll typically enter your legal business name first. If you have your state registration number, enter it. If not, leave it blank and the system may offer a search function to help you locate your business record. Select your entity type from a dropdown menu—choose whether you're a corporation, LLC, partnership, nonprofit, or other type.

Choose your processing timeframe. States usually offer options like "Standard (5-10 days)" at a lower price and "Expedited (1-3 days)" at a higher price. Select based on when you actually need the certificate. If you're not in a time-sensitive situation, standard processing saves money.

Enter your contact and mailing information. Provide a complete street address where the certificate should be sent, along with a phone number and email address. The Secretary of State's office uses this information to contact you if there are any problems with your request.

Choose your payment method. Most online systems accept major credit cards and debit cards. Enter your payment information, review all the details you've provided for accuracy, and submit your order. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately. Save this number—you can use it to track your order status if the website offers that feature.

Practical takeaway: Write down your order confirmation number and take a screenshot of the confirmation page. Save these in a file or email them to yourself for your records. If you need to follow up on your order, you'll have this information ready.

Alternative Methods and Processing Timeframes

While online ordering is quickest for most people, other methods remain available and may be preferable in certain situations.

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In-person