Certificate of Good Standing

Use this certificate to prove that your company has met all state requirements and is authorized to do business.

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Order your Certificate of Good Standing. We will take care of the process.

Step 1

Complete our short questionnaire

Indicate what type of business you own, your state of formation, and your contact information

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Step 2

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.

Step 3

Receive your certificate

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

What is a certificate of good standing?

A certificate of good standing is an official state-issued document confirming that your business is properly registered and current on its required filings and fees. In some states this document may be referred to as a certificate of status, existence, or compliance.

Banks, lenders, and other states often require this proof before they'll do business with you. LegalNature obtains your certificate directly from the state filing office on your behalf, so you don't have to navigate an unfamiliar agency process yourself.

Why you may need a certificate of good standing

Opening a business bank account.

Many banks require proof of compliant status before allowing you to open an account in your company's name.

Applying for a business loan.

Lenders often ask for a certificate of good standing as part of their due diligence before extending credit.

Registering as a foreign entity.

Most states require a certificate from your home state before approving your business to operate in a new state.

Need to register as a foreign entity?

Foreign Entity Registration

Compete for government contracts.

Government agencies often require proof of good standing as part of the bidding process.

Renew licenses or permits.

Some licensing boards request a current certificate before renewing your business's professional licenses.

Sell or transfer your business.

Buyers typically want confirmation that the business they're acquiring is in compliant, active status.

Why choose LegalNature?

LegalNature offers the guidance to navigate the nuances of obtaining a certificate of good standing across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Why would my business need a certificate of good standing?

You may need one to open a business bank account, apply for a loan, register as a foreign entity in another state, attract investors, or enter a major contract. Many of these situations arise unexpectedly, so it helps to know how to obtain one quickly.

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

Processing times vary by state and depend on the issuing agency's current workload. LegalNature keeps you updated throughout the process so you know what to expect.

What's the difference between a certificate of good standing and a certified copy?

A certificate of good standing confirms your business's current compliance status, while a certified copy is an authenticated reproduction of a document you already filed, such as your Articles of Organization. LegalNature offers both services depending on which document you need.

Does every state call it a "certificate of good standing"?

No. Depending on the state, the same document may be called a certificate of status, certificate of existence, or certificate of compliance. LegalNature identifies the correct terminology and process for your state.

Can a business lose its good standing status?

Yes. If your business misses a required filing, fails to pay a state fee, or falls behind on annual report requirements, the state can change your status from "good standing" to "delinquent" or "not in good standing." Resolving the issue with the state is usually required before a new certificate can be issued.

Can I get a certificate of good standing for a foreign-qualified entity?

In many cases, yes — a foreign-qualified entity can request a certificate of good standing from the state where it's registered as a foreign entity, not just its home state. Requirements vary by state, so it's a good idea to confirm which state's certificate a requesting party actually needs.