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How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Every U.S. State

If you own a business, you may have heard of certificates of good standing, but there’s a lot of variation out there, particularly when you look at specific states. What are they? Do you need one? If you do, how do you apply for one? Let’s dive in.

What is a certificate of good standing?

Depending on where you are, a certificate of good standing is also sometimes called a certificate of existence, status, authorization, or compliance. This documentation essentially confirms that your business is legally registered in the state and is authorized to do business there. Additionally, it shows that your business has paid its taxes, filed all required documents, and complied with all regulations that apply in the state.

This is where the certificate of good standing gets its name, as it acts as proof that the business has been following all requirements and is in “good standing” with the state it does business in. The types of business entities that can obtain a certificate of good standing are:

  • Corporations (including S-corps and C-corps)
  • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
  • Limited Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

The types of businesses that cannot get a certificate of good standing are:

  • Sole Proprietorships
  • General Partnerships

Do you need a certificate of good standing?

While not necessary for daily business, there will be a time (or several times) when you will need to procure a certificate of good standing for your business. This is because it can be required for opening a business bank account, raising funds from investors, recruiting business partners, selling a business, applying for government contracts, and more. Over the course of a company’s life, it’s inevitable that you will run into these events or requirements, and you will often need a certificate of good standing to complete them.

How long is it valid for?

Certificates of good standing typically have expiration dates, but the length will vary depending on what state you operate in and what the certificate is for. In most cases, the standard is 90 days (or three months), but this can be longer or shorter if a lender or interested party deems it necessary.

How to get a certificate of good standing

If you’ve met the requirements we mentioned earlier of being up to date on all of your taxes, fees, reports, and documentation, you can begin the process of getting your certificate of good standing. However, there are differences in options (and cost) from state to state, so here’s what to know, no matter where in the country you are:

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Don’t go through it blind

If you need help with your certificate of good standing or anything else related to federal registration and contracting for small businesses, FAMR has the experience to help you through your journey. From additional certifications to marketing your company for more federal contracts, we ensure that you get the funding and opportunities that you deserve, all with an ally in your corner.

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Contact

Phone: (855) 860-6204
Email: helpdesk@famr.us

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Tampa, FL 33609

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