What does the certificate show?
That the company is on the state's register, has filed its required reports and paid its state fees and taxes, and has not been dissolved. It does not show that the company is profitable, has paid federal taxes, or has no debts. States use different names for it, including certificate of existence, certificate of status and certificate of fact.
Who asks for one?
- Other states, when you register the company there. See registering in another state.
- Banks and payment processors, when opening accounts or reviewing them.
- Lenders and landlords, before lending or leasing.
- Buyers and investors, during due diligence.
- Licensing agencies and some government contracts.
Most will want a certificate dated within the last 30 to 90 days.
How do you get one?
Go to the Secretary of State's website
For the state where the company was formed.
Find the company
By name or file number.
Order the certificate
Choose the type requested, if the state offers more than one.
Pay and download
Many states issue it online immediately.
Some states offer a short certificate confirming good standing and a longer one listing every document filed. Ask the requester which they need.
Why might the state refuse?
- An annual report or statement is overdue.
- A state fee or tax, such as Delaware's annual tax or California's $800, is unpaid.
- The registered agent has resigned and has not been replaced.
- The company has been administratively dissolved or its authority forfeited.
How do you restore good standing?
File the missing reports, pay the overdue fees, taxes, penalties and interest, and appoint a registered agent if needed. If the company has been dissolved, file for reinstatement. Then order a fresh certificate. See reinstating a dissolved LLC and what a registered agent is.
How do you stay in good standing?
Diary your state's yearly filing and keep the registered agent paid. See business tax deadlines and the state guides for Delaware, Wyoming and Florida.
Need proof of good standing?
We order the certificate, and if your company is behind, we file what is missing so the state can issue it.
Questions people ask
What is a certificate of good standing?
A document from the state confirming that a company exists and is current with its state filings and fees.
How do I get a certificate of good standing?
Order it from the Secretary of State where the company was formed, usually online.
Why can't I get a certificate of good standing?
Usually because an annual report, state fee or tax is overdue, or the company has no registered agent or has been dissolved.
How long is a certificate of good standing valid?
It has no fixed expiry, but most banks, states and buyers want one dated within the last 30 to 90 days.
Sources
Every fee, date and rule on this page was taken from these official and primary sources.
- Delaware Division of Corporations
- Wyoming Secretary of State: Business entities frequently asked questions
- California Secretary of State: bizfile Online
Rules and fees change. If you are reading this long after October 1, 2026, confirm the figures with the source before you rely on them.
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This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.