Ordering a Certificate of Good Standing is a simple process, but you must have the right information ready before submitting your request. The required documents are minimal, yet each one plays an important role in verifying your business identity and ensuring the state can issue the certificate without delays.
This guide explains what you need, why you need it, and how to prepare before placing your order.
Why States Require Documentation
The Certificate of Good Standing proves that your business is active, compliant, and legally authorized to operate. States ask for basic information and supporting documents to confirm your entity’s identity and prevent errors during processing.
Having these items ready helps you avoid rejected requests and speeds up delivery.
Required Documents and Information
Most states ask for only a few items. Here are the essentials you must have before ordering a Certificate of Good Standing.
1. Legal Business Name
The exact legal name is the most important piece of information in the request. You must enter the name exactly as it appears in state records, including punctuation, spacing, or abbreviations.
For example:
- “ABC Holdings LLC”
- “West River Consulting, Inc.”
Using the wrong variation can create delays or return incorrect results.
2. Business Entity Number or State ID (If Applicable)
Many states assign each entity a unique identification number.
This number helps staff locate your record immediately, especially if your business name is common.
Common terms used by states:
- Entity Number
- File Number
- State ID
- Charter Number
Not all states require it, but providing it always helps speed up processing.
3. State of Formation
You must order the certificate from the state where your business was formed.
Examples:
- A Delaware LLC must request its certificate from Delaware
- A Florida corporation must request it from Florida
If your business is registered in multiple states, only the formation state can issue the official Certificate of Good Standing.
4. Business Address and Contact Information
Most states ask for basic contact details to confirm your identity and send updates about your order:
- Business address
- Email address
- Phone number
This helps ensure that the certificate reaches the correct recipient.
5. Registered Agent Information (Sometimes Required)
Some states request the name and address of your registered agent.
This helps verify your entity and confirm the information matches the state’s records.
If your registered agent changed recently, make sure the state has updated information before submitting your request.
6. Payment Method
The request cannot be processed without payment.
States usually accept:
- Credit or debit card
- State portal payment systems
- Business accounts (in some jurisdictions)
Fees typically range from $5 to $50, depending on the state and delivery speed.
Optional Documents You May Need
While most requests are simple, certain situations may require additional documentation.
If your business was recently reinstated:
- Reinstatement approval notice
- Proof of completed filings
If you changed your business name:
- Approved name amendment filing
If your business is foreign-qualified in another state:
- A Certificate of Good Standing from your home state may be required to complete registration
These documents help the state confirm your status before issuing your certificate.
How to Prepare Before Ordering
A quick review before you submit your request ensures a smooth process:
- Confirm your business is in good standing
- Verify that your annual reports are filed
- Check for outstanding fees or franchise taxes
- Update your registered agent information if needed
Once everything is current, ordering the certificate takes only a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Requesting a Certificate of Good Standing requires only basic documents, but accuracy is essential. Having your legal business name, entity number, and contact details ready speeds up the process and ensures you receive the correct document.
With the right information on hand, your order can be processed quickly and delivered without complications—keeping your business ready for banking, licensing, or expansion.
