To request a Certificate of Good Standing, visit the Michigan Secretary of State website. You may need to create an account or log in to access the application process.
Eligibility and Application
In Michigan, a certificate of good standing verifies that you’re a legally registered business entity that is up to date on all filings and fees and permitted to do business in the state. The process for obtaining a certificate starts by submitting an application with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Any legally registered business entity in Michigan can apply for a Certificate of Good Standing.
To be eligible for a Michigan certificate of good standing, your company must meet the following:
- Be up to date on all Michigan business licenses, permits, and reporting requirements for your LLC or corporation.
- You must also stay current on business licenses, permits, and reporting for your LLC or corporation.
It should be noted that sole proprietors and partnerships don’t register with the state, so they can’t get a certificate.
How to Obtain the Certificate
You can order a certificate of good standing in Michigan online, by mail, by phone, or in person, but it is recommended to order online as online processing takes about 3 days. Requests by mail or phone take longer because of mailing time (10-15 days).
Certificate Details
A Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the following basic information:
- Company name
- Address
- Formation date
- Current status
Checking Good Standing Status
To check if a business is in Good Standing in Michigan, search for your business on the Secretary of State website. You will know you are in good standing if your status is “Current-Active.”
Remember, you must take the necessary steps to bring your business into good standing before being eligible for a Certificate of Good Standing.