Businesses must request a Certificate of Good Standing from the state’s Secretary of State or office responsible for filing entities and maintaining records. Many states have an online form for requesting a Letter of Good Standing. Other methods include sending a written form by fax, email, or mail.
Eligibility and Requirements
A Certificate of Good Standing confirms a business complies with state rules. Corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and limited liability partnerships can get these certificates. Sole proprietors and general partnerships don’t qualify since they’re unincorporated.
Most states’ Secretary of State issues certificates, confirming the entity is registered and up to date on fees and paperwork. These certificates are needed for various business activities such as applying for loans or opening bank accounts. They do expire, typically when registration renewals or filings are due.
Application Process
The process to obtain certificates is straightforward and usually takes about a week.
Assistance with the Process
Rather than navigating the process alone, clients can ask services to assist in promptly getting their Letter of Good Standing.