Definition and Importance
A Georgia good standing is also known as a "certificate of existence". The certificate is issued by the Georgia secretary of state authenticating that all franchise taxes have been paid up to date and all required annual reports have been filed. You can order a Georgia certificate of status on this page. If the company is NOT in good standing and you are the owner, we’ll notify you and let you know what is required to bring the company into good standing with the state.
Certificates of existence are requested to open a bank account, get a bank loan, and get business insurance. New domestic Georgia business formations do not need certificates of existence to complete registration as businesses in Georgia.
Ordering and Processing
Certificates of existence can be ordered on the Secretary of State’s website for $10. Processing takes up to 5 business days. We can email you a copy of your Georgia Good Standing Certificate the same day, usually within 2-3 hours after we get your order. The web address to verify a Georgia Certificate of Good Standing is printed on each certificate.
If you request a Certificate of Status in Georgia online, it will usually be processed within 24 hours. You can expedite processing for an additional fee of $100.
Expedited Service and Online Ordering
You may place an order by mail, phone, or online, however we encourage ordering over the internet. Ordering online is quickest, cheapest, and simplest. Normal mail processing takes up to 48 hours and costs $10. Expedited service costs $60 more and processes the same day.
Certificate Verification and Compliance
New domestic Georgia businesses do not need certificates of existence to register in the state. You can verify a certificate on the Secretary of State’s website. The address is printed on each one.
Is a Letter of Good Standing Required?
The State of Georgia commonly refers to this document as a Certificate of Existence. Situations requiring a Certificate of Good Standing in Georgia include registering an LLC in another state, applying for loans, and getting business insurance.
What Does the Certificate Include?
Along with the date and Secretary of State’s signature, a Georgia Good Standing Certificate includes the certification that the named company is legally eligible to operate in Georgia.
LLC Approval Time in GA
A certificate of existence shows a company is legally active in Georgia. You need certificates to open bank accounts, get loans, or buy insurance. If a company isn’t in good standing, we explain to the owner what to do. Franchise taxes must be current and reports filed.