CLS Service Fee
$50 + state fees
Expedited Available
Same-day processing in most states
All 50 States
Flat-rate pricing
When You Need a Certificate of Good Standing
A certificate of good standing is required in many common business situations.
Bank Account & Financing
Banks and lenders often require a current certificate of good standing before opening accounts or approving loans.
Legal Proceedings
Courts may require proof of good standing before allowing your entity to file or defend a lawsuit in that jurisdiction.
Business Transactions
Mergers, acquisitions, real estate closings, and large contracts typically require certificates from all relevant states.
Foreign Qualification
Registering your business in a new state requires a certificate of good standing from your home (domestic) state.
Simple 4-Step Process
Request
Tell us which states you need certificates from and any specific requirements
We Order
We submit the request to the Secretary of State with any required fees
Track
Monitor your order status through your secure online portal
Receive
Get your official certificate—digital copy immediately, original by mail
We Handle Everything
- Request submission to the Secretary of State
- Payment of all state fees on your behalf
- Expedited processing when time-sensitive
- Digital copy delivery to your secure portal
- Original document mailing to your address
- Multi-state orders managed in parallel
- Apostille and authentication services available
- Status tracking through your online dashboard
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
A Certificate of Good Standing (also called a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status) is an official document issued by the Secretary of State confirming that your business entity is properly registered, has paid all required fees, and is authorized to conduct business in that state.
How long does it take to get a Certificate of Good Standing?
Processing times vary by state. Standard processing typically takes 3-10 business days. Most states offer expedited or same-day processing for an additional fee. Digital certificates are often available faster than physical copies.
How long is a Certificate of Good Standing valid?
Certificates typically don't have a formal expiration date, but most requesting parties (banks, courts, other states) require one issued within the last 30-90 days. We recommend obtaining certificates as close to the needed date as possible.
What if my entity is not in good standing?
If your entity has fallen out of good standing due to missed filings or unpaid fees, we can help you get reinstated. Our compliance team will identify what's needed—whether it's filing overdue annual reports, paying back fees, or addressing other issues—and handle the remediation for you.
Can you get certificates from multiple states at once?
Yes. If you operate in multiple states, we can order certificates from all of them simultaneously. Our multi-state dashboard makes it easy to track the status of each request.
Content reference: CCP-BBF6C75C90D9