Home Types of Contracts Certificate of Good Standing

Certificate of Good Standing: What it Is and Who Needs One

Jump to Section

Quick Facts — Certificate of Good Standing Lawyers

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

A certificate of good standing is a legal document that proves your company is legally registered and legally formed or compliant in your home state. It demonstrates that you are authorized to do business and currently following state requirements.

This certificate is often called a certificate of existence, status certificate, certificate of status, or certificate of authorization. They can be used for different corporations, including a C Corporation.

Here is an article about the certificate of good standing.

Who Needs a Certificate of Good Standing?

A certificate of good standing is generally not required but may be requested from your state. This is not the same as a business license which is a requirement and must be displayed publicly at all times.

A certificate of good standing is not required for a sole proprietorship in any state. However, in some states, corporations and limited liability companies may be required to get one. In addition, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and limited liability limited partnerships may or may not need one, depending on your state.

In most cases, the only way you require a certificate of good standing is if you are doing business with someone who needs you to have it. For example:

  • If you are applying for a loan/line of credit for your business
  • If you are seeking a line of credit for goods and services
  • If you are transferring or selling your business
  • If you are looking to do business in a state other than the one you are formed in
  • If you are soliciting funds from investors

Here is an article with more information on who needs a certificate of good standing.

Meet some lawyers on our platform

LeMont J.

1 project on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Sara S.

257 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Allen L.

137 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Rhea d.

230 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing

For companies looking to get a loan or line of credit or those looking to expand their business to another state, a certificate of good standing may be necessary. The process of getting one can vary from one state to the next.

In some states, such as Alabama or Arkansas, you can request a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State’s office. There is a fee associated with this though it is small.

Florida offers the document directly online. The fee is less than $10, with differences based on whether you are an LLC or a corporation.

Some states offer a certificate of good standing from their Division of Corporations, which is generally inexpensive but could cost up to $200 depending on the state and the documents needed.

There are online and in-person options to obtain this certificate in many states. In contrast, some states only offer in-person options. Additionally, there are other states where you can request and receive the document via fax or phone.

Here is an article about the different methods of requesting a certificate of good standing for each state.

ContractsCounsel Certificate of Good Standing Image

Image via Pexels by Edmond Dantès

Why Certificates of Good Standing are Important

There are various reasons that a certificate of good standing is essential for different companies and corporations. This document is designed to let others know that you carry out your business legally and adequately and are trustworthy as a business. This can be important for:

  • Companies you want to do business with. It assures them you have fulfilled your obligations in the past and are more likely to fulfill them in the future.
  • Banks and financial institutions you are looking to receive credit or loans from. This assures them you can be trusted to pay back the money they give you.
  • Individuals or other companies that you are looking to sell your business to assure them there is no hidden debt or liability before they make the purchase.
  • Other states where you would like to do business as it assures them you run a legitimate company that benefits the people of their state.
  • Investors you would like to receive funds from. A certificate assures them that you are not hiding large amounts of debt and can be trusted to use the funds efficiently.

You can also use this document simply to show that your business is operating as it should be and that you have nothing to hide. While it is not often requested by customers and is not required for this purpose, it can still earn increased trust from new customers.

Here is an article about why a certificate of good standing is important.

What Could Cause You to Lose Your Good Standing?

Several things could cause you to lose your good standing, but all of them are factors you would know of at the time. Nothing could cause you to lose good standing secretly or without your knowledge.

For example, you could lose your good standing by:

  • Not filing annual reports as required
  • Not maintaining a registered agent or office as required
  • Not paying franchise taxes as required
  • Not making all payments in a timely fashion
  • Making mistakes in forms that are filed
  • Losing your business or occupational license
  • Criminal activity by the business or owner
  • Failing to file required documents

Suppose you have missed payments, especially to the IRS or other government entities. In that case, you will find that your application for a certificate of good standing is denied. Getting back in good standing is quite simple in most cases.

Also, the primary reasons that someone will lose their standing are failure to pay a tax or fee or failure to file a specific document. Once these situations are remedied, your good standing is reinstated. This means that it could be a matter of a few minutes to a few hours at most to get your good standing.

However, there are some situations where it may take more work to reinstate your standing. Speaking with your state agency will allow you to find out precisely what is keeping you from getting your certificate and what you need to do to fix the problem.

Here is an article about how you could lose your good standing.

Resolving Poor Standing

If you find yourself in poor standing, you will need to go through resolving any outstanding issues to have a chance to restore your good standing. You may also need to submit additional forms to the state your business is licensed and prove that you have resolved all issues.

The forms will also require a fee to be reviewed, and you will need to check with your state what those specific fees are. The process consists of:

  1. Determining what outstanding or overdue fees exist.
  2. Resolving/paying all outstanding fees.
  3. Obtaining all necessary forms for reinstatement.
  4. Auditing reinstatement forms to look for errors.
  5. Submitting completed reinstatement forms.
  6. Paying required application filing fees.

Once you have completed all of these steps, you may reinstate your business to good standing. However, the application can still be rejected.

Post a project in ContractsCounsel’s marketplace to get help with a certificate of good standing. All lawyers in our network are vetted by our team and peer reviewed by our customers for you to explore before hiring.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Certificate of Good Standing Lawyers

Morgan S. on ContractsCounsel
View Morgan
4.9 (17)
Member Since:
July 31, 2023

Morgan S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Austin, Texas
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY, TX, WV
University of Pittsburgh Law School

Corporate Attorney that represents startups, businesses, investors, VC/PE doing business throughout the country. Representing in a range of matters from formation to regulatory compliance to financings to exit. Have a practice that represents both domestic and foreign startups, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Along with VC, Private Equity, and investors.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Morgan was very detailed in his response and explanations. He showed me red flags, potential solutions, and where problems may occur. He explained some high risk clauses that did not make sense and I should not accept. Overall, Morgan saved me from bad business deal when I flagged his concerns to the counterparty. Thanks Morgan!"

Daehoon P. on ContractsCounsel
View Daehoon
4.8 (210)
Member Since:
November 26, 2021

Daehoon P.

Corporate & M&A | Venture Capital, Private Equity & Web3 Counsel | Real Estate Transactions
Free Consultation
New York, NY
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
American University Washington College of Law

Corporate, M&A & Securities Lawyer | Managing Attorney, DP Counsel PLLC Practice Areas: Business Formation | Commercial Contracts | Contract Drafting & Review | Mergers & Acquisitions | Venture Capital | Securities Offerings | Franchise Law | Employment & Equity Compensation | Intellectual Property | Cross-Border Transactions About/Bio: I represent companies, investors, and fund sponsors in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, and private securities matters, from entity formation and early-stage financings to acquisitions, exits, and ongoing strategic counsel. As Managing Attorney of DP Counsel PLLC, I help clients structure transactions clearly, allocate risk thoughtfully, and move deals forward with documentation that is practical, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives. My practice includes both day-to-day commercial matters and more complex transactional work, including venture financings, private offerings, M&A deals, fund-related documents, and cross-border structuring. What I Do: Corporate & Commercial • Entity formation and structuring for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships • Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and governance documents • Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation • Vendor, distribution, manufacturing, SaaS, and licensing agreements • Employment, consulting, confidentiality, and equity compensation agreements • Outside general counsel support for growing companies Securities & Private Capital • Private offerings under Regulation D and Regulation S • Private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, and investor documents • SAFE, convertible note, and priced equity financings • Venture capital and private fund formation matters • Fund governing documents and offering document packages • Securities law analysis for private capital raising transactions Mergers & Acquisitions • Letters of intent and term sheets • Stock purchase, asset purchase, and merger agreements • Due diligence coordination and transaction support • Disclosure schedules, closing documents, and post-closing matters • Earnouts, rollover equity, indemnity structures, and related deal terms • HSR, CFIUS, and related regulatory issue spotting for qualifying transactions Digital Assets & Emerging Technologies • Federal-law digital asset and token securities analysis • Entity structuring for blockchain and Web3 ventures • Digital asset fund and operating structures • AML/KYC documentation support and regulatory issue spotting Franchising • Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) • Franchise agreements • Master franchise and area development agreements • Franchise structuring and registration coordination Real Estate Transactions • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions • Real estate joint ventures and syndications • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation • Real estate investment structures and related offering documents Cross-Border & International • U.S. market entry and entity structuring for international clients • Delaware and multi-entity holding structures • Cross-border transaction planning and documentation • Coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors on cross-border matters Why Clients Hire Me: • Big-law-level drafting with boutique responsiveness • Practical, business-focused advice grounded in execution reality • Clear scoping and transparent fee arrangements • Experience across financings, acquisitions, fund formations, and cross-border transactions Typical Projects: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Entity formation and governance packages • Private offering document suites • Venture financing documentation • M&A transactions from LOI through closing • Fractional or outside general counsel support Industries Technology | SaaS | FinTech | Digital Assets | E-commerce | Healthcare | Real Estate | Food & Beverage | Professional Services

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Thanks Daehoon for going above and beyond and helping me with a lot of detailed information regarding signing multiple contracts. I was very happy with the outcome. Best"

Jason H. on ContractsCounsel
View Jason
4.9 (21)
Member Since:
March 5, 2023

Jason H.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Dallas, Texas
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX, VA
Regent University, School of Law

Jason has been providing legal insight and business expertise since 2001. He is admitted to both the Virginia Bar and the Texas State Bar, and also proud of his membership to the Fellowship of Ministers and Churches. Having served many people, companies and organizations with legal and business needs, his peers and clients know him to be a high-performing and skilled attorney who genuinely cares about his clients. In addition to being a trusted legal advisor, he is a keen business advisor for executive leadership and senior leadership teams on corporate legal and regulatory matters. His personal mission is to take a genuine interest in his clients, and serve as a primary resource to them.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Wonderful attorney! He was extremely professional, answered all of my questions and was patient with my complicated legal situation. Don’t hesitate to hire him."

Davis S. on ContractsCounsel
View Davis
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 16, 2020

Davis S.

Founder
Free Consultation
Minneapolis, MN
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Davis founded DLO in 2010 after nearly a decade of practicing in the corporate department of a larger law firm. Armed with this experience and knowledge of legal solutions used by large entities, Davis set out to bring the same level of service to smaller organizations and individuals. The mission was three-fold: provide top-notch legal work, charge fair prices for it, and never stop evolving to meet the changing needs of clients. Ten years and more than 1000 clients later, Davis is proud of the assistance DLO provides for companies large and small, and the expanding service they now offer for individuals and families.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Amazing work! I am so pleased that I was able to get my contracts in order so quickly! I feel very confident sending my contracts to future clients now!"

Terence B. on ContractsCounsel
View Terence
5.0 (45)
Member Since:
August 23, 2020

Terence B.

Partner
Free Consultation
Orlando, FL and New York, NY
15 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL, NY
Georgetown University Law Center

Terry Brennan is an experienced corporate, intellectual property and emerging company transactions attorney who has been a partner at two national Wall Street law firms and a trusted corporate counsel. He focuses on providing practical, cost-efficient and creative legal advice to entrepreneurs, established enterprises and investors for business, corporate finance, intellectual property and technology transactions. As a partner at prominent law firms, Terry's work centered around financing, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, securities transactions, outsourcing and structuring of business entities to protect, license, finance and commercialize technology, manufacturing, digital media, intellectual property, entertainment and financial assets. As the General Counsel of IBAX Healthcare Systems, Terry was responsible for all legal and related business matters including health information systems licensing agreements, merger and acquisitions, product development and regulatory issues, contract administr

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Working with Terence was quick and easy, we would highly recommend him."

Braden P. on ContractsCounsel
View Braden
Member Since:
August 18, 2020

Braden P.

Partner
Free Consultation
Kansas City, MO
24 Yrs Experience
Licensed in KS, MO
University of Kansas School of Law

Braden Perry is a corporate governance, regulatory and government investigations attorney with Kennyhertz Perry, LLC. Mr. Perry has the unique tripartite experience of a white-collar criminal defense and government compliance, investigations, and litigation attorney at a national law firm; a senior enforcement attorney at a federal regulatory agency; and the Chief Compliance Officer/Chief Regulatory Attorney of a global financial institution. Mr. Perry has extensive experience advising clients in federal inquiries and investigations, particularly in enforcement matters involving technological issues. He couples his technical knowledge and experience defending clients in front of federal agencies with a broad-based understanding of compliance from an institutional and regulatory perspective.

William F. on ContractsCounsel
View William
Member Since:
August 18, 2020

William F.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Denver, CO
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CO
University of Wyoming

William L Foster has been practicing law since 2006 as an attorney associate for a large litigation firm in Denver, Colorado. His experience includes drafting business contracts, organizational filings, and settlement agreements.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Business

Certificate of Good Standing

New York

Asked on Feb 9, 2025

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

I recently started a small business and have heard about a Certificate of Good Standing. However, I am not sure what it is or why it is important. I would like to know more about what a Certificate of Good Standing is and how it can benefit my business in terms of legal compliance and credibility.

Damien B.

Answered Feb 10, 2025

In New York, a business's Certificate of Good Standing certifies that it is adequately registered and active in doing business in the state. A business owner may obtain a Certificate of Status, also referred to as a Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence, evidencing the existence of a corporation or other business entity by submitting a request to the New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Corporate

Certificate of Good Standing

Ohio

Asked on Aug 15, 2024

Can you explain what a Certificate of Good Standing is and why it is important for a business?

I recently started a small business and I have heard about this document called a Certificate of Good Standing. I am not entirely sure what it is and why it is important, so I would like some clarification. From my understanding, it is a document issued by the state where my business is registered, but I am unsure of its purpose and how it affects my business. I want to make sure I am in compliance with all necessary requirements and understand the implications of obtaining or not obtaining this certificate.

Melissa G.

Answered Sep 10, 2024

A certificate of good standing shows that your business has complied with all of the applicable laws and regulations for the state in which the business operates (e.g., all required reports have been filed like the annual report; the business has paid all taxes and fees; the business has met any necessary licensing and regulatory requirements, etc.). and that the business is legally authorized to operate in a state. It is important to have so that the business can show potential partners, investors, or lenders that your business has taken the necessary steps to ensure its legal status in the state.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Corporate

Certificate of Good Standing

California

Asked on May 11, 2025

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

I am a small business owner in the process of applying for a business loan and I have come across the term 'Certificate of Good Standing.' I am not sure what this certificate is, why it is necessary, and how I can obtain one for my business. Could you please explain what a Certificate of Good Standing is and its significance in the context of business operations and loan applications?

Robert P.

Answered Jun 24, 2025

A certificate of good standing is simply a due diligence item the lender will require showing your business entity is in "good standing" with the state in which the business was formed. "Good standing" means the business is operational and has paid its taxes (franchise taxes, etc) and is up to date on all annual fees, etc. To get the certificate, you can log on to your state of formation's secretary of state website (usually under the section entitled "business services") and you can purchase a certificate of good standing for a minimal fee.

Read 1 attorney answer>
See more legal questions…

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Corporate lawyers by top cities
See All Corporate Lawyers
Certificate of Good Standing lawyers by city
See All Certificate of Good Standing Lawyers

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
SAFE Document
Location: Tennessee
Turnaround: A week
Service: Prepare & File
Doc Type: Certificate of Good Standing
Number of Bids: 10
Bid Range: $1 - $1,800

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
need a cert. of conversion in compliance O.C.G.A. 11-14-212
Location: Georgia
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Prepare & File
Doc Type: Certificate of Good Standing
Number of Bids: 2
Bid Range: $700 - $1,600

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city