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Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC: What It Is and How to Get One
Banks, payment platforms and other states sometimes ask for a certificate of good standing. Here is what it proves, how to get one and how to keep your LLC eligible.
A certificate of good standing (also called a certificate of existence or status) is a document from the Secretary of State confirming that your LLC exists and is up to date with its state filings and fees. You order it online from the state where the LLC was formed. If you have missed annual reports or fees, you must catch up first.
Who Asks for It
- Banks and payment providers verifying your LLC
- Other states when you register to do business there
- Investors, buyers and some business partners
How to Get One
- Check that your annual reports and state fees are up to date
- Order the certificate on the Secretary of State website
- Pay the state fee (it varies by state)
- Download the PDF, which is usually available immediately
How to Stay in Good Standing
- File every annual report on time
- Keep a registered agent at all times
- Pay state taxes and fees when due
Certificate of Good Standing: When Founders Abroad Need One
If you run a US LLC from outside the US, the certificate of good standing usually comes up at one of these moments:
- Opening a US business bank account or a fintech account that wants proof the LLC is active
- A payment processor or marketplace reviewing your account and asking for current company documents
- Registering your LLC to do business in a second state, which almost always requires a recent certificate from your home state
- Using the LLC abroad, for example with a bank or authority in your own country. In that case you may also need an apostille, which the same Secretary of State issues
Some states use a different name for the same document. California and Florida, for example, issue a “certificate of status”, and other states call it a certificate of existence. If a bank asks for a certificate of good standing, any of these official status documents from your LLC’s state is what they mean.
Certificate of Good Standing vs Other LLC Documents
- Articles of Organization: prove the LLC was formed, but say nothing about its status today
- EIN letter (CP 575 or 147C): proves the LLC’s US tax ID
- Operating agreement: shows who owns and runs the LLC
- Certificate of good standing: proves the LLC exists right now and is up to date with the state
Banks often ask for all four together. Keep PDFs of each in one folder so you can answer document requests the same day.
Certificate of Good Standing Cost With LLCPronto
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Good Standing | Free |
We order your Certificate of Good Standing for you free of charge. Your LLC must be up to date with its annual reports and state fees.
Documents You Need for a Certificate of Good Standing
- The LLC’s name, state and file number
- Confirmation that your annual reports and state fees are paid
- The email address where we should send the certificate
FAQs
How long is a certificate of good standing valid?
There is no fixed expiry, but many banks and states want one issued within the last 30 to 90 days.
What if my LLC is not in good standing?
File any missing reports and pay outstanding fees, then order the certificate.
Can LLCPronto get it for me?
Yes. Ask us on WhatsApp.
Do I need an apostille on my certificate of good standing?
Only if you will use it in another country that asks for one. The Secretary of State of the state where your LLC was formed issues the apostille.
How often should I order a new certificate of good standing?
Only when someone asks for one. Most banks and states want a certificate issued in the last 30 to 90 days, so order it close to the date you need it.
Get Your Certificate of Good Standing
Free. Send us your LLC name and state on WhatsApp and we get it for you.
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