Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC
A certificate of good standing is a state-issued document that generally confirms that a business entity exists on the state's records and has satisfied the conditions the state uses for good-standing status at that time.
Terminology varies. A state may call it a certificate of existence, certificate of status, or something similar.
What does good standing mean?
The precise meaning depends on state law.
It commonly relates to whether the LLC is active on the state's records and current with required entity filings or fees administered by that agency.
A certificate does not guarantee that the business complies with every law, tax, license, contract, or regulatory obligation.
When might you need one?
A certificate may be requested when an LLC:
- • opens certain financial accounts
- • obtains financing
- • enters a significant transaction
- • registers to do business in another state
- • works with a vendor or customer requiring entity verification
- • completes other legal or administrative processes
Not every business needs to keep a freshly issued certificate at all times.
How do you get one?
Use the official business-entity website for the state where the LLC is formed.
Search for "certificate of good standing," "certificate of status," or "certificate of existence." Confirm you are on an official government site before paying.
Is this the same as Articles of Organization?
No.
Articles of Organization are the filing used to form the LLC.
A certificate of good standing is issued later to report the entity's status according to the state's records.
Is this the same as a Certificate of Insurance?
No.
A certificate of good standing concerns the LLC's status with a government entity.
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) provides information about insurance coverage.
Read Certificate of Insurance for an LLC
How do you stay in good standing?
Follow the recurring requirements for your state, which may include periodic reports, fees, maintaining a registered agent, or other entity obligations.
Read LLC Annual Report Requirements and LLC Compliance.