What Is a Certificate of Good Standing?
A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document from the Secretary of State (the state government office that manages LLCs). It confirms your LLC is properly registered, has filed all required reports, and paid all outstanding fees.
Different states use different names for this document:
- Certificate of Good Standing: used by most states, including Wyoming, Florida, and Delaware
- Certificate of Existence: used by New Mexico
- Certificate of Status: used by some states as an alternative term
- Letter of Good Standing: informal name used in some jurisdictions
Regardless of the name, the purpose is the same: official proof that your LLC is compliant and active. Banks, government agencies, business partners, and courts use this document to check that your LLC is legitimate and in good standing.
When Do You Need One?
Certificates of Good Standing are commonly required in the following situations:
- Opening or maintaining a US bank account: Most banks request a recent Certificate of Good Standing before opening a business account, and some require periodic re-verification
- Signing major contracts or leases: The other party may require proof that your LLC exists and is in good standing before signing
- Registering in another state (foreign qualification): To register your LLC in a new state, that state will require a Certificate of Good Standing from the state where you formed your LLC.
- Applying for business licences or permits: Many jurisdictions require proof of good standing before issuing or renewing licences
- Investor due diligence: Investors and partners check your LLC before investing money or signing a partnership agreement
- Annual compliance verification: Some business relationships require periodic proof that your LLC remains in good standing
We Handle the Paperwork
Select your state, we request the certificate from the Secretary of State, and deliver the digital PDF to you. All-inclusive pricing, no hidden fees.
How It Works
The process follows four straightforward steps:
- 1. Select your state and place your order: Choose your LLC's formation state from the pricing below and complete the checkout. We'll follow up to confirm your LLC name and any details needed for the request.
- 2. We request the certificate: We submit the certificate request to the Secretary of State on your behalf. We handle all forms and state fees.
- 3. The state issues the certificate: The state processes the request and issues the certificate. Processing times vary by state but are typically 3–5 business days.
- 4. We deliver the certificate to you: You receive the certificate as a digital PDF via email. Ready to use for banking, contracts, or any other purpose.
Timeline
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days from the time we submit the request to the state. Actual processing times vary by state:
- Wyoming: typically 1–3 business days
- Florida: typically 2–5 business days
- New Mexico: typically 3–5 business days
- Delaware: typically 3–7 business days (standard processing)
Why Choose Us
- Transparent pricing: All-inclusive prices with no hidden fees. The price you see is the price you pay. State fees, service, and delivery are included.
- We handle the paperwork: No navigating unfamiliar state portals, no figuring out which forms to file, no dealing with state agencies. We handle everything from request to delivery
- Single point of contact: Already use us for Form 5472 or annual reports? We handle all your LLC compliance needs in one place.
- Foreign LLC owner specialist: We work exclusively with non-US entrepreneurs who own US LLCs. We understand the specific challenges you face with US state bureaucracy
Order Your Certificate
We offer Certificate of Good Standing services for the four most common formation states for foreign-owned US LLCs. All prices are all-inclusive: no separate state fees, no hidden costs. Select your state below to see your price and place your order.
Select your LLC's formation state
Your formation state is shown on your Articles of Organization, or in the confirmation email from your formation agent.
Order Now →Common Questions
What if my LLC is not in good standing?
If your LLC is not in good standing, the state will not issue a certificate. This can happen due to missed annual reports, unpaid fees, or other compliance issues. We can help you fix the problem first. We will identify what filings or fees are missing. Once your LLC is back in good standing, we request the certificate. Have questions? Contact us and we will assess your situation.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document from your state. It confirms your LLC is registered, has filed all required reports, and paid all fees. Some states use different names: New Mexico calls it a "Certificate of Existence," and other states may call it a "Certificate of Status" or "Letter of Good Standing." The purpose is the same regardless of the name.
Why do I need a Certificate of Good Standing?
Banks, business partners, government agencies, and other institutions use Certificates of Good Standing to verify that your LLC is legitimate and compliant. You'll commonly need one when opening a US bank account, signing major contracts, or registering your LLC in another state. You may also need it when applying for business licences or during investor checks.
How long does it take to get one?
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days from the time we submit the request to the state. Wyoming is often faster at 1–3 days. Some states may take the full 5 days or more.
Which states do you cover?
We cover Wyoming, Florida, New Mexico, and Delaware. These are the four most common states for foreign-owned US LLCs. Wyoming, Florida, and New Mexico are $229 each; Delaware is $279. If you need a certificate from a different state, contact us for a custom quote.
Ready to Get Your Certificate?
Official Certificate of Good Standing, delivered as a digital PDF. All-inclusive pricing from $229.