At a glance
| Official name | Certificate of Good Standing (Short Form Certificate of Status) |
|---|---|
| Fee | $50 short form · $175 long form |
| Online | See how to order below |
| Issued by | Delaware Division of Corporations |
| Order page | Official page |
How to order
Request it through the Division’s Document Filing and Certificate Request Service or by mail. The $10 online status check is not a certificate.
Have your LLC’s exact name or state filing number ready. Banks and other states often want a certificate issued within the last few weeks, so order it shortly before you need it.
Staying in good standing in Delaware
- Delaware LLC annual tax: On or before June 1 each year, for the prior year. — $400.
- Registered agent: keep one with a physical address in the state. Delaware registered agent rules.
If you fall behind: $200 + 1.5% interest per month; loses good standing. Reinstatement: pay tax, penalty and interest.
Full details: Delaware annual report guide. Get reminders before each deadline:
All Delaware LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a Delaware LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $400 a year ($400 annual LLC tax).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation | $110 | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | $75 for 120 days | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| Delaware LLC annual tax | $400 | Every year |
| Registered agent | $0 if you qualify to serve yourself; $99–$199/yr for a service | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $50 | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Good Standing (Short Form Certificate of Status) | $50 short form · $175 long form | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Trade name | See Delaware One Stop | Only if you trade under another name |
| Certificate of Cancellation | $220 plus any unpaid annual taxes | Once, to close the LLC |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a certificate of good standing in Delaware?
Request it through the Division’s Document Filing and Certificate Request Service or by mail. The $10 online status check is not a certificate. Delaware calls it a “Certificate of Good Standing (Short Form Certificate of Status)”.
How much is a Delaware certificate of good standing?
$50 short form · $175 long form, per the Delaware Division of Corporations.
How long does it take?
It isn’t instant — allow processing time, or pay for expedited service where the state offers it.
Why can’t I get a certificate for my Delaware LLC?
The state only issues one if the LLC is current. The usual cause is a missed delaware llc annual tax (On or before June 1 each year, for the prior year.) or unpaid fees. Late consequence: A $200 penalty plus 1.5% interest per month on the tax and penalty. An LLC that doesn't pay loses its good standing.
Is it the same as a certificate of existence?
For most purposes, yes — states use different names for the document confirming an entity exists and is current. Some states also offer a longer version listing filing history.
Your LLC setup checklist
- Get a free EINFrom the IRS, in minutes online.
- Open a business bank accountKeep LLC money apart from yours to protect the liability shield.
- Sign an operating agreementSettle who owns and decides what before it matters.
- Get business insuranceCover what the LLC itself doesn’t protect.
- Plan your taxesKnow your tax status and federal due dates.
- Track state deadlinesFree reminders before each filing.
Everything in one list: printable LLC compliance checklist · live deadline calendar.