At a glance
| Official name | Certificate of Existence |
|---|---|
| Fee | $20 ($10 + $10 service charge) |
| Online | Yes — available within minutes |
| Issued by | Georgia Secretary of State — Corporations Division |
| Order page | Official page |
How to order
Order online through the Secretary of State’s eCorp site; online certificate requests are processed immediately.
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 Georgia
- Georgia annual registration: April 1 each year. — $60.
- Registered agent: keep one with a physical address in the state. Georgia registered agent rules.
If you fall behind: $25; administrative dissolution possible. Reinstatement: $260 within 5 years.
Full details: Georgia annual report guide. Get reminders before each deadline:
All Georgia LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a Georgia LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $60 a year ($60 annual registration).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $110 ($100 filing fee + $10 service charge) | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | $35 ($25 + $10 service charge) for 30 days | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| Georgia annual registration | $60 | Every year, starting the year after formation |
| Registered agent | $0 if you qualify to serve yourself; $99–$199/yr for a service | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $60 (annual registration) or $30 (amended annual registration) | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Existence | $20 ($10 + $10 service charge) | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Trade name registration | Set by the county | Only if you trade under another name |
| Certificate of Termination | No fee online ($10 service charge on paper) | Once, to close the LLC |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a certificate of good standing in Georgia?
Order online through the Secretary of State’s eCorp site; online certificate requests are processed immediately. Georgia calls it a “Certificate of Existence”.
How much is a Georgia certificate of good standing?
$20 ($10 + $10 service charge), per the Georgia Secretary of State — Corporations Division.
How long does it take?
It’s available online within minutes once you find your LLC’s record.
Why can’t I get a certificate for my Georgia LLC?
The state only issues one if the LLC is current. The usual cause is a missed georgia annual registration (April 1 each year.) or unpaid fees. Late consequence: A $25 penalty applies to late annual registrations. An LLC that is administratively dissolved can apply for reinstatement within 5 years; the reinstatement fee is $260.
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.