Certificate of good standing by state
| State | Official name | Fee | How to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Certificate of Good Standing | Free online ($20 for a paper certificate) | Generate it yourself online by entering the Filing ID; each certificate has a validation number. |
| Texas | Certificate of Fact – Status | $15 (Comptroller account status printout is free) | Order on SOSPortal (ready in about 10 minutes), or by email or mail. The Comptroller’s free Franchise Tax Account Status page is a separate tax-status check. |
| Delaware | Certificate of Good Standing (Short Form Certificate of Status) | $50 short form · $175 long form | Request it through the Division’s Document Filing and Certificate Request Service or by mail. The $10 online status check is not a certificate. |
| California | Certificate of Status | $5 | Order online on bizfile Online or with the paper records order form. |
| North Carolina | Certificate of Existence | $15 | Order online with a free Secretary of State online account. |
| New York | Certificate of Status | $25 (+$25 / $75 / $150 for 24-hour, same-day or 2-hour service) | Request in writing by mail, hand delivery or email — not available online or by phone. |
| Georgia | Certificate of Existence | $20 ($10 + $10 service charge) | Order online through the Secretary of State’s eCorp site; online certificate requests are processed immediately. |
| Michigan | Certificate of Good Standing | Fee shown when you order online | Order at michigan.gov/fileonline with a MiLogin for Business account: search the entity, choose “Request Certificate” and pay by card; the certificate is emailed to you. |
Florida is being verified and will be added.
When you’ll need one
- Opening a business bank account or applying for a loan or line of credit.
- Registering your LLC to do business in another state.
- Selling the business, bringing in investors or signing a commercial lease.
- Bidding on government contracts or renewing licenses.
How to keep your LLC in good standing
- File your annual report and pay state taxes on time.
- Keep a registered agent with a valid in-state address.
- Update the state when your address, agent or managers change.
Get free reminders 60, 30 and 7 days before each state deadline:
Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of good standing?
An official document from your state’s filing office confirming that your LLC exists and is up to date with its state filings and fees. States call it different names: Certificate of Status (California, Delaware, New York), Certificate of Existence (North Carolina), Certificate of Fact – Status (Texas) or Certificate of Good Standing (Wyoming).
How much does a certificate of good standing cost?
From free in Wyoming (online) to $50 for Delaware’s short form ($175 long form). California charges $5, North Carolina and Texas $15, and New York $25.
How do I get a certificate of good standing?
Order it from the Secretary of State (or equivalent) — online in most states. Wyoming and Texas deliver online within minutes; New York accepts written requests only.
Why would I need one?
Banks, lenders and investors ask for it; you need it to register your LLC in another state (foreign qualification); and buyers, landlords and government contracts often require one.
How do I lose good standing?
Usually by missing an annual report or tax filing, failing to pay state fees, or not keeping a registered agent. Fix it by filing what’s overdue; after administrative dissolution you may need reinstatement.
How long is a certificate of good standing valid?
It reflects status on the date issued. Many banks and agencies only accept certificates issued in the last 30–90 days, so order a fresh one when asked.
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.