Certificate of Good Standing: What It Is & How to Get One for Your LLC (2026)

A Certificate of Good Standing is a state-issued document confirming your LLC is active and current on all filings and fees. It typically costs $5–$50 depending on the state (Indiana charges $26 for a Certificate of Existence), and most states issue it online within minutes. Banks, lenders, and other states routinely ask for one — often requiring it to be dated within the last 30–90 days.

**What is a Certificate of Good Standing?** It is an official statement from your Secretary of State that your LLC exists and is in “good standing” — meaning no missed reports, no unpaid fees, no administrative dissolution. Some states call it a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status; it is the same document.

You cannot get one if your LLC is not actually in good standing. A missed annual report, an unpaid fee, or a resigned registered agent with no replacement will block issuance until you fix the underlying problem. In other words, the certificate is the state’s receipt for your compliance — which is why banks trust it.

### When you will need one

**Opening a US business bank account.** Banks often request a recently issued certificate alongside your Articles of Organization, EIN letter, and operating agreement. Approval is always the bank’s own decision — but having the certificate ready removes one common delay.

**Registering your LLC in another state (foreign qualification).** Every state requires a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state before it will let your LLC do business there.

**Selling the business or bringing on investors.** Buyers and investors verify good standing during due diligence — an LLC that cannot produce one raises immediate questions.

**Renewing licenses or signing large contracts.** Government agencies and enterprise customers sometimes require proof your entity is current.

### How to get one

**Step 1: Confirm your LLC is in good standing.** Check your state’s business search portal. File any overdue reports and pay outstanding fees first.

**Step 2: Order it from the Secretary of State.** Nearly every state offers online ordering through its business portal. Fees run $5–$50 per copy.

**Step 3: Download or wait for delivery.** Online orders are usually instant or same-day; mailed copies take 1–2 weeks.

**Step 4: Check the date requirement.** If your bank or the other state wants one issued within the last 30, 60, or 90 days, order a fresh copy — last year’s certificate will not do.

Keeping your LLC in good standing year-round means every certificate is one click away. Epics Deals handles annual reports, registered agent service, and compliance reminders so your LLC is always certificate-ready — formation is $130 + state fee. WhatsApp us 24/7.

**Related:** https://epicsdeals.com/can-you-be-your-own-registered-agent-2026/ · https://epicsdeals.com/boi-reporting-over-what-llc-owners-owe-2026/ · https://epicsdeals.com/mercury-vs-wise-vs-relay-non-resident-2026/

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Can I open a business bank account without a Certificate of Good Standing?**
Sometimes — requirements vary by bank. Many banks ask for one, so ordering it in advance avoids delays. Account approval is always the bank’s own decision.

**How long is a Certificate of Good Standing valid?**
There is no universal expiry, but recipients usually want one dated within the last 30–90 days. Order a fresh one for each transaction that requires it.

**What if my LLC is not in good standing?**
File the overdue reports, pay the fees, and update your registered agent if needed. Once the state shows you current, you can order the certificate.

**Does a Certificate of Good Standing prove my LLC pays its taxes?**
No. It confirms state filing compliance (reports and fees), not federal tax compliance. Tax compliance is shown through your IRS filings.

**Do US residents need one too?**
Yes. Good standing applies to every LLC regardless of where the owner lives — residents and non-residents alike order certificates the same way.