Limited liability companies need various types of certificates, such as your seller’s certificate, wholesale certificate, etc. Sometimes LLCs will require a certificate of status when asked to provide one.
What is a certificate of status?
The secretary of state issues a certificate of status. It is a written document that verifies you are legally authorized to conduct business in your state. Unlike other essential certificates your LLC may require, not all LCCs need to obtain a certificate of status.
What is a certificate of good standing?
A certificate of good standing is another name used for a certificate of status. Some states prefer to use this name. Another name you will find used in some states is a certificate of existence. No matter what you call it, once issued a certificate, it indicates your LLC is properly registered with the state and allowed to conduct business in that state.
How do you know if your LLC needs to file a certificate of status?
You usually only require a certificate of good standing when other business entities request you provide one. For example, if you want to open a business bank account or apply for a line of credit with a wholesaler, they may ask you to provide a copy of your certificate of good standing.
Other times you may require a certificate of status includes:
- Registering for a business license to conduct business in another state
- Soliciting investors to invest in your business
- Applying for or opening different types of business financial accounts
- Applying for commercial auto loans to purchase commercial vehicles
- Applying for commercial auto leases to lease commercial vehicles
- Renting property for commercial use
- Applying for credit with suppliers and vendors
Please keep in mind that these are just some examples of various situations where you may need to present a certificate of existence.
Your LLC only needs a certificate of status when asked to provide one. When you first form an LLC, it is recommended to get a certificate of good standing since you will probably be opening financial accounts, wholesale accounts, etc.
How often does your LLC need to file a certificate of good standing?
You LLC will need to file for a certificate of good standing anytime it is requested if it is no longer valid. When a state issues a certificate of status, it is only valid for a short period—usually thirty to ninety days. After that, states require you to refile for a new certificate the next time one is requested.
The reason states have a thirty- to ninety-day limit is because they need to re-verify if your business is still in good standing with the state. Business situations and circumstances can change in a short period. You can use the certificate as much as you need until it expires.
How does FastFilings make filing a certificate of status quick and easy?
You can obtain your certificate of status for your LLC quickly and easily by using FastFilings. We make the process simple and straightforward.
Step 1: Verify your business is in good standing.
Before you file for a certificate of status, you need to verify your business is in good standing with the state. You do this by ensuring your licenses and permits, state taxes, and annual reports (Statement of Information) are current with the state.
Step 2: Fill out our online application form.
Answer a few questions about your LLC by completing our secure application form.
Step 3: We create and file your certificate of status application.
We will create and file your application with your state on your behalf using the information you provided. If we need additional information, we will contact you directly.
Step 4: Receive your certificate of good standing.
We will send you a confirmation once the state accepts your application. Depending on your state, we will send you an electronic version of the certificate, or you will receive it in the mail directly from the state.
We can also assist you with filing your Statement of Information if you need to do this before applying for your certificate of status. For further information or to apply for your certificate of good standing, get started online today! You may also contact us through our website using our online contact form if you have further questions or need assistance.