Order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing

The Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence, is a letter provided by the Delaware Secretary of State that declares that a company is in good standing with the state. It specifically lists the incorporation date, good standing status for a corporation or LLC, and whether its taxes are current.

A Certificate of Good Standing may be required to open a corporate bank account, purchase or sell real estate, obtain a loan, obtain a Certificate of Authority to operate in another state, or merge with another company. Since the certified document verifies that a company is in good standing on the date it was issued, authorities will generally accept it as proof that the business is valid for 30-60 days after the issue date. Beyond that timeframe, however, you may need to request  a new Certificate of Good Standing. If you have any questions about how to order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, be sure to read our blog.

This certificate can be issued only for companies in good standing with the state of Delaware. If your company owes Delaware Franchise Taxes, they must be paid in full before Harvard Business Services can order your Certificate of Good Standing.

You may email customer support, call 1-800-345-2677 or live chat with a specialist to determine if your company owes a tax balance.

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Certificate of Good Standing FAQs 

What is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

This document illustrates that your corporation or LLC is a valid Delaware company that has paid all its taxes in the state of Delaware up to the current date. It is signed by the Delaware Secretary of State and attests to the good standing status of your company on the date it is produced and signed.

Authorities will usually accept the document as proof that your corporation or LLC is real and valid for one to two months after the date of issue. Beyond that, you will need to obtain a newly-issued Delaware Certificate of Good Standing.

Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing at all times?

No, a Certificate of Good Standing is not required to continuously operate a buisness. You'll need one at specific times, especially for official legal purposes. Just keep in mind that the certificate expires within a certain time frame, so you may need to acquire a new one when it is mandated.

When do I need a Certificate of Good Standing?

You will need this document only when you're asked to supply one. A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is typically needed when you do any of the following:

• Open a business bank account.
• Obtain Certificate of Authority to operate your company in another state.
• Purchase or sell real estate with your company.
• Obtain a loan from a bank.
• Merging, selling or acquiring a business.

What do I need to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from Delaware?

In order for your business to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, the entity must be actively registered and in good standing with the Delaware Division of Corporations. Before submitting your application, ensure that your business has done the following:

• Pay all franchise taxes
• File your annual reports (if you're a corporation)
• Maintain a registered agent.

What if my business operates in multiple states?

If your company conducts business in several U.S. states, you may need a Certificate of Gooding standing for each state you operate in. Since a certificate from one state doesn't automatically mean that you're in good standing in another state, each state issues its own certificate, often through the office of its Secretary of State.

How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing

You can obtain a Certificate of Good Standing directly through Harvard Business Services, Inc. Order your Certificate of Good Standing online by submitting your company info and paying a small service fee.

How long does it take to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from Delaware?

When ordering your certificate through Harvard Business Services, Inc. any orders placed prior to 1:00 PM EST will be emailed the same day. Orders placed after this time will be emailed the next business day. Orders placed during weekends or holidays will be processed the next business day.

How much does a Certificate of Good Standing cost?

Harvard Business Services, Inc. services start at $124 to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing. If you need the document for international use, you can also request a Certificate of Good Standing with Apostille for $225.

How long is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing good for?

Depending on what it is being used for, it will be accepted anywhere from 30 days to six months from the date it is produced and signed by the Delaware Secretary of State. While a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing doesn't technically expire, the party requesting the document will usually want one that is up to date. Please check with the party requesting the document if you are unsure if the copy you have meets their requirements.

What if my company is not in Good Standing?

If your company hasn't met all of the state compliance requirements, your request for a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing will likely be denied. You won't be able to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing until the issue is resolved. This is commonly because your business has unpaid franchise taxes, a missing or late annual report, or the lack of a registered agent. If your entity is not currently compliant we can also provide you with the necessary information to help you restore the company's good standing.

What information is included in the Certificate of Good Standing?

When you order a Certificate of Good Standing, you'll receive a unique certificate that applies to a single business for a set period of time. The following information is visible on a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing:

• Business Name - The name of a single business that will be certified.
• State of Formation - The Certificate of Good Standing is unique from state to state, so it will be obvious when you order one in Delaware.
• Issuance Date - The date the Certificate of Good Standing is issued.
• Legal Structure - Depicts whether the company is an LLC, a corporation, or any other type of legal entity.
• Date of Formation - The date the entity was formed in the state.
• Delaware Franchise Tax - Certifies the entity has paid to date the annual taxes.

This info will be accompanied by the current status of your business, indicating that you are in good standing. Keep in mind that the information included in the Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence may differ from state to state.

Do I Need an Apostille for My Certificate of Good Standing?

The purpose of the apostille is to certify the authenticity of the Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign country. This form of authentication is for specific countries and not businesses that operate in the United States. You'll only need an Apostille if your business is foreign or international.

Can Harvard Business Services, Inc. help me obtain a Certificate of Good Standing even if I originally started my business with another formation specialist?

Yes! Our team is happy to help you order a Certificate of Good Standing, even if you started your company with another service provider. Our team can also act as your Delaware Registered Agent if you're also transitioning on that front.