How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona (2024)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get Arizona Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in Arizona, you must submit a handful of documents to the Secretary of State. In case you take your business beyond the state border, you need this additional document, commonly known as the Certificate of Good Standing.

In this article, LLCBuddy editors share the ins and outs of Arizona Certificate of Good Standing. You’ll also learn what the uses of this document are other than having a foreign LLC out of state. We shared how to get the Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona. The Certificate of Good Standing is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the LLC filing or a corporation filing in Arizona or any other form of business, the Certificate of Good Standing must be obtained. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona

The Certificate of Good Standing is a document that every business in Arizona requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation in Arizona, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Arizona. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.

If you take your business to a different state, Certificate of Good Standing will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities. Besides, to restore or reinstate an LLC in Arizona after dissolution, you must obtain this document.

What Information You Have in Arizona Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Good Standing will have- 

articles of organization
  • The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
  • The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
  • The current name and address of the business entity
  • Whether the business entity exists today
  • Name and address of the Statutory Agent
  • The State where the document is issued
  • A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements. 
  • A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.

Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Good Standing 

Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in Arizona is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business. 

How to Obtain Arizona Certificate of Good Standing

The Arizona Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Arizona SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-

Step 1: Get the Form

In Arizona, LLCs can request a Certificate of Good Standing in two ways, online by Login to eCorp Site. You must sign up to send a request form online or you can download and send the Record Request Form by mail or fax. It takes 15 working days to process the request.

The following points are required to be mentioned in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the details of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number. 

name your llc

Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended that you share the file number to get the process done quickly.

Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from Arizona SOS. If you request the document in person, you can take the return in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it. 

Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from SOS. There is a box in the form you need to check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended that more copies of the certificate be obtained for future use. 

Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.

Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the Arizona Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for corporations, LLC amendment, corporation amendment, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional, and you can avoid this. You must pay a stipulated fee for every copy you request. 

Step 2: Submit the Form

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the Arizona Corporation Commission, Corporate Filings Section, 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007 for offline filing. You must search the Arizona SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $10 must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing. The amount might be more depending on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might have to pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Good Standing’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona. 

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Good Standing

Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the Arizona SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Arizona, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Good Standing.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona is a character certificate of any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons, 

  • To get business loans and advances or investors
  • To get business bank accounts
  • To purchase insurance for business coverage
  • To renew licenses & permits
  • To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC
  • To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another. 
  • To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.
  • If your LLC is dissolved for any administrative reasons and you want to restore it, you must obtain the Certificate of Good Standing for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Arizona Certificate of Good Standing is needed. 

FAQs

How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona, you can request one online through the Arizona Corporation Commission website.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing for a business that is not registered in Arizona?
No, the Certificate of Good Standing is specific to businesses registered in Arizona.
How much does it cost to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
The cost of obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona varies depending on the business entity type.
How long does it take to receive a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
It typically takes around 1-3 business days to receive a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona, but expedited processing options are available for an additional fee.
What information is included in a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
A Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona typically includes information such as the entity’s name, registration status, and date of formation.
Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing to conduct business in Arizona?
While not required, having a Certificate of Good Standing can be beneficial when conducting business in Arizona, as it demonstrates that your entity is in compliance with state regulations.
Can I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for multiple business entities in Arizona?
Yes, you can obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for multiple business entities in Arizona by submitting separate requests for each entity.
Can I download a digital copy of my Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
Yes, once your request has been processed, you can download a digital copy of your Certificate of Good Standing from the Arizona Corporation Commission website.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence in Arizona?
While similar, a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona typically indicates compliance status, while a Certificate of Existence confirms the entity’s active registration status.
Can I use a Certificate of Good Standing from another state when conducting business in Arizona?
While a Certificate of Good Standing from another state may be helpful, it is recommended to obtain a specific Certificate of Good Standing from Arizona for compliance purposes.
How do I know if my business is in good standing with the state of Arizona?
You can request a Certificate of Good Standing from the Arizona Corporation Commission to verify if your business is in compliance with state regulations.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization in Arizona?
Yes, non-profit organizations in Arizona can also request a Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with state regulations.
Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship in Arizona?
While not required for sole proprietorships, obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing can help establish credibility when conducting business in Arizona.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign corporation registered to do business in Arizona?
Yes, foreign corporations can request a Certificate of Good Standing from Arizona to demonstrate compliance with state regulations.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability company (LLC) in Arizona?
Yes, LLCs in Arizona can request a Certificate of Good Standing to verify compliance with state regulations.
How long is a Certificate of Good Standing valid in Arizona?
A Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona is typically valid for a specific period, such as 30 or 60 days, so it is recommended to verify the expiration date.
Can I request an expedited processing service for a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
Yes, expedited processing options are available for an additional fee when requesting a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona.
Can I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for a partnership in Arizona?
Yes, partnerships in Arizona can request a Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with state regulations.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing from the Arizona Corporation Commission over the phone?
No, the Arizona Corporation Commission requires all Certificate of Good Standing requests to be submitted online through their website.
What happens if my business is not in good standing in Arizona?
If your business is not in good standing in Arizona, you may need to address any compliance issues before requesting a Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of someone else’s business in Arizona?
Yes, you can request a Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of another business entity in Arizona, as long as you have the necessary authorization.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing required for obtaining a business license in Arizona?
While not always required, a Certificate of Good Standing can help expedite the process of obtaining a business license in Arizona.
Can I use a Certificate of Good Standing from Arizona for legal purposes?
Yes, a Certificate of Good Standing from Arizona can be used for legal purposes to demonstrate compliance with state regulations.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing without knowing my entity number in Arizona?
Yes, you can request a Certificate of Good Standing from Arizona without knowing your entity number by providing other identifying information.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing for an entity that has been dissolved in Arizona?
No, the Arizona Corporation Commission does not issue Certificates of Good Standing for entities that have been dissolved.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing if my business has been administratively dissolved in Arizona?
No, businesses that have been administratively dissolved in Arizona are not eligible to receive a Certificate of Good Standing until they are reinstated.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing from another state to use in Arizona?
While possible, it is recommended to obtain a specific Certificate of Good Standing from Arizona for accuracy and compliance purposes.
Can I request a historical Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
Yes, you can request a historical Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona to verify compliance during a specific period of time.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing for a trade name registration in Arizona?
Yes, trade name registrations in Arizona can also request a Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with state regulations.
What is an Arizona Certificate of Good Standing?
An Arizona Certificate of Good Standing is a document that verifies that a business entity is compliant with state regulations and is authorized to conduct business in Arizona.

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In Conclusion

The Certificate of Good Standing is a vital document for any business entity in Arizona, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is necessary.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Arizona, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Good Standing is one of them. In some cases, if the business gets shut down or dissolved due to administrative reasons, this document helps the owners retrieve their business in the future. In this article, we shared DIY ways to get the document, but you can always hire a professional to get that for you.

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