How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in Arkansas (2025)

Get Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing

The certificate of good standing is a significant document that LLC owners require if they want to expand their business out of Arkansas. The Arkansas Secretary of State issues this document in favor of the company with the required details to submit it to the other state into which it is going to expand.

When you file an LLC in Arkansas while residing in a different state, you submit the certificate of authority to the Arkansas SOS. Similarly, an LLC formed in Arkansas (as a principal office) has to submit this document while forming an LLC in other states. In this article, LLCBuddy editors share the ins and outs of getting the Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing.

What is a Certificate of Good Standing in Arkansas

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

How to Obtain an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing

The Arkansas Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Arkansas 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

To request a Certificate of Good Standing in Arkansas, you must send a request. It costs $25 to get the certificate. You can download the Certificate of Good Standing from the Arkansas SOS within 2 weeks of the date of purchase.

Request Certificate of Good Standing:

Online application: Search Business to Purchase Certificate of Good Standing
Offline application: Not available
Fees: $25

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 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 the Arkansas 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 that 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 Arkansas Certificate of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for corporations, LLC amendments, corporation amendments, 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 Arkansas Secretary of State, 1401 W. Capital Ave., Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201 for offline filing. You must search the Arkansas SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $25 (regular processing) OR $28 (online processing) 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 Arkansas.

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 Arkansas SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Arkansas, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Good Standing.

What Information Do You Have in an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing

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

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 Registered 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 Arkansas 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.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Arkansas is a character certificate for 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 Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

An Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office confirming that a business entity is authorized to do business in the state.

Why would I need an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

You may need an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate that your business is compliant with state regulations and to qualify for certain business transactions or activities.

How can I obtain an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

You can obtain an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing by making a request through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office either online, by mail, or in person.

What information do I need to provide to request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

You will generally need to provide the name of your business entity and any required identification numbers, such as your Arkansas Secretary of State file number.

Are there any fees associated with obtaining an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, there are typically fees associated with obtaining an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing. The fees can vary depending on the method of request and processing time.

How long does it take to receive an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

The processing time for an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but it is usually processed within a few business days. You may request expedited processing for an additional fee.

Can I request an expedited Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can request expedited processing for an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing, but this will typically require an additional fee.

How long is an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing valid for?

An Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period, such as 30 days, from the date of issue. After this period, a new certificate may need to be obtained.

Can I request a copy of my Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you can often request a copy of your Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing online through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.

Can I use an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for transactions outside of Arkansas?

Yes, you can use an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate your business’s compliance with Arkansas state regulations in other jurisdictions.

What is the information included on an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

An Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing typically includes information such as the business entity’s name, status, and date of formation.

Can I request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for any type of business entity?

An Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing is typically only available for registered business entities, such as corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.

Do I need an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing to apply for a loan or line of credit?

Lenders may require an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing as part of the application process to ensure that your business is in good standing with state regulations.

Can I request a rush delivery for an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

Depending on the Secretary of State’s office policies, you may be able to request a rush delivery for an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.

Can I request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign business entity operating in Arkansas?

Yes, foreign business entities operating in Arkansas can often request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with state regulations.

Can I download a digital copy of my Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

In some cases, you may be able to download a digital copy of your Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.

Can I request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business entity?

It may still be possible to request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business entity if all required filings and fees are up to date.

Can I use an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a trademark or copyright application?

Some trademark or copyright applications may require an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate the validity of your business entity.

How can I verify the authenticity of an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

You can verify the authenticity of an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing by checking with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office or looking up the information online through their official website.

Can I request a replacement Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing if I lose the original?

Yes, you can typically request a replacement Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing if the original is lost or damaged, though there may be a fee for this service.

Can I request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization?

Yes, you can generally request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization if it is registered with the state.

Do I need to be current on all state filings to request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you typically need to be current on all required state filings and fees to request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing.

Can I use an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing to qualify for government contracts?

Government agencies may require an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing as part of the qualification process for bidding on and securing government contracts.

Can I use an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for legal purposes?

An Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing can be used for legal purposes to demonstrate compliance with state regulations in legal proceedings or business transactions.

Can I request an expedited Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing if I have a time-sensitive request?

Yes, if you have a time-sensitive need for an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing, you may request expedited processing for an additional fee.

Can I appeal a denial of an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing?

If your request for an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing is denied, you may have the opportunity to appeal the decision or address any deficiencies in your application.

Can I request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of someone else?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of someone else, provided you have the necessary authorization.

Can I request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship?

In many cases, sole proprietorships do not require an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing because they are not separate legal entities from their owners.

Can I request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with pending legal actions?

It may still be possible to request an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with pending legal actions, but this may affect the status of the certificate.

Is an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing required for all businesses?

While not mandatory for all businesses, an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing may be necessary for certain transactions, such as obtaining financing or entering into contracts.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Good Standing is a vital document for any business entity in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas, 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.