How to Get California Certificate of Status


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Get California Certificate of Status

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in California? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Status. This certificate is an official document issued by the state authorities to confirm that your business is compliant with state regulations and requirements. The Certificate of Status is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the California LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Status must be obtained.

We will share the in and out of California Certificate of Status in this article. We’ll also discuss the various scenarios when you might need this certificate and provide helpful tips to ensure your business remains in good standing with the California authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get California Certificate of Status till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Status in California

The Certificate of Status is a document that every business in California requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in California. 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, your Certificate of Status will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities.

What Information You Have in California Certificate of Status

The Certificate of Status consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Status 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 Resident 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 Status

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 California is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Status. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Status because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain California Certificate of Status

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

The first thing you need to do is get the form. The form is available on the state SOS website. You can download the form and mail it or submit it online. The following points are required to mention in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the detail 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 to 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 California 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 to get more copies of the certificate 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 California Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation, amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional and you can avoid this. With every copy you request, you must pay a stipulated fee.

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 Secretary of State, Business Entities Filings, P.O. Box 944228, Sacramento, CA 94244 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the California SOS official website and search for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Status. The amount depends on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Status’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 Status in California.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Status

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

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Status

The Certificate of Status in California 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.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the California Certificate of Status is needed.

FAQs

What is a California Certificate of Status?
A California Certificate of Status is a document issued by the California Secretary of State that confirms the current status of a business entity’s filings with the state and its current standing with the California Franchise Tax Board.
Who is eligible to obtain a California Certificate of Status?
Any business entity that is registered with the California Secretary of State, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships, may obtain a California Certificate of Status.
What information does a California Certificate of Status contain?
A California Certificate of Status contains the entity’s name, type, date of formation, date of dissolution (if applicable), registered agent’s information, and any applicable notes from the California Secretary of State.
What is the purpose of a California Certificate of Status?
A California Certificate of Status is a document used to verify a business entity’s current status in California. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as obtaining a loan or securing a contract.
How do I obtain a California Certificate of Status?
You can request a California Certificate of Status through the California Secretary of State’s website or by submitting a written request with the required information and applicable fees.
How long does it take to receive a California Certificate of Status?
It typically takes approximately 2-3 business days to receive a California Certificate of Status.
How much does a California Certificate of Status cost?
The fee for a California Certificate of Status is $20.
Is there a deadline for obtaining a California Certificate of Status?
No, there is no deadline for obtaining a California Certificate of Status.
Do I need to provide any additional information to obtain a California Certificate of Status?
Yes, you must submit the business entity’s name, type, and/or file number with your request.
How can I check the status of my California Certificate of Status request?
You can check the status of your request by calling the California Secretary of State’s office at (916) 653-3595.
How will I receive my California Certificate of Status?
Your California Certificate of Status will be sent to you via mail.
Is there a way to expedite the processing of my California Certificate of Status request?
No, there is no way to expedite the processing of a California Certificate of Status request.
Is a California Certificate of Status the same as a Certificate of Good Standing?
No, a Certificate of Good Standing is a different document issued by the California Secretary of State.
How often should I obtain a California Certificate of Status?
You should obtain a California Certificate of Status when needed, such as when applying for a loan or a contract.
Is there a way to obtain a digital copy of my California Certificate of Status?
No, the California Secretary of State’s office does not provide digital copies of certificates.
Are there additional fees if I request a copy of my California Certificate of Status?
Yes, there is an additional fee of $3 for each additional copy of the California Certificate of Status requested.
Can I request a California Certificate of Status for an entity that is no longer in good standing?
No, you cannot obtain a California Certificate of Status for an entity that is no longer in good standing.
Can a California Certificate of Status be used for any purpose outside of California?
No, a California Certificate of Status is only valid for use in California.
Can I obtain a California Certificate of Status for an entity that is registered in another state?
No, you can only obtain a California Certificate of Status for an entity that is registered with the California Secretary of State.
What happens if I submit an incomplete or inaccurate request for a California Certificate of Status?
Your request can be denied or delayed if the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate.
Is a California Certificate of Status the same as an Apostille or Authentication?
No, an Apostille or Authentication is a different document issued by the California Secretary of State.
Can I obtain a California Certificate of Status if I do not know the entity’s file number?
Yes, you can submit a request for a California Certificate of Status without knowing the entity’s file number.
Does a California Certificate of Status expire?
No, a California Certificate of Status does not expire.
What does it mean if the California Certificate of Status states that the entity is “inactive”?
It means that the entity is still registered with the California Secretary of State but is not actively doing business in the state.
What does it mean if the California Certificate of Status states that the entity has been “forfeited”?
It means that the entity has failed to comply with certain requirements and has been administratively dissolved by the California Secretary of State.
Are there any restrictions on who can obtain a California Certificate of Status?
Yes, only the registered agent of the entity or a person who has the written authorization of the registered agent can obtain a California Certificate of Status.
Can I obtain a California Certificate of Status if the entity has not yet been formed?
No, you can only obtain a California Certificate of Status for an entity that is already registered with the California Secretary of State.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certification of a document that is issued by the California Secretary of State for use in foreign countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention.
What is an authentication?
An authentication is a certification of a document that is issued by the California Secretary of State for use in countries that are not part of the 1961 Hague Convention.
Can I obtain a California Certificate of Status online?
Yes, you can request a California Certificate of Status online through the California Secretary of State’s website.
What payment methods are accepted for California Certificate of Status requests?
The California Secretary of State accepts payment by credit card, check, or money order.

Also Read

Why California Certificate of Status is So Important

So, why is the California Certificate of Status so important? This document, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, essentially serves as proof that a company is compliant with state regulations, up to date on required filings, and has paid all necessary fees. It acts as a testament to a company’s legitimacy and operational status within the state, making it a valuable asset for those seeking to do business in California.

One of the primary reasons why possessing a California Certificate of Status is crucial is its role in building trust with potential partners, investors, and customers. In today’s competitive business environment, credibility is key. Having a Certificate of Good Standing shows that a company is reputable and in good standing with the state, instilling confidence in those looking to do business with them. It demonstrates a commitment to compliance and professionalism, which can go a long way in attracting new stakeholders and fostering strong relationships.

Moreover, the California Certificate of Status is often required in various business transactions, such as securing financing, entering into contracts, or even selling the company. Lenders, partners, and other parties may request this document to verify a company’s legal standing and ensure that there are no outstanding issues that could pose a risk to the transaction. Without a Certificate of Good Standing, businesses may face delays or even be disqualified from participating in important opportunities.

Furthermore, maintaining a California Certificate of Status is also essential for ensuring continued operations within the state. Without this document, a company may face penalties, fines, or even suspension of its business privileges. This can disrupt operations, damage a company’s reputation, and result in financial losses. By proactively obtaining and renewing a Certificate of Good Standing, businesses can mitigate these risks and ensure smooth operations.

In addition to its practical benefits, the California Certificate of Status also serves as a symbolic marker of a company’s commitment to ethical business practices and regulatory compliance. It signifies that a company is engaged in transparent and lawful operations, upholding the integrity of the business community in California. In a state known for its innovation and entrepreneurship, possessing a Certificate of Good Standing is a testament to a company’s dedication to doing business the right way.

In conclusion, the California Certificate of Status is not just a piece of paper, but a powerful tool that can bolster a company’s reputation, facilitate business transactions, and ensure ongoing compliance with state regulations. By obtaining and maintaining this document, businesses can signal their credibility, build trust with stakeholders, and position themselves for success in California’s dynamic business environment.

Conclusion

The Certificate of Status is a vital document for any business entity in California, 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 Status is necessary.

Leave a Comment