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

Get Colorado Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Colorado is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in Colorado, 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 Colorado 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 Colorado. 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 Colorado 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 Colorado

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

What Information You Have in Colorado 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-

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 Colorado 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 Colorado Certificate of Good Standing

The Colorado Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Colorado 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 Colorado, the Certificate of Good Standing can be obtained by requesting online. LLCs can search their LLC by entering the business name, trade name, or trademark using Business Entities Records. Once you get your company details, click on the Certificate of Good Standing to request one!

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 Colorado 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 Colorado 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 1700 Broadway, Suite 550, Denver, CO 80290 for offline filing. You must search the Colorado SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $15 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 Colorado.

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 Colorado SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Colorado, 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 Colorado 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 Colorado Certificate of Good Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

A Colorado Certificate of Good Standing is a document that confirms a business entity is compliant with state requirements and authorized to transact business within the state.

How can I obtain a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

You can request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office either online, by mail, or in person.

How much does a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing cost?

The cost of a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing varies, but typically ranges from $5 to $20, depending on the method of request.

How long does it take to receive a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

The processing time for a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the method of request.

Why would I need a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

You may need a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with state requirements for various reasons, such as obtaining financing, renewing a license, or entering into a contract.

Can I request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you can request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing online through the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.

Do I need an account to request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you will need to create an account on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website in order to request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing online.

Can I request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing by mail?

Yes, you can request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing by mail by submitting a completed request form and payment to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.

Can I request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing in person?

Yes, you can request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing in person by visiting the Colorado Secretary of State’s office during normal business hours.

What information do I need to provide when requesting a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

You will typically need to provide the name of the business entity and payment information when requesting a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing.

How can I verify the authenticity of a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

You can verify the authenticity of a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing by contacting the Colorado Secretary of State’s office or by using their online verification tool.

Is a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status?

Yes, a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing is often referred to as a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status in other states.

Can a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing expire?

Yes, a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing may have an expiration date, so it is important to check the validity of the document before using it.

Can I request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for any business entity?

Yes, you can request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for any business entity that is registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.

What should I do if my Colorado Certificate of Good Standing is lost or damaged?

If your Colorado Certificate of Good Standing is lost or damaged, you can typically request a duplicate copy from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office for a fee.

Can I use a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for international purposes?

Yes, a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing can typically be used for international purposes, but you may need to have it authenticated or legalized for use in other countries.

Do I need a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing to file taxes in Colorado?

In most cases, you do not need a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing to file taxes in Colorado, but it may be requested by certain agencies or for specific purposes.

Can a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing be used as proof of ownership of a business?

A Colorado Certificate of Good Standing typically does not serve as proof of ownership of a business entity, as it only confirms compliance with state requirements.

Can a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing be used as a form of identification?

A Colorado Certificate of Good Standing is not a form of identification and should not be used as such in any official capacity.

Can I request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity that is not in good standing?

No, you can only request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity that is currently in good standing with the state.

What is the difference between a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Compliance?

A Colorado Certificate of Good Standing typically confirms compliance with state requirements at a specific point in time, while a Certificate of Compliance may have additional requirements or attestations.

Can I use a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing to open a bank account?

Some banks may require a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing to open a business bank account, but it ultimately depends on the bank’s policies.

Will a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing show any past or pending violations or complaints against a business entity?

A Colorado Certificate of Good Standing typically does not show past or pending violations or complaints against a business entity, as it focuses on current compliance status.

Can I request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization?

Yes, you can request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.

Can a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing be used as evidence in a legal proceeding?

A Colorado Certificate of Good Standing may be used as evidence in certain legal proceedings to demonstrate compliance with state requirements, but it is not always conclusive proof.

Can I request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity that is no longer active?

No, you typically cannot request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity that is no longer active or has been dissolved.

Can I request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign (out-of-state) business entity?

Yes, you can request a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign business entity that is authorized to transact business within the state.

Can I request expedited processing for a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

Some states may offer expedited processing options for a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee, but availability may vary.

Where can I find more information about obtaining a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

For more information about obtaining a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing, you can visit the Colorado Secretary of State’s website or contact their office directly.

What information is included in a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing?

A Colorado Certificate of Good Standing includes information such as the entity’s name, registration number, date of formation, and status as a good standing entity.

In Conclusion

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