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

Get Delaware Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

What Information You Have in Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware Certificate of Good Standing

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

A Certificate of Good Standing can be obtained by applying online in Delaware. To apply for the Certificate, one must fill up the Good Standing Request Form. The form needs you to share your name, email, and phone number to start with. Then you can search for your company records and submit the form to obtain the certificate of good standing in Delaware.

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 Delaware 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 Delaware Certificate of Formation for LLCs, Certificate 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 Delaware Division of Corporations, 401 Federal Street, Suite 4 Dover, DE 19901 for offline filing. You must search the Delaware SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $50 (short form) AND $175 (for long form) 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 Delaware.

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

FAQs

What is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Delaware Secretary of State that confirms a business entity is authorized to conduct business in the state and is in compliance with all requirements.

How can I obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

You can obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing by submitting a request through the Delaware Secretary of State website or by mail.

Why would I need a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

You may need a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing to open a bank account, secure financing, or renew business licenses.

How much does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing cost?

The cost of a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the processing time selected, ranging from $50-$100.

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

Processing times for a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing range from same day processing to 3-5 business days.

Can I expedite the processing of a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can expedite the processing of a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.

Are there any specific requirements to request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

You typically need to provide the entity name and file number to request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing.

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

Yes, you can request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing for corporations, LLCs, and other types of business entities.

Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?

Yes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is commonly referred to as a Certificate of Existence in other states.

Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing necessary for foreign qualified entities?

Yes, foreign qualified entities conducting business in Delaware may need a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing.

Can I request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing online?

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

Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing different from a Certificate of Status?

No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is generally the same as a Certificate of Status issued by other states.

Can I request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing if my business is not in good standing?

No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing can only be issued to business entities that are in good standing with the state.

Can I order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing for a business that has been dissolved?

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How much does it cost to get a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

The cost of a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing varies, but typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending on the processing time and additional services requested.

Can I order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you can order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing online through the Delaware Division of Corporations website using a credit card.

Do I need a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing for every transaction?

While not required for every transaction, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing may be requested by lenders, potential investors, or other business partners to verify your company’s status.

Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing expire?

Yes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does expire after a certain period of time. It is recommended to obtain a current certificate as needed for transactions.

Can I request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign corporation?

Yes, foreign corporations can request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with state laws.

What information is included on a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the name of the company, date of formation, current status, and confirmation of compliance with state laws.

Can I request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved company?

No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is only issued for active companies that are in compliance with state requirements.

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

Yes, you can request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing by mail by sending a completed request form and payment to the Delaware Division of Corporations.

Are there any restrictions on who can request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

Generally, only authorized individuals such as company officers, members, or agents can request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of a company.

Can I retrieve a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability company (LLC)?

Yes, you can retrieve a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC to verify its compliance with state requirements.

Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing equivalent to a business license?

No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing confirms a company’s compliance with state regulations, while a business license grants permission to operate in a specific jurisdiction.

Can I use a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing in another state?

Yes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing may be requested by businesses operating in other states or seeking to expand into new jurisdictions.

Will a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing show any outstanding fees or taxes owed by my company?

Yes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing may show any outstanding fees or taxes owed by your company, which must be resolved before obtaining the certificate.

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

While not required to file taxes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing may be requested by lenders or business partners as part of due diligence.

Can I download a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing as a PDF?

Yes, you can download a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing as a PDF file from the Delaware Division of Corporations website once it has been issued.

What is the difference between a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Existence?

A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing confirms a company’s compliance with state regulations, while a Certificate of Existence simply verifies the company’s existence and status.

In Conclusion

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