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


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get DC Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

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

The DC Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the DC 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 the District of Columbia, one has to sign up with the DC Bar to get the Certificate of Good Standing. Those, who are already signed up, must log in to the DC Bar Official Portal to send a request for the certificate.

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 DC 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 DC 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 Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations Division, P.O. Box 92300, Washington, D.C. 20090 for offline filing. You must search the DC SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $25 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 DC. 

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

FAQs

What is a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
A DC Certificate of Good Standing is a document that verifies a company’s existence and compliance with the District of Columbia’s regulations.
Why would I need a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
A DC Certificate of Good Standing may be necessary for various business transactions such as obtaining financing, renewing licenses, or expanding operations.
How can I obtain a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request a DC Certificate of Good Standing from the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) either online or in person.
What information is included in a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
A DC Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the company’s name, registration number, status, and date of issuance.
Does a DC Certificate of Good Standing expire?
Yes, a DC Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period, usually 90 days from the date of issuance.
How much does a DC Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of a DC Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the processing method, but it is typically around $40.
Can I expedite the processing of my DC Certificate of Good Standing request?
Yes, you can choose the expedited processing option when requesting a DC Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.
Are there any requirements for obtaining a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain a DC Certificate of Good Standing, your company must be in good standing with the DCRA, meaning that all required fees and reports are up to date.
Can I apply for a DC Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, you can apply for a DC Certificate of Good Standing online through the DCRA’s website.
How long does it take to receive a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for a DC Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the method chosen, but it is typically issued within a few business days.
What are the different ways to request a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request a DC Certificate of Good Standing online, in person, or by mail.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing for someone else’s company?
No, you can only request a DC Certificate of Good Standing for your own company or business.
Do I need a DC Certificate of Good Standing to operate a business in the District of Columbia?
While a DC Certificate of Good Standing is not required to operate a business, it may be necessary for certain transactions or to demonstrate compliance with regulations.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing if my company is not in good standing?
No, you must first resolve any outstanding issues with the DCRA before requesting a DC Certificate of Good Standing.
How can I verify the authenticity of a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
You can verify the authenticity of a DC Certificate of Good Standing by checking the DCRA’s website or contacting their office directly.
Can I request an electronic copy of my DC Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request an electronic copy of your DC Certificate of Good Standing when applying online.
Can a DC Certificate of Good Standing be used for international transactions?
Yes, a DC Certificate of Good Standing can be used for international transactions to demonstrate your company’s compliance with DC regulations.
Can I request multiple copies of a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request multiple copies of a DC Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.
Can I expedite the delivery of my DC Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can choose express shipping options to expedite the delivery of your DC Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization?
Yes, nonprofit organizations can also request a DC Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with DC regulations.
Are there any restrictions on the use of a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
A DC Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid only for the purposes outlined in the request and may not be used for unauthorized transactions.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing for a past date?
No, a DC Certificate of Good Standing is issued with the current status of your company and cannot be backdated.
Is a DC Certificate of Good Standing the same as a business license?
No, a DC Certificate of Good Standing verifies your company’s compliance with regulations, while a business license grants permission to operate in the District of Columbia.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship?
Yes, sole proprietors can also request a DC Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with DC regulations.
Can I use a DC Certificate of Good Standing for legal purposes?
A DC Certificate of Good Standing may be used as evidence of compliance in legal proceedings, but you should consult with a legal professional for specific advice.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing for a company located outside the District of Columbia?
No, a DC Certificate of Good Standing is only issued for companies registered and operating within the District of Columbia.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing if my company is suspended or revoked?
No, your company must be in good standing with the DCRA to request a DC Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing for a trade name or fictitious name?
Yes, you can request a DC Certificate of Good Standing for a trade name or fictitious name registered with the DCRA.
Can I request a DC Certificate of Good Standing if I am a foreign entity doing business in the District of Columbia?
Yes, foreign entities conducting business in the District of Columbia can also request a DC Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with regulations.
Is there a fee for obtaining a DC Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, there is a fee associated with obtaining a DC Certificate of Good Standing. The fee amount may vary depending on how you request the certificate.

Also Read

In Conclusion

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