How to Get Delaware Certificate of Good Standing


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Get Delaware Certificate of Good Standing

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Delaware? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Good Standing. 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 Good Standing is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the Delaware LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Good Standing must be obtained.

We will share the in and out of Delaware Certificate of Good Standing 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 Delaware authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Delaware Certificate of Good Standing till the end. 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, 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, your 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.

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 Delaware Certificate of Formation for LLCs, Certificate 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 Delaware Division of Corporations, 401 Federal Street, Suite 4 Dover, DE 19901 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Delaware 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 Good Standing. 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 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.

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 that confirms a company is in compliance with the Delaware Division of Corporations and has all the necessary requirements to conduct business in the state.
How can I obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, you must complete the appropriate form on the Delaware Division of Corporations website and submit the required fee.
How much does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is $100.
How long does it take to receive a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
The Delaware Division of Corporations typically processes Certificate of Good Standing requests within five business days.
What information is included on a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing includes information about the company’s filing history, date of formation, registered agent, and current status.
How long is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing valid?
A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is valid for the duration of the company’s existence, unless the company is dissolved or cancelled.
Who can request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
Any individual or business can request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing.
Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing the same as an apostille?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is not the same as an apostille. An apostille is a form of authentication to be used in countries that are members of the Hague Convention, while a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Delaware Division of Corporations to verify the company is in good standing.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing provide proof of the company’s existence?
Yes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing confirms that the company is in compliance with the laws of the state of Delaware, and confirms the company’s existence.
Can a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing be used for international purposes?
Yes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing can be used for international purposes, such as for foreign registration.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing provide proof of taxes paid?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not provide proof of taxes paid.
Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing required to open a bank account?
It depends on the bank. Some banks may require a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing to open a business bank account.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing provide proof of ownership?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not provide proof of ownership.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing provide proof of authority?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not provide proof of authority.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing need to be notarized?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not need to be notarized.
What is the process for amending a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
To amend a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, you must submit the appropriate form and fee to the Delaware Division of Corporations.
Can a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing be renewed after it has expired?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing cannot be renewed after it has expired.
Can a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing be cancelled?
Yes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing can be cancelled if the company is dissolved or cancelled.
Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing required to do business in Delaware?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is not required to do business in Delaware.
Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a business license in Delaware?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is not required to obtain a business license in Delaware.
How often should a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing be updated?
A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing should be updated annually or whenever the company’s status changes.
What is the difference between a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing and a Delaware Certificate of Authority?
A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing confirms that the company is in compliance with the laws of the state of Delaware and is authorized to do business in the state, while a Delaware Certificate of Authority is a document that authorizes a foreign business entity to transact business in Delaware.
Can a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing be faxed or emailed?
Yes, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing can be faxed or emailed.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing provide proof of non-liability?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not provide proof of non-liability.
Can a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing be used to obtain a government contract?
It depends on the contracting agency. Some government agencies may require a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing to obtain a government contract.
Is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing required for doing business in other states or countries?
It depends on the state or country. Some states or countries may require a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing to do business in their jurisdiction.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing provide proof of good credit?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not provide proof of good credit.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing provide proof of corporate resolution?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not provide proof of corporate resolution.
Does a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing provide proof of business name registration?
No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not provide proof of business name registration.
How do I obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
You can obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing by submitting an application to the Delaware Secretary of State.
How long does it take to get a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is typically 1-2 business days.
What information is required to obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
The information required to obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing includes the business name, type of entity, and date of formation.

Also Read

Why Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is So Important

First and foremost, obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing from the state of Delaware is essential for demonstrating your compliance with state laws and regulations. This document serves as proof that your business is up to date on all required filings, fees, and taxes, and is fully compliant with the laws governing business operations in the state. Without this certificate, your business could face significant challenges when it comes to expanding, securing financing, or entering into new contracts.

Additionally, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing can help to boost your credibility and reputation in the eyes of investors, lenders, and potential business partners. When others see that your business is in good standing with the state, it can provide them with the peace of mind and assurance they need to trust in your professionalism and financial stability. This can be particularly important when seeking financing or investment opportunities that require a level of confidence in your business’s legitimacy and compliance.

Furthermore, a Certificate of Good Standing can be essential for moving your business forward and achieving your goals. Whether you are looking to expand your operations, secure a loan, or enter into a new partnership, having this document readily available can make the process smoother and more efficient. Additionally, certain transactions, such as mergers or acquisitions, may require a Certificate of Good Standing to proceed, making it a critical piece of documentation for these types of business dealings.

Beyond the practical implications, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing can also serve as a symbol of your commitment to operating a legitimate and reputable business. By keeping your business current and compliant with state requirements, you are demonstrating your dedication to upholding ethical standards and following best practices in your industry. This can have far-reaching benefits for your business, including attracting new customers, retaining talented employees, and building a strong reputation in your field.

In conclusion, the importance of a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing cannot be overstated. Whether you are a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this document plays a crucial role in demonstrating your company’s compliance, credibility, and commitment to ethical business practices. By obtaining and maintaining this certificate, you are not only ensuring that your business is in good standing with the state but also positioning yourself for continued success and growth in the future.

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.

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