How to Get Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Louisiana? 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

What is Certificate of Good Standing in Louisiana
- What Information You Have in Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing
- Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Good Standing
How to Obtain Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing
Why Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing
FAQs

What is Certificate of Good Standing in Louisiana

The Certificate of Good Standing is a document that every business in Louisiana 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 Louisiana. 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 State of Louisiana Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Louisiana 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 Louisiana.

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

FAQs

What is a Certificate of Good Standing in Louisiana?

A Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State that verifies that a business entity is in compliance with the applicable laws of the state and is authorized to conduct business.

How do I obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

You can obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Louisiana Secretary of State by submitting a written request for the Certificate, along with the applicable fee.

How long does it take to obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Louisiana Certificates of Good Standing can typically be obtained within 1-2 business days.

How much does a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing cost?

The cost of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is $25.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing valid for a certain period of time?

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

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

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing includes information such as the entity’s name and filing number, the name of the current registered agent, the date of the entity’s formation, and the date of the entity’s last report.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing required for certain transactions?

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is often required when an entity is looking to obtain a loan or conduct business in another state.

Is it possible to expedite the process of obtaining a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, it is possible to expedite the process of obtaining a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.

What is the process for amending a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

If an amendment needs to be made to the information provided on a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing, the amendment must first be filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Once the amendment is filed, a new Certificate of Good Standing can be requested.

What are the requirements for maintaining a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

The requirements for maintaining a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing include maintaining a valid Registered Agent, filing all required reports with the Louisiana Secretary of State, and paying all applicable fees.

Are there any penalties for failing to maintain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, failing to maintain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing can result in a fine or other penalties imposed by the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Can a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing be used to reinstate a business entity?

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing can be used to reinstate a business entity in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

How can I check the status of my Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

The status of your Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing can be checked by submitting a written request to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

How often should my Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing be updated?

It is recommended that a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing be updated at least once every twelve months.

Can I obtain a duplicate Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, a duplicate Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing can be obtained by submitting a written request to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

How do I know if my Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is authentic?

To verify the authenticity of your Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing, you should contact the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Does a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing need to be renewed?

No, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing does not need to be renewed.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a business license?

Depending on the type of business license being sought, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing may be required.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing accepted in other states?

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is generally accepted in other states.

Can a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing be used to obtain a tax ID number?

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing can be used to obtain a tax ID number.

Will a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing be accepted by a bank?

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is generally accepted by banks as proof of an entity’s good standing.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing required for an entity to open a bank account?

In some cases, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing may be required to open a bank account.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing required for an entity to enter into a contract?

Depending on the type of contract being entered into, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing may be required.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing required to file a lawsuit?

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is typically required to file a lawsuit in Louisiana.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing required to hire employees?

No, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is not typically required to hire employees.

Can a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing be used to obtain a business loan?

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is often required to obtain a business loan.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a business insurance policy?

Depending on the type of business insurance policy being sought, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing may be required.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing required to register a trademark?

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is typically required to register a trademark.

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

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State that verifies that a business entity is in compliance with the applicable laws of the state, while a Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State that verifies that a business entity exists and is authorized to conduct business.

How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for Louisiana?

To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for Louisiana, you must submit a request to the Louisiana Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will then search their database and provide you with a Certificate of Good Standing.

What does a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing mean?

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing indicates that the business entity is up-to-date with the requirements of the Louisiana Secretary of State, and that the entity is in good standing with the state.

Is there a fee for obtaining a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, there is a nominal fee for obtaining a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing. The fee varies depending on the type of business entity.

How long does it take to get a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

It typically takes 2-3 business days to receive a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing once your request has been submitted.

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

You can find more information on the Louisiana Secretary of State website.

Why Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is So Important

The Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing serves as a verification that a business entity is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations of the state. It essentially signifies that the business is up-to-date with its filings, taxes, and any other requirements set forth by the state authorities. This not only reflects positively on the organization’s reputation but also assures external parties that they are dealing with a reliable and trustworthy entity.

For businesses operating in Louisiana, having a Certificate of Good Standing can open up a plethora of opportunities. It is often required when applying for licenses, permits, or contracts. Lenders and financial institutions may also request this document before extending credit or financial assistance. Moreover, potential business partners and investors often seek validation of a company’s standing before entering into any formal agreements.

From a regulatory standpoint, the Certificate of Good Standing is a necessary safeguard put in place by the state to ensure compliance and accountability among businesses. It serves as a mechanism for the state to monitor and regulate the activities of entities operating within its jurisdiction. By maintaining good standing, businesses not only fulfill their legal obligations but also contribute towards building a robust and transparent business environment in the state.

The importance of the Certificate of Good Standing extends beyond just regulatory compliance. It can also have significant implications on a business’s operations and growth prospects. A company that is in good standing is more likely to attract customers and business partners, as it signals stability and professionalism. It also enhances the company’s credibility in the eyes of creditors and financial institutions, making it easier to access funding or credit facilities.

For businesses looking to expand their operations or enter into new markets, possessing a Certificate of Good Standing from Louisiana can be a valuable asset. It demonstrates to potential stakeholders that the company has a sound legal and financial standing, thereby instilling confidence in their ability to honor commitments and obligations. Furthermore, it can facilitate smooth transactions and collaborations, paving the way for future growth and success.

In conclusion, the Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is not just a piece of paper; it is a symbolic representation of a business’s commitment to compliance, integrity, and excellence. It serves as a hallmark of trustworthiness and reliability, helping businesses establish credibility and build lasting relationships with stakeholders. By prioritizing and maintaining good standing with the state, businesses can pave the way for long-term success and sustainability in today’s competitive business landscape.

Conclusion

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