How to Get Certificate of Existence in Georgia (2025)

The Certificate of Existence in Georgia is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in Georgia, 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 Georgia Certificate of Existence. 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 Existence in Georgia. The Certificate of Existence is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the LLC filing or a corporation filing in Georgia or any other form of business, the Certificate of Existence must be obtained. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Existence in Georgia

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

What Information You Have in Georgia Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Existence 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 Existence

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 Georgia is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Existence. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Existence because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain Georgia Certificate of Existence

The Georgia Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Existence, you must fill out the form and send it to the Georgia 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 Georgia, to get the Certificate of Status, one must visit the State Secretary of State. On the Certificate of Existence page, click on Business Search and follow the steps. Search your business by entering the name or control number. Review the documents, pay for the Certificate, and get the Certificate of Status.

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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Corporations Division,, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE,, Suite 313 West Tower,, Atlanta, Georgia 30334. for offline filing. You must search the Georgia SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $10 must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Existence. 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 Existence’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 Existence in Georgia.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Existence

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 Georgia SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Georgia, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Existence.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence in Georgia 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 Existence for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Georgia Certificate of Existence is needed.

FAQs

What is a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

A Georgia Certificate of Existence is an official document that certifies a business entity is currently registered and in good standing with the state of Georgia.

Why would I need a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

A Georgia Certificate of Existence may be required when conducting certain business transactions, such as applying for loans, opening bank accounts, or bidding on contracts.

How can I obtain a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

You can obtain a Georgia Certificate of Existence by submitting a request through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website or by mail.

What information is included on a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

A Georgia Certificate of Existence typically includes the name of the business entity, its registration number, its current status, and the date of issuance.

Is there a fee for obtaining a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

Yes, there is a fee for obtaining a Georgia Certificate of Existence. The fee varies depending on the method of request and processing time.

How long does it take to receive a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

The processing time for a Georgia Certificate of Existence can vary, but it is typically between 3-7 business days.

Can I expedite the process of obtaining a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

Yes, you can expedite the process of obtaining a Georgia Certificate of Existence for an additional fee.

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

Yes, a Georgia Certificate of Existence is also known as a Certificate of Good Standing in some states.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for any type of business entity?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for any type of business entity that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a foreign entity?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a foreign entity that is registered to do business in Georgia.

Can I download a Georgia Certificate of Existence online?

Yes, you can download a Georgia Certificate of Existence online after completing the request and paying the required fee.

Are there any restrictions on how I can use a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

A Georgia Certificate of Existence can be used for official business purposes, but it cannot be altered or falsified in any way.

What happens if my business entity is not in good standing when I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

If your business entity is not in good standing, you will need to address any outstanding issues with the state of Georgia before you can obtain a Certificate of Existence.

Can I request a replacement Georgia Certificate of Existence if the original is lost or damaged?

Yes, you can request a replacement Georgia Certificate of Existence by submitting a written request to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.

Do I need a Georgia Certificate of Existence to file my annual report?

No, a Georgia Certificate of Existence is not required to file an annual report, but it may be needed for other business transactions.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for multiple business entities at once?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for multiple business entities in one request, as long as you provide the necessary information for each entity.

Are Georgia Certificates of Existence valid for a specific period of time?

No, Georgia Certificates of Existence do not have an expiration date, but they are typically considered current for a reasonable period of time.

Can I verify the authenticity of a Georgia Certificate of Existence online?

Yes, you can verify the authenticity of a Georgia Certificate of Existence online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a non-profit organization?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a non-profit organization that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a sole proprietorship?

No, sole proprietorships in Georgia do not typically require a Certificate of Existence, as they are not separate legal entities from their owners.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a partnership?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a partnership that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a limited liability company (LLC)?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for an LLC that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a corporation?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a corporation that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a professional corporation?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a professional corporation that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a foreign corporation?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a foreign corporation that is authorized to do business in Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a limited partnership?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a limited partnership that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a limited liability partnership (LLP)?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for an LLP that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a limited liability limited partnership (LLLP)?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for an LLLP that is registered with the state of Georgia.

Can I request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a statutory close corporation?

Yes, you can request a Georgia Certificate of Existence for a statutory close corporation that is regulated under Georgia law.

What is the purpose of obtaining a Georgia Certificate of Existence?

The purpose of obtaining a Georgia Certificate of Existence is to prove that a business entity is registered and in good standing with the state.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Existence is a vital document for any business entity in Georgia, 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 Existence is necessary.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Georgia, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Existence 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.