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


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Get Idaho Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

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

The Idaho Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Idaho 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 Idaho, to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, one must Request for Certificate of Good Standing by visiting the Idaho State Bar. Enter the needful details such as Bar Number, Full Name, Delivery Method, and Number of Certificates you need. Get to the payment page next, make the payment, and apply to get the Certificate of Good Standing in Idaho.

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 Idaho 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 Idaho Certificate 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 Office of the Secretary of State, 450 N 4th Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0080 for offline filing. You must search the Idaho 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 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 Idaho. 

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

FAQs

What is an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
An Idaho Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence, is a document that verifies that a business entity is properly registered and compliant with state requirements in Idaho.
Why would I need an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
You may need an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing to open a bank account, secure financing, enter into contracts, or conduct business in another state.
How do I obtain an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing from the Idaho Secretary of State’s office either online, by mail, or in person.
What information do I need to provide to obtain an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing, you will need to provide the name of your business entity and any necessary identification information.
Can I request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing for any type of business entity?
Yes, you can request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in Idaho.
How much does it cost to obtain an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
The cost of an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing varies, but typically ranges from $10 to $25, depending on how you request the document.
How long does it take to receive an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but you can typically expect to receive the document within a few business days to a week.
Can I expedite the process of obtaining an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request expedited service for an additional fee to receive your Idaho Certificate of Good Standing more quickly.
What does an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing look like?
An Idaho Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Secretary of State’s office that typically includes the business entity’s name, status, and registration details.
Do I need to renew my Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
The Idaho Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a certain period, after which you may need to request a new certificate to ensure you are in good standing.
How can I obtain an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail.
Is an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
Yes, an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing is also referred to as a Certificate of Existence in some states.
What information is included in an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
An Idaho Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the company’s name, registration number, and confirmation that it is in good standing with the state.
How much does an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the method of request and any additional services requested.
Can an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing be requested online?
Yes, an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing can be requested online through the Secretary of State’s website.
Can I request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity that is no longer active?
Yes, you can request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity that is no longer active.
Are there any circumstances where an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing may not be issued?
An Idaho Certificate of Good Standing may not be issued if the business entity is not compliant with state requirements or has outstanding fees.
Do I need an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing to register my business in another state?
Yes, an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing may be required when registering your business in another state.
Can an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing be apostilled for international use?
Yes, an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing can be apostilled for international use if needed.
How long is an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing valid for?
An Idaho Certificate of Good Standing is typically considered valid for up to 90 days, but requirements may vary depending on the requesting party.
Can I renew an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
No, an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing cannot be renewed. A new request must be made each time one is needed.
Can I request multiple copies of an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request multiple copies of an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing when submitting your request.
Can I request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization?
Yes, an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing can be requested for nonprofit organizations as well as for-profit entities.
Are there any online services available to check the status of an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, the Idaho Secretary of State’s website provides online services to check the status of an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing request.
Can I expedite the processing of an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing request?
Yes, expedited processing options are available for an additional fee when requesting an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing over the phone?
No, requests for an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing must be submitted in writing, either online or by mail.
How do I know if my business is in good standing with the state of Idaho?
You can verify the status of your business with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office or by requesting an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing if my business is delinquent in filing required reports?
No, an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing will not be issued if your business is delinquent in filing required reports with the state.
What happens if my Idaho Certificate of Good Standing request is denied?
If your Idaho Certificate of Good Standing request is denied, you will be notified of the reason for denial and given instructions on how to rectify the situation.
Can an attorney or third party request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing on my behalf?
Yes, an attorney or third party can request an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing on your behalf with proper authorization.

Also Read

In Conclusion

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

Leave a Comment