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


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get Illinois Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

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

The Illinois Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Illinois 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 Certificate of Good Standing can be obtained by requesting via Illinois Secretary of State portal. Search for the Business by entering the LLC name and send a request to receive the Certificate after making the payment.

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 Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746 for offline filing. You must search the Illinois SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $25 (regular processing) OR $45 for expedited filing 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 Illinois. 

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

FAQs

What is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing confirms that a business entity is compliant with state requirements.
How can I obtain an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing through the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Status?
Yes, in Illinois, the Certificate of Good Standing is also referred to as a Certificate of Status.
How long is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing valid?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period, such as 60 days.
Can I request an expedited Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing of an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.
Why do I need an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to conduct business in other states or to secure financing.
What information does an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing contain?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing includes details on the business entity’s status, compliance, and registration.
Can I request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, the Illinois Secretary of State offers online services for requesting Certificates of Good Standing.
How much does an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing can vary, with additional fees for expedited processing.
What is the processing time for an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing can range from a few days to a few weeks.
Do I need to be a registered agent to request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
Being a registered agent is not a requirement to request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I apply for an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign-owned business?
Yes, foreign-owned businesses can also request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization?
Yes, non-profit organizations can also obtain an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.
What is the difference between an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Existence?
In Illinois, both terms are used interchangeably to refer to a document confirming a business entity’s compliance status.
Are there any specific requirements for requesting an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
You may need to provide specific business details, such as the entity name and registration number, when requesting an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing in person?
Yes, you can visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s office in person to request a Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I use a Certificate of Good Standing from another state in place of an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
In some cases, certain states may accept a Certificate of Good Standing from another state, but it is best to confirm this with the relevant authorities.
How can I verify the authenticity of an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
You can verify the authenticity of an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing by checking with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Can I request multiple copies of an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request multiple copies of an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.
What is the quickest way to obtain an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
The quickest way to obtain an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is to use the online expedited processing service.
Can I request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing for a business that is not in good standing?
If your business is not in good standing, you may need to address any compliance issues before requesting an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.
Do I need an attorney to request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
You do not need an attorney to request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing, but legal advice may be helpful in some situations.
Can an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing be used for legal purposes?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing can be used for legal purposes, such as court proceedings or obtaining financing.
How can I track the status of my Illinois Certificate of Good Standing request?
You can track the status of your Illinois Certificate of Good Standing request online through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.
Can I request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business entity?
Yes, you can still request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business entity.
What is the difference between an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Compliance?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Compliance serve the same purpose in verifying a business entity’s compliance status.
Can I request an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with pending filings?
It is best to ensure that all pending filings are complete before requesting an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.
How can I expedite the processing of my Illinois Certificate of Good Standing request?
You can pay an additional fee for expedited processing of an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing request.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing in Illinois?
A Certificate of Good Standing in Illinois verifies that a business entity is in compliance with state requirements.
How can I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Illinois?
You can obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Illinois by submitting a request online through the Secretary of State’s website.

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In Conclusion

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