How to Get Certificate of Standing in Iowa (2025)

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

What is Certificate of Standing in Iowa

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

What Information You Have in Iowa Certificate of Standing

The Certificate of Standing consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of 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 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 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 Iowa is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Standing. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Standing because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain Iowa Certificate of Standing

The Iowa Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Iowa 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 Iowa, you can get the Certificate of Standing by requesting it online. You must visit the Secretary of State portal to Search Business and Print Certificate of Standing smoothly. The steps include searching for the business, selecting the one, and finally printing the Certificate.

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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Lucas State Office Building, 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319 for offline filing. You must search the Iowa SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $5 must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of 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 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 Standing in Iowa.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of 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 Iowa SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Iowa, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Standing.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Standing

The Certificate of Standing in Iowa 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 Standing for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Iowa Certificate of Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

An Iowa Certificate of Standing is a document issued by the Iowa Secretary of State that confirms a business entity is in good standing in the state of Iowa.

How do I obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

You can obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing by requesting one from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office either online or by mail.

Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing the same as a Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is essentially the same as a Certificate of Good Standing. It confirms that a business is compliant with state regulations and able to conduct business in Iowa.

Why do I need an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

You may need an Iowa Certificate of Standing to prove your business is in good standing when applying for loans, seeking financing, entering into contracts, or registering to do business in another state.

How long does it take to receive an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

It typically takes a few business days to process and receive an Iowa Certificate of Standing, but expedited services are available for an additional fee.

What information is included on an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

An Iowa Certificate of Standing will typically include the name of the business, the date of formation, the status of the business entity, and confirmation that it is in good standing with the Iowa Secretary of State.

Can I request an Iowa Certificate of Standing online?

Yes, you can request an Iowa Certificate of Standing online through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.

What is the cost to obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

The cost to obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing varies but is generally around $25 for a standard request.

How long is an Iowa Certificate of Standing valid for?

An Iowa Certificate of Standing is typically considered valid for a specific period, such as 90 days, so it’s important to check the expiration date when using it for official purposes.

Can I request multiple copies of an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

Yes, you can request multiple copies of an Iowa Certificate of Standing when submitting your request to the Iowa Secretary of State.

Do I need an Iowa Certificate of Standing for every business entity I own in Iowa?

Yes, you will need a separate Iowa Certificate of Standing for each business entity you own or operate in Iowa.

Can I request an Iowa Certificate of Standing by phone?

No, you cannot request an Iowa Certificate of Standing by phone. It must be done online or by mail.

What is the difference between an Iowa Certificate of Standing and a Certificate of Existence?

An Iowa Certificate of Standing confirms that a business is in good standing while a Certificate of Existence simply confirms the existence of the business entity in Iowa.

Can I obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a nonprofit organization?

Yes, you can obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a nonprofit organization registered in Iowa.

Do I need an Iowa Certificate of Standing to renew my business license in Iowa?

It’s possible that you may need an Iowa Certificate of Standing to renew your business license in Iowa, depending on the requirements of the licensing agency.

Can I request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a foreign corporation?

Yes, you can request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a foreign corporation doing business in Iowa.

Can I download an Iowa Certificate of Standing online?

Yes, once you have requested and paid for an Iowa Certificate of Standing, you may be able to download it online if that option is available.

Can I request an Iowa Certificate of Standing in person?

No, you cannot request an Iowa Certificate of Standing in person. It must be done online or by mail.

What is the purpose of an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

The purpose of an Iowa Certificate of Standing is to confirm that a business entity is compliant with state regulations and able to conduct business in Iowa.

Do I need an Iowa Certificate of Standing to open a bank account in Iowa?

Some banks and financial institutions may require an Iowa Certificate of Standing to open a business account in Iowa.

Can I use an Iowa Certificate of Standing for legal purposes?

Yes, an Iowa Certificate of Standing can be used for legal purposes to prove the good standing of a business entity in Iowa.

Can an Iowa Certificate of Standing expire?

Yes, an Iowa Certificate of Standing typically has an expiration date, so it’s important to check the validity period when using it for official purposes.

Can I request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for an LLC?

Yes, you can request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a limited liability company (LLC) registered in Iowa.

What if my business is not in good standing in Iowa?

If your business is not in good standing in Iowa, you will need to address any outstanding issues or fees with the state before obtaining an Iowa Certificate of Standing.

Can I request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a partnership?

Yes, you can request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a partnership registered in Iowa.

Can I expedite the processing of an Iowa Certificate of Standing?

Yes, you can usually expedite the processing of an Iowa Certificate of Standing by paying an additional fee for expedited service.

Can I request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a trade name or “doing business as” (DBA) entity?

Yes, you can request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a business entity operating under a trade name or DBA in Iowa.

Can I request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a limited partnership?

Yes, you can request an Iowa Certificate of Standing for a limited partnership registered in Iowa.

Can I use an Iowa Certificate of Standing to qualify to do business in another state?

Yes, an Iowa Certificate of Standing can be used to qualify to do business in another state, but you may need to meet additional requirements in the other state as well.

How can I obtain a Certificate of Standing in Iowa?

You can request a Certificate of Standing from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Standing is a vital document for any business entity in Iowa, 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 Standing is necessary.

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