How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in Louisiana (2025)

Get Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Louisiana is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana. 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 Louisiana 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 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 in Louisiana, 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, 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 Louisiana after dissolution, you must obtain this document.

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 Louisiana 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

In Louisiana, to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, one must visit the Louisiana Secretary of State portal. On Order Documents and Certificates page, you will find the methods of obtaining the Certificate of Good Standing for your Louisiana LLC.

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 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 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 Louisiana 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 State of Louisiana Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 for offline filing. You must search the Louisiana SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $20 (regular processing) OR $30 (24-hour processing) OR $50 (immediate processing) 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 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.
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 Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is a document that verifies that a business is compliant with state regulations and is authorized to conduct business in Louisiana.

How can I obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

You can obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing by submitting a request to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.

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

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the business name, registration number, date of formation, and current standing with the state.

Why would I need a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing may be required when applying for business loans, renewing licenses, or entering into contracts with other businesses.

How much does it cost to obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

The cost of obtaining a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the processing options chosen, but it typically ranges from $25 to $100.

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

The processing time for a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but it is usually processed within a few business days.

Can I request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you can request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing online through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website.

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

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing certifies that a business is in compliance with state requirements, while a Certificate of Existence certifies that a business is currently registered with the state.

Can I request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity?

Yes, you can request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity if it is registered to do business in Louisiana.

Do I need a registered agent to obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you must have a registered agent on file with the Louisiana Secretary of State in order to obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing.

What is the expiration date of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing does not have an expiration date, but it is recommended to request a current certificate when needed for official purposes.

Can I use a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for multiple purposes?

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing can be used for multiple purposes, including obtaining financing, renewing licenses, and demonstrating compliance with state regulations.

Are there any requirements for maintaining a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, in order to maintain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing, businesses must stay compliant with all state requirements, including filing annual reports and paying fees.

Can I expedite the processing of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can expedite the processing of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing by selecting the expedited processing option and paying an additional fee.

Can I request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing in person?

Yes, you can request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing in person at the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office during regular business hours.

Can I request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing by mail?

Yes, you can request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing by mail by sending a written request and payment to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.

What happens if my business is not in good standing in Louisiana?

If your business is not in good standing in Louisiana, you may face penalties, fines, or even the revocation of your business registration.

Can I download a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you can download a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing online after it has been processed and issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.

Do I need a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing to open a bank account?

Some banks may require a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing as part of the account-opening process, so it is recommended to check with your specific bank.

Who can request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Business owners, authorized representatives, or third parties with written consent can request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.

How can I verify the authenticity of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

You can verify the authenticity of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing by checking with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office or using any online verification tools provided by the state.

Can I request multiple copies of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can request multiple copies of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing when submitting your request to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.

Can I request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business?

Yes, you can request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business as long as it was in good standing at the time of dissolution.

Is a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Authority?

No, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing verifies compliance with state regulations, while a Certificate of Authority grants a business permission to operate in the state.

Can I request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization?

Yes, you can request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization if it is registered with the state and in compliance with all requirements.

Can I request a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship?

No, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing typically applies to registered business entities, not sole proprietorships.

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

Yes, a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing is also called a Certificate of Existence and serves the purpose of verifying a business entity’s compliance with state laws.

How much does a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing cost?

The cost of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the method of request and processing time. Typically, fees range from $10 to $65.

Can I verify the authenticity of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can verify the authenticity of a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing by checking with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office directly.

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

A Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the business entity’s name, registration number, date of formation, and confirmation of compliance with state requirements.

In 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.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Louisiana, 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.