How to Get Certificate of Status in Maryland (2024)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get Maryland Certificate of Status

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

What is Certificate of Status in Maryland

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

What Information You Have in Maryland Certificate of Status

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

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

How to Obtain Maryland Certificate of Status

The Maryland Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Status, you must fill out the form and send it to the Maryland 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

To obtain the Certificate of Status for Maryland LLC, you must order the document online. On the Maryland SOS Search Business page, you must enter your business name to find the details. Once the details are shown on the page, you can apply for the Certificate of Status by clicking on the “Order Documents” tab on the bottom right of the page.

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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 CoState Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division 301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201-2395 for offline filing. You must search the Maryland SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $40 (Online) OR $20 (Offline) must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Status. 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 Status’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 Status in Maryland. 

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Status

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

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Status

The Certificate of Status in Maryland 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 Status for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Maryland Certificate of Status is needed. 

FAQs

What is a Maryland Certificate of Status?
A Maryland Certificate of Status, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, is a document issued by the Maryland Secretary of State that confirms a business entity is in compliance with state regulations.
Why would I need a Maryland Certificate of Status?
A Maryland Certificate of Status may be requested when opening a bank account, renewing business licenses, securing financing, or entering into certain business transactions.
How can I obtain a Maryland Certificate of Status?
You can request a Maryland Certificate of Status online through the Maryland Secretary of State website or by submitting a written request by mail.
How much does a Maryland Certificate of Status cost?
The cost of a Maryland Certificate of Status varies, but typically ranges from $25 to $50.
How long does it take to receive a Maryland Certificate of Status?
The processing time for a Maryland Certificate of Status can vary, but it is usually processed within a few business days.
Can I expedite the process of obtaining a Maryland Certificate of Status?
Yes, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee.
Is a Maryland Certificate of Status the same as a Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, a Maryland Certificate of Status is essentially the same as a Certificate of Good Standing.
What information is included on a Maryland Certificate of Status?
A Maryland Certificate of Status typically includes the entity name, date of formation, status, and confirmation of compliance with state regulations.
How long is a Maryland Certificate of Status valid for?
A Maryland Certificate of Status is usually valid for a specific period of time, such as 30 days or 60 days.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a business entity that is not in good standing?
No, a Maryland Certificate of Status can only be issued for entities that are in compliance with state regulations.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a foreign business entity?
Yes, you can request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a foreign business entity that is registered to do business in Maryland.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a nonprofit organization?
Yes, nonprofit organizations can also request a Maryland Certificate of Status.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a limited liability partnership (LLP)?
Yes, LLPs can also request a Maryland Certificate of Status.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a professional corporation?
Yes, professional corporations can also request a Maryland Certificate of Status.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a limited liability company (LLC)?
Yes, LLCs can also request a Maryland Certificate of Status.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a sole proprietorship?
No, sole proprietorships do not require a Maryland Certificate of Status.
Do I have to be a resident of Maryland to request a Maryland Certificate of Status?
No, residency is not a requirement to request a Maryland Certificate of Status.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status online?
Yes, you can request a Maryland Certificate of Status online through the Maryland Secretary of State website.
Can I pay for a Maryland Certificate of Status online?
Yes, you can pay for a Maryland Certificate of Status online using a credit or debit card.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status in person?
No, requests for a Maryland Certificate of Status must be made online or by mail.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status by phone?
No, requests for a Maryland Certificate of Status must be made online or by mail.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a business entity that is not registered in Maryland?
No, a Maryland Certificate of Status can only be issued for business entities that are registered in Maryland.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status for a dissolved business entity?
No, a Maryland Certificate of Status cannot be issued for dissolved business entities.
Can I request a Maryland Certificate of Status on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can request a Maryland Certificate of Status on behalf of another individual or entity with their authorization.
Can I verify the authenticity of a Maryland Certificate of Status?
Yes, you can verify the authenticity of a Maryland Certificate of Status by contacting the Maryland Secretary of State’s office.
Can a Maryland Certificate of Status be used as evidence in legal proceedings?
Yes, a Maryland Certificate of Status can be used as evidence to demonstrate compliance with state regulations in legal proceedings.
Can I download a copy of my Maryland Certificate of Status online?
Yes, you can download a copy of your Maryland Certificate of Status online after it has been issued.
Can I request a replacement Maryland Certificate of Status if I lose the original?
Yes, you can request a replacement Maryland Certificate of Status by contacting the Maryland Secretary of State’s office and providing the necessary information.
Can a Maryland Certificate of Status be used for international business transactions?
Yes, a Maryland Certificate of Status can be used as proof of compliance with state regulations in international business transactions.
Where can I obtain a Maryland Certificate of Status?
A Maryland Certificate of Status can be obtained from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

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In Conclusion

The Certificate of Status is a vital document for any business entity in Maryland, 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 Status is necessary.

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