How to Get Michigan Certificate of Good Standing


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Get Michigan Certificate of Good Standing

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Michigan? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Good Standing. This certificate is an official document issued by the state authorities to confirm that your business is compliant with state regulations and requirements. The Certificate of Good Standing is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the Michigan LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Good Standing must be obtained.

We will share the in and out of Michigan Certificate of Good Standing in this article. We’ll also discuss the various scenarios when you might need this certificate and provide helpful tips to ensure your business remains in good standing with the Michigan authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Michigan Certificate of Good Standing till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan

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

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

The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Michigan 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 first thing you need to do is get the form. The form is available on the state SOS website. You can download the form and mail it or submit it online. The following points are required to mention in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the detail 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 to 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 Michigan 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 to get more copies of the certificate 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 Michigan Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation, amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional and you can avoid this. With every copy you request, you must pay a stipulated fee.

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 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Michigan SOS official website and search for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing. The amount depends on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might 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 Michigan.

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 Michigan SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Michigan, 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 Michigan 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.

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

FAQs

What is a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
A Michigan Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs that verifies that a business entity is legally registered and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
How do I obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan, you must complete and submit the Application for Certificate of Good Standing form to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
What information is required to obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
You must provide the business entity name, type, and jurisdiction of formation, the name and title of the person requesting the Certificate, and the signature of the person requesting the Certificate.
How long does it take to receive a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will typically process applications within 5-7 business days.
How much does it cost to obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
The cost to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan is $15.
Do I need to provide any additional documentation to obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
No, only the Application for Certificate of Good Standing form needs to be completed and submitted.
What is the purpose of a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
A Michigan Certificate of Good Standing serves as proof that a business entity is legally registered and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Does a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing expire?
No, a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing does not expire.
How long is a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing valid?
A Michigan Certificate of Good Standing is valid indefinitely, unless revoked or withdrawn by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Will I receive an original copy of my Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will mail the original Certificate of Good Standing to the address provided on the Application.
How do I renew a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
A Michigan Certificate of Good Standing does not need to be renewed.
Can I obtain a copy of my Michigan Certificate of Good Standing online?
No, you must submit the Application for Certificate of Good Standing to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in order to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing.
Is a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing required for certain business activities?
Yes, some business activities may require a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing, such as applying for a loan, entering into a contract, or registering a trade name or trademark.
Who can request a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
The person authorized to request a Certificate of Good Standing must be listed as an authorized representative on the entity’s filing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
How do I know if my Michigan Certificate of Good Standing is valid?
The Michigan Certificate of Good Standing will include the signature of the Department Director and a seal of the state.
Can I obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity located in another state?
No, a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing can only be obtained for a business entity that is registered and in good standing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Can I obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing if I’m not an authorized representative of the business entity?
No, the person authorized to request a Certificate of Good Standing must be listed as an authorized representative on the entity’s filing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Does the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs offer expedited processing for a Certificate of Good Standing?
No, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs does not offer expedited processing for a Certificate of Good Standing.
What else do I need to do after I receive my Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
After obtaining a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing, you must maintain your business in good standing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in order to maintain the validity of the Certificate.
How can I find out more information about the requirements for registering a business in Michigan?
You can find more information about registering a business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on their website.
Can I get a copy of my Michigan Certificate of Good Standing if I have lost the original?
Yes, you can submit the Application for Certificate of Good Standing form to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to obtain a replacement Certificate of Good Standing.
What if the Michigan Certificate of Good Standing I received is not correct?
If you believe that the Michigan Certificate of Good Standing you received is not correct, you should contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs directly.
What if my business is not in good standing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs?
You must take the necessary steps to bring your business into good standing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs before you will be eligible to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing.
Can another person request a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing on my behalf?
Yes, another person can request a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing on your behalf if they are authorized to do so.
Can I obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability company (LLC) or other type of business entity?
Yes, you can obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing for any type of business entity registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Is a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a business license in Michigan?
No, a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing is not required to obtain a business license in Michigan.
Can I get a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing if my business is inactive?
Yes, you can still obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing if your business is inactive.
What if I need a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing quickly?
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will typically process applications within 5-7 business days, but they do not offer expedited processing.
How do I get a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing, you must contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and make a request.
How long does it take to get a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
It typically takes up to 10 business days for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to process your request and issue a Certificate of Good Standing.
What information do I need to provide when requesting a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
When requesting a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing, you will need to provide the business entity’s name, filing number, and an address for the Certificate to be mailed to.
Is there a fee to get a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, the fee is currently $20.

Also Read

Why Michigan Certificate of Good Standing is So Important

One of the primary reasons why the Michigan Certificate of Good Standing is so important is its role in establishing credibility and trust with stakeholders. Whether it is customers, investors, or business partners, having this certificate demonstrates that a company is operating in accordance with state laws and regulations. This level of compliance not only reassures stakeholders but also enhances the reputation of a business, leading to increased opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Moreover, the Certificate of Good Standing serves as proof that a company is in good financial standing with the state. In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, where financial stability is a significant factor in decision-making, having this document can be a crucial advantage. It indicates to potential investors and lenders that a business is financially responsible and capable of meeting its fiscal obligations, bolstering its credibility and attractiveness for securing funding or partnerships.

Beyond credibility and financial stability, the Certificate of Good Standing also plays a practical role in facilitating various business transactions. Many banks, creditors, and government agencies require this document before entering into contracts or granting licenses, permits, or loans. Without it, a company may face delays, rejections, or even legal complications that could hinder its operations and growth. By proactively obtaining and maintaining this certificate, businesses can streamline their interactions with external parties and ensure a smooth operating environment.

Additionally, the Certificate of Good Standing is essential for maintaining compliance with state regulations. It serves as a reminder for businesses to stay informed about their filing requirements, deadlines, and other legal obligations. By regularly applying for and obtaining this document, companies can avoid penalties, fines, or other repercussions that may arise from lapses in compliance. This proactive approach not only protects a business from potential legal issues but also demonstrates its commitment to operating in a responsible and ethical manner.

In conclusion, the Michigan Certificate of Good Standing is a vital document for businesses seeking to establish credibility, financial stability, and compliance with state regulations. By obtaining and maintaining this certificate, companies can enhance their reputation, attract stakeholders, facilitate transactions, and uphold their legal obligations. While it may seem like a minor administrative task, the importance of this document cannot be overstated in today’s complex and highly regulated business landscape. Therefore, business owners should prioritize obtaining and renewing their Certificate of Good Standing to safeguard their operations and position themselves for continued success.

Conclusion

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

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