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

Get Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

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

The Mississippi Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Mississippi 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 get the Certificate of Good Standing in Mississippi, one has to Log in to SOS with the credentials they have for filing an LLC. Once logged in, you can find and order the Certificate of Good Standing/Existence by requesting and paying for it.

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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi Certificate of Formation 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 SOS office for offline filing. You must search the Mississippi SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $25 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 Mississippi.

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

FAQs

What is a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

A Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing is a legal document that verifies a business entity’s active status and compliance with state requirements.

How can I obtain a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

You can request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing online through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website or by mail.

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

A Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the entity’s name, registration number, filing status, and current standing with the state.

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

The cost for a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the method of request and the state fees.

Why do I need a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

A Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing is often required when dealing with business transactions, applying for loans, or renewing licenses.

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

The processing time for a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but it is typically issued within a few business days.

Can I request a rush delivery for a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee to receive a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing sooner.

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

Yes, a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing is also known as a Certificate of Existence in other states.

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

Yes, you can request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign business entity that is registered to do business in the state.

What is the validity period of a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

A Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period, such as 30-90 days, from the date of issue.

Can a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing be verified by third parties?

Yes, third parties such as banks, lenders, and government agencies can verify the authenticity of a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing.

What is the process for requesting a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing online?

To request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing online, you will need to create an account on the Secretary of State’s website, provide the required information, and pay the applicable fees.

Can I request a copy of my Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can request copies of your Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.

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

If your business is not in good standing in Mississippi, you may need to resolve any outstanding compliance issues before obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing.

How can I find out if my business is in good standing in Mississippi?

You can check the current status of your business entity in Mississippi by searching the online business entity database on the Secretary of State’s website.

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

Yes, you can request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing in person at the Secretary of State’s office in Jackson, Mississippi.

What is the difference between a Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Authorization in Mississippi?

A Certificate of Good Standing verifies a business entity’s compliance with state requirements, while a Certificate of Authorization is required for foreign businesses to operate in the state.

Can I request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization?

Yes, nonprofit organizations in Mississippi can request a Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate their compliance with state regulations.

What information do I need to provide to request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

To request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing, you will need to provide the entity’s name, registration number, and any other required information by the Secretary of State.

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

No, a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing is typically issued for incorporated entities, LLCs, partnerships, and other formal business structures.

Is a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing required to apply for a business loan?

Many financial institutions require a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing as part of the loan application process to verify the entity’s legal standing.

Can I use a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing for international business transactions?

Yes, a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing can be used for international business transactions to demonstrate a company’s legitimacy and compliance.

What is the fastest way to obtain a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

The fastest way to obtain a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing is to request expedited processing and pay the additional fee for rush delivery.

How can I check the status of my request for a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

You can check the status of your request for a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their customer service.

Can I request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing for multiple entities at once?

Yes, you can request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing for multiple entities by submitting a separate request for each entity.

What should I do if there is an error on my Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

If there is an error on your Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing, you should contact the Secretary of State’s office to request a correction or reprint.

Is a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing required to open a business bank account?

Many banks require a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing to open a business bank account as proof of the entity’s legal status and compliance.

Can I request a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved entity?

No, a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing is typically issued for active and in good standing entities, not dissolved or inactive ones.

Can I request a waiver of the fee for a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

In certain cases, such as for non-profit organizations or government entities, a waiver of the fee for a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing may be possible.

Why might I need a Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing?

You may need a Certificate of Good Standing to show that your business is in compliance with state requirements, to obtain financing, to renew licenses or permits, or to do business in another state.

In Conclusion

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