How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in New Hampshire (2025)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

What Information You Have in New Hampshire 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- 

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 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing

The New Hampshire Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, obtaining a Good Standing Certificate is simple. You must visit the New Hampshire Corporation site and select the Order a Good Standing Certificate option. You will get an online request form that needs to be filled with the correct information. Once done, submit the form. You will receive a confirmation email as soon as the process starts.

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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 Corporation Division, NH Dept. of State, 107 N Main St, Rm 204, Concord, NH 03301 for offline filing. You must search the New Hampshire SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $5 OR $25 (expedited filing) 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 New Hampshire. 

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

FAQs

What is a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing?
A New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing is a document that verifies that a company is authorized to do business in the state of New Hampshire and that it is compliant with all state requirements.
Why would I need a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing?
You may need a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing to obtain financing, renew business licenses, enter into contracts, or qualify to do business in another state.
How can I obtain a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing online through the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website or by mail.
What information do I need to provide to obtain a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing?
You will typically need to provide your entity name, entity ID number, and payment information.
How much does a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing varies, but it is usually around $15 to $25.
How long does it take to get a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but it is typically processed within a few business days.
Can I expedite the processing of a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you may be able to expedite the processing of a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for any type of entity?
Yes, you can request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities.
Is a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
Yes, a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing is often referred to as a Certificate of Existence in other states.
How long is a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing valid for?
A New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specified period, such as 30 to 90 days.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, you can typically request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing online through the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing by mail?
Yes, you can request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing by mail by sending a request form and payment to the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing in person?
Yes, you can typically request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing in person at the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office.
What is the difference between a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing and a New Hampshire Certificate of Status?
A New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing typically includes information about compliance with state requirements, while a New Hampshire Certificate of Status may include different information, such as entity status.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity?
Yes, you can typically request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity that is authorized to do business in New Hampshire.
What is the processing time for a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity?
The processing time for a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity can vary, but it is typically processed within a few business days.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization?
Yes, you can typically request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship?
A sole proprietorship does not typically need a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing since it is not a separate legal entity.
Can I use a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for official purposes outside of New Hampshire?
A New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing may be accepted in other states, but you should check with the relevant authorities to confirm.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing if my entity is not in good standing?
You may need to bring your entity into compliance before requesting a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved entity?
You may not be able to request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved entity, but you should check with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing by phone?
Typically, you cannot request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing by phone, but you can place a request online or by mail.
Is a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Authority?
No, a Certificate of Authority typically relates to a foreign entity’s permission to do business in the state, while a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing verifies compliance.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a limited partnership?
Yes, you can typically request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a limited partnership.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability partnership?
Yes, you can typically request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability partnership.
Can I use a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing as proof of insurance coverage?
A New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing does not typically serve as proof of insurance coverage; you may need to contact your insurance provider for that.
Can I use a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing as proof of compliance with state taxes?
A New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing does not typically serve as proof of compliance with state taxes; you should contact the appropriate tax authorities for that information.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a trade name or fictitious business name?
A trade name or fictitious business name does not typically have a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing; you should check with the New Hampshire Secretary of State for requirements.
Can I obtain a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing as an individual?
A New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing is typically for business entities; you may want to check with the New Hampshire Secretary of State for individual requirements.
Can I request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability company (LLC)?
Yes, you can typically request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability company (LLC).

Also Read

In Conclusion

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

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