How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in North Dakota (2025)

Get North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

What Information You Have in North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing

The North Dakota Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the North Dakota 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

Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing in North Dakota is straightforward. You must visit the Business Search page on the North Dakota SOS portal. Search your business by name, get the details, and click on the request certificate option to apply for the Certificate of Good Standing. You can also download the PDF form and submit it offline.

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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota, 600 E Boulevard Avenue Dept 108, Bismarck ND 58505-0500 for offline filing. You must search the North Dakota SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $20 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 North Dakota.

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

FAQs

How do I obtain a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

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

Can I request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing online?

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

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

You will need to provide the name of your business entity and a fee for processing the request.

How long does it take to receive a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing once requested?

The processing time for a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but it typically takes a few business days.

What is the fee for obtaining a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

The fee for obtaining a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the request method and processing time.

Can I expedite the processing of a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing request?

Yes, you may be able to expedite the processing of a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing request for an additional fee.

Why would I need a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

A North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing may be required to conduct business in another state, apply for a loan, or fulfill other business requirements.

What does a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing prove?

A North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing proves that your business entity is in compliance with state laws and regulations.

Can I obtain a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign business entity?

Yes, you can obtain a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign business entity that is registered to do business in North Dakota.

Do I need to be current on my North Dakota business entity filings to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you must be current on all necessary filings and payments to obtain a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing.

What is the validity period of a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

The validity period of a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing typically ranges from 30 to 90 days.

Can I request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business entity?

Yes, you can request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business entity if all requirements are met.

What can I do if my North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is lost or damaged?

You can request a replacement North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing by contacting the Secretary of State’s office.

Is a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?

Yes, a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is the same as a Certificate of Existence in other states.

Can I use a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for legal purposes?

Yes, a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing can be used for legal purposes, such as obtaining a loan or entering into contracts.

Are there any restrictions on how I can use a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

There are typically no restrictions on how you can use a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing, but it is recommended to verify with the requesting party.

Can I request multiple copies of a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can request multiple copies of a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.

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

Yes, you can request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization if it is registered with the state.

Is a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing different from a Certificate of Compliance?

A North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Compliance serve similar purposes in proving a business entity’s status.

Can I request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for an investor-owned utility company?

Yes, you can request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for an investor-owned utility company if it is registered with the state.

Does a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing guarantee future success for my business?

While a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is proof of compliance, it does not guarantee future success for your business.

What should I do if the information on my North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is incorrect?

If there is incorrect information on your North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing, you should contact the Secretary of State’s office to rectify the issue.

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

In certain cases, you may be able to request a rush delivery for a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.

Can a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing be notarized?

Yes, some businesses may require a notarized North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing, which can be provided upon request.

Can I verify the authenticity of a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you can verify the authenticity of a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of State’s website.

Is a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing required for renewing business licenses?

A North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing may be required for renewing business licenses in certain states or jurisdictions.

Can I request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of someone else if you have the necessary authorization.

How far back does a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing show compliance?

A North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing typically shows compliance with state laws and regulations as of the issuing date.

Does a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing indicate tax compliance as well?

A North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing generally indicates compliance with state business regulations and is not used to show tax compliance.

Can I request a expedited processing for my North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing if it is urgently needed?

If your North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is urgently needed, you may be able to request expedited processing for an additional fee.

In Conclusion

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