How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in Ohio (2024)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get Ohio Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

What Information You Have in Ohio 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 Statutory 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 Ohio 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 Ohio Certificate of Good Standing

The Ohio Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Ohio 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 for your LLC in Ohio you must fill up the form available in the following link. Submit the form and make the required payment to obtain the Certificate.

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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio Secretary of State, P.O. Box 670, Columbus, OH 43216 for offline filing. You must search the Ohio SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $5 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 Ohio. 

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

FAQs

What is an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
An Ohio Certificate of Good Standing is a document that confirms a business entity’s status as active and compliant with state requirements.
How can I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Ohio?
You can request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail.
What information is included on an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
An Ohio Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the entity’s name, registration number, and confirmation of compliance with state requirements.
How much does an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the method of request and turnaround time. Generally, it ranges from $5 to $150.
How long does it take to receive an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the method of request. It can range from a few days to a few weeks.
Why would I need an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
An Ohio Certificate of Good Standing may be required when opening a bank account, applying for a loan, entering into contracts, or conducting business in other states.
Can I request an expedited Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request an expedited Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee. Expedited processing is available for urgent situations.
How do I know if my business is in good standing in Ohio?
You can verify your business’s status online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s business search portal.
Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign corporation doing business in Ohio?
Yes, foreign corporations can also obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Ohio to demonstrate their compliance with state requirements.
Is an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
Yes, an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing is often referred to as a Certificate of Existence in other states and may serve similar purposes.
Can I request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization?
Yes, nonprofit organizations in Ohio can also obtain a Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with state requirements.
What should I do if my business is not in good standing in Ohio?
If your business is not in good standing in Ohio, you will need to rectify any outstanding issues and bring it into compliance before requesting a Certificate of Good Standing.
Do I need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) to request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
No, you do not need a FEIN to request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing. Your business’s Ohio registration number is typically sufficient.
Can I request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved business?
No, a Certificate of Good Standing is typically only available for active businesses in good standing in Ohio.
Are there any restrictions on who can request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
Generally, business owners, authorized representatives, and parties with a legitimate interest in the business can request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I verify the authenticity of an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, you can verify the authenticity of an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing by checking the Ohio Secretary of State’s website for validation.
Is an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing required to renew my business license?
In some cases, an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing may be required to renew your business license and maintain compliance with state regulations.
Can I use an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with local regulations?
In some cases, an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing may be accepted as proof of compliance with local regulations, but it is recommended to check with the local authorities.
Do I need an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing to apply for government contracts?
Some government agencies may require an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing as part of the bidding process for government contracts, so it is recommended to check the specific requirements.
Can I request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for multiple business entities at once?
Yes, you can request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for multiple business entities in one application if they are all in good standing.
How long is an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing valid for?
An Ohio Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period, such as 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the issuing authority’s policies.
Can I request a replacement Ohio Certificate of Good Standing if I lose the original?
Yes, you can request a replacement Ohio Certificate of Good Standing if the original is lost or damaged. There may be a fee for requesting a replacement.
Can I request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing if I have outstanding taxes or fees?
No, you must be in good standing with all taxes, fees, and other obligations before you can request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing online for an out-of-state business?
Yes, you can request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing online for out-of-state businesses that are registered to do business in Ohio.
Can I request a historical Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for reference purposes?
Yes, you can request historical Ohio Certificates of Good Standing for reference purposes to demonstrate your business’s compliance over time.
Can I request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for a trust or estate?
Yes, you can request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for trusts, estates, and other legal entities to demonstrate their status and compliance.
Can I request a digital copy of an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, many states offer the option to request a digital copy of an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for convenience and efficiency.
Can I request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship?
No, sole proprietors do not typically need an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing since they are not separate legal entities from their business.
Can I request an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing for a partnership?
Yes, partnerships in Ohio can also request a Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate their compliance with state requirements.
How can I obtain an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?
You can obtain an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing by applying online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website or by mail.

Also Read

In Conclusion

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