How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in Rhode Island (2025)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

What Information You Have in Rhode Island 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 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing

The Rhode Island Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, obtaining the Certificate of Good Standing needs a few steps. You can order it online or offline. For the online filing, check the link mentioned and apply for the Good Standing 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Division of Business Services, 148 W. River Street, Providence, RI 02904 for offline filing. You must search the Rhode Island SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $22 (online) OR $20 (by mail) 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 Rhode Island. 

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

FAQs

What is a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
A Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the state to verify that a business entity is authorized to transact business in Rhode Island.
How can I obtain a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing online through the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website or by mail.
What information is included in a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
A Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the entity’s name, registration number, date of formation, and status as of the date of issuance.
Why would I need a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
A Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing may be required when applying for business loans, opening a bank account, or entering into contracts with other companies.
How much does a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The fee for a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on how you request it and if you need expedited processing.
How long does it take to receive a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
Processing times for a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing vary but can typically range from a few days to a few weeks.
Can I request a rush order for a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee if you need a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing quickly.
Is a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Rhode Island Certificate of Status?
Yes, a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing is often referred to as a Certificate of Status in other states.
How can I confirm the status of my Rhode Island business entity?
You can check the status of your Rhode Island business entity online through the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website.
What are the reasons a business entity may not be in good standing in Rhode Island?
A business entity may not be in good standing in Rhode Island if it has failed to file annual reports, pay fees, or maintain a registered agent.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity?
Yes, you can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity as long as it is authorized to do business in Rhode Island.
How long is a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing valid?
A Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period, such as 90 days or 6 months, from the date of issuance.
Can I request a copy of a lost Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request a duplicate copy of a lost Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing by contacting the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office.
Is a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
Yes, a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing is often referred to as a Certificate of Existence in other states.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing in person?
Yes, you can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing in person by visiting the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office during business hours.
What are the acceptable methods of payment for a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
The acceptable methods of payment for a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing typically include credit card, check, or money order.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved entity?
Yes, you can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved entity if it was in good standing at the time of dissolution.
What are the consequences of not having a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
Not having a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing may prevent your business entity from engaging in certain transactions or operations in the state.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization?
Yes, you can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization as long as it is registered with the state.
Do I need a lawyer to request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
No, you do not need a lawyer to request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing. You can request it yourself online or by mail.
Can I expedite the processing of a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee if you need a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing in a hurry.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a trust or estate?
Yes, you can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a trust or estate that is registered with the state.
How can I check the status of my request for a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing?
You can typically check the status of your request for a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing online or by contacting the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability company (LLC)?
Yes, you can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC if it is in good standing with the state.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a professional corporation?
Yes, you can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a professional corporation as long as it is registered with the state.
How far back does a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing show a business entity’s status?
A Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing typically shows a business entity’s status as of the date of issuance and may not include historical information.
Can I use a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for international transactions?
A Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing may be used for certain international transactions, but it is best to check with the specific requirements of the country in question.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship?
No, a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing is generally not needed for a sole proprietorship since it is not considered a separate legal entity.
Can I request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a partnership?
Yes, you can request a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing for a partnership as long as it is registered with the state.
Can a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing be apostilled for use in another country?
Yes, you can request an apostille for a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing if it needs to be used in another country that is part of the Hague Convention.

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In Conclusion

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