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

Get South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

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

The South 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 South 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

In South Dakota, to obtain the Certificate of Existence/Good Standing, you must visit the Business Search page. Search your business using the business ID and get the details. You can choose the option ‘certificate of good standing’ to purchase the document.

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 South 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 South 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 Secretary of State Office, 500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 for offline filing. You must search the South Dakota SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $20 (regular processing) AND $50 additional (for expedited processing) 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 South 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 South Dakota SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In South 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 South 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 South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

A South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Secretary of State that verifies a business entity’s existence and compliance with state requirements.

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

You may need a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing to renew business licenses, obtain financing, or conduct business in another state.

How do I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

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

How much does a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing cost?

The cost of a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing varies, but typically ranges from $10 to $30.

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

The processing time for a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is usually 1-2 business days, but expedited options are available for an additional fee.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for any business entity?

Yes, you can request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for any business entity that is registered with the Secretary of State.

What information is included on a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

A South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the business entity’s name, registration number, and status.

How long is a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing valid?

A South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for 30-90 days, but the exact validity period may vary depending on the issuing agency’s policies.

Can a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing be apostilled?

Yes, a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing can be apostilled for use in foreign countries.

What is the difference between a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing and a South Dakota Certificate of Existence?

A South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing verifies compliance with state requirements, while a South Dakota Certificate of Existence simply confirms a business entity’s registration status.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign business entity?

No, a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing can only be requested for business entities registered in South Dakota.

Do I need a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing to close my business?

While a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is not required to close a business, it may be requested by creditors or other entities during the winding-up process.

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

Yes, you can request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization registered with the Secretary of State.

How can I verify the authenticity of a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

You can verify the authenticity of a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing by checking the issuing agency’s website or contacting the Secretary of State’s office.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with pending lawsuits?

Yes, you can request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with pending lawsuits, as long as the entity is in compliance with state requirements.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with tax liens?

Yes, you can request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with tax liens, as long as the entity is in compliance with state requirements.

Is a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Status?

Yes, a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is also commonly referred to as a Certificate of Status or a Certificate of Existence in other states.

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

No, a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is typically only issued for registered business entities, not for sole proprietorships.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability partnership (LLP)?

Yes, you can request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability partnership (LLP) registered with the Secretary of State.

What is the easiest way to request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

The easiest way to request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is to submit an online request through the Secretary of State’s website.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with past-due fees?

Yes, you can request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity with past-due fees, but the entity must first bring its filing status up to date.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity that has had its registration revoked?

No, a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing will not be issued for a business entity that has had its registration revoked.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for a business entity that has been dissolved?

No, a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing is typically only issued for active business entities in good standing with the Secretary of State.

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

Yes, you can request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of someone else, as long as you have the necessary authorization to do so.

Can I download a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you can typically download a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing online after requesting and paying for the document through the Secretary of State’s website.

Can I request a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing by phone?

No, South Dakota does not currently offer the option to request a Certificate of Good Standing by phone. Requests must be made online or by mail.

What is the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website to request a Certificate of Good Standing?

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s website to request a Certificate of Good Standing is www.sdsos.gov.

Can I use a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for multiple purposes?

Yes, you can use a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing for multiple purposes such as applying for financing, renewing licenses, or qualifying to do business in other states.

How can I obtain a South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

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

Can I expedite the processing of my South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing?

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

In Conclusion

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