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


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get Virginia Certificate of Good Standing

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

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

What Information You Have in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia Certificate of Good Standing

The Virginia Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Virginia 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 Virginia, the Certificate of Good Standing can be obtained online. You can visit the Virginia Secretary of State portal to submit a request for 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 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 State Corporation Commission, Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, VA 23218-1197 for offline filing. You must search the Virginia SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $6 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 Virginia. 

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

FAQs

What is a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
A Virginia Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Virginia State Corporation Commission that verifies a business entity’s legal existence and compliance with state requirements.
Why may I need a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
You may need a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing to conduct business in another state, obtain financing, renew business licenses, or enter into certain contracts.
How can I obtain a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
You can obtain a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing by requesting one from the Virginia State Corporation Commission either online, by mail, or in person.
What information is included in a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
A Virginia Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the entity name, registration number, date of formation, current status, and confirmation of compliance with state requirements.
How much does a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on the method of request and the type of entity.
How long does it take to receive a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing depends on the method of request, but it is usually issued within a few business days.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, you can request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing online through the Virginia State Corporation Commission website.
What is the validity period of a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
A Virginia Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for 30-90 days, but the exact validity period may vary depending on the requesting entity’s requirements.
Can I expedite the processing of a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can expedite the processing of a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for any type of entity?
Yes, you can request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for any type of business entity registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Is a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
Yes, a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing is also known as a Certificate of Existence in some states.
What should I do if my business is not in good standing in Virginia?
If your business is not in good standing in Virginia, you will need to rectify any deficiencies before you can request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing.
Can a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing be used internationally?
Yes, a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing can be used internationally for various business purposes.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing if my entity is suspended in Virginia?
No, if your entity is suspended in Virginia, you will need to reinstate it before requesting a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing.
Is a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing required for all businesses in Virginia?
No, a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing is typically required for businesses that plan to conduct business outside of Virginia or enter into specific contracts.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity registered in Virginia?
Yes, you can request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity registered in Virginia, as long as it is in good standing with the state.
Will a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing guarantee that my entity is compliant with all state laws?
A Virginia Certificate of Good Standing confirms that your entity is in good standing with the state, but it does not guarantee compliance with all state laws.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization?
Yes, you can request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for a non-profit organization registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
What is the easiest way to obtain a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
The easiest way to obtain a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing is by requesting it online through the Virginia State Corporation Commission website.
Can I submit a request for a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing by phone?
No, requests for a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing must be submitted online, by mail, or in person.
Do I need to provide any supporting documents when requesting a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
You may need to provide certain information about your entity, such as the registration number or date of formation, when requesting a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing.
Can I print a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, once you receive a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing online, you can typically print it for your records or for submission to third parties.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing if I have outstanding tax liabilities in Virginia?
No, you will need to resolve any outstanding tax liabilities in Virginia before requesting a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing.
Is a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Compliance?
A Virginia Certificate of Good Standing is similar to a Certificate of Compliance in that both documents verify a business entity’s legal standing and compliance with state requirements.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing if my entity has a pending lawsuit?
Yes, you can typically request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for your entity even if there is a pending lawsuit, as long as your entity is in good standing with the state.
Can a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing be apostilled for international use?
Yes, if needed, a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing can be apostilled for international use through the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship?
No, a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing is typically requested for registered business entities, not sole proprietorships.
How can I verify the authenticity of a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
You can verify the authenticity of a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing by comparing it to the official template available on the Virginia State Corporation Commission website.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing without a registration number?
In some cases, you may be able to request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing without a registration number by providing sufficient identifying information about your entity.
Can I request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for an entity that is no longer active in Virginia?
Yes, you can still request a Virginia Certificate of Good Standing for an entity that is no longer active in Virginia as long as it was in good standing at the time of dissolution.

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In Conclusion

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