Certificate of Good Standing FAQs

A certificate of good standing is a state-issued document that proves your business exists and has maintained compliance with all state requirements, such as filing annual reports and paying franchise taxes. Some states refer to this document as a “certificate of existence” or a “certificate of authorization”.

You'll need a certificate of good standing when your business expands to another state (otherwise known as foreign qualification) or when you wish to obtain or renew certain types of financing, loans, or licenses, as in the case of a merger acquisition.