How to Order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing
Throughout the life of your business, there will be times when you’ll need to check on the status of your Delaware entity. Perhaps you are applying for a bank loan or filing for Foreign Qualification in another state. Maybe you are entering into a contract with a third party, or maybe your corporation is merging with another corporation. Regardless of the reason, your company will usually need to obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence).
Companies that do not meet certain qualifications may be unable to proceed with some of the transactions listed above.
What is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
The state of Delaware has an official document called a Certificate of Good Standing, which is also known as a Certificate of Existence. This document is printed on special paper, indicates several specific points about the entity, and is signed by the Secretary of State of Delaware. Generally, this is the legal document that will be needed in order to prove the entity (whether it is an LLC or a corporation) is in good standing with the state of Delaware.
When business transactions call for this document, you will not be able to use the quick search results on the state of Delaware's website to validate the status of your entity. If you need to provide proof of your status, you must obtain an official document from the state.
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Confirming Your Business Status
There’s no point in ordering a certificate if your business isn’t in good standing. Luckily, an owner can check their entity status and resolve outstanding compliance issues before requesting the official certificate. This can help you identify unpaid taxes, missing annual reports, Registered Agent issues, or other compliance problems that could prevent the state from issuing the certificate.
Delaware provides an online entity status service. This search can help you locate the company and verify basic information, such as the name of the entity, the Delaware state file number, the formation date, the type of entity, the residency, and the details about the Registered Agent.
An online status check does not itself produce an official certificate, but instead saves time by ensuring that your business is in good standing.
How to Order with the State
You can order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing directly from the Delaware Division of Corporations.
- Visit the Delaware Division of Corporations’ eCorp Business Services portal and select Document Filing and Certificate Request.
- Provide the name and mailing address of the business submitting the order.
- Enter the Delaware entity’s name and file number.
- Specify whether you are requesting a short-form Certificate of Status or a long-form Certificate of Good Standing.
- Choose the return delivery method (FedEx, UPS, or regular mail)
- Review the order for accuracy before submitting it.
How to Order with Harvard Business Services, Inc.
Instead of working through the state, our team at Harvard Business Services, Inc. can obtain a copy for you. You can place an online order for the document, and we will obtain it from the state and send it to you based on the level of service speed you choose.
Order your Certificate of Good Standing Now
If it is determined that your entity is not in good standing status, we can also provide you with the necessary information to help you restore the company and take care of all the paperwork for you. If you have any questions about how to order a Certificate of Good Standing in Delaware, simply contact our office at 1-800-345-2677, Extension 6910, and a representative will gladly help.
Reasons to Request a Certificate of Good Standing
A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing may be requested whenever a business needs to prove that it is compliant with its state obligations. Although the certificate does not guarantee the company’s financial health, it provides official evidence of the entity’s status with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
Common reasons for requesting a Certificate of Good Standing include:
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for financing
- Registering the business in another state
- Buying or selling a business
- Entering into contracts
Who Can Request a Certificate of Good Standing?
Unlike some other official state documents, just about anyone can request a Certificate of Good Standing for a Delaware business. Business registrations are generally made public, so state agencies do not restrict who can order this document. As long as the business is registered with the state and the requester pays the required state fee, the certificate will be issued.
Although anyone may place the order, companies often defer to their Registered Agent to help complete the process.
Apostilles and Authentication
If you plan to use the Certificate of Good Standing in a foreign country, you will almost always need it to be Apostilled. Foreign governments and banks usually need proof that the US document is legally genuine, and this process serves as that international verification.
When requesting an apostille or authentication from the Delaware Division of Corporations, identify the country where the certificate will be used. The destination country generally determines which certification is required, as an apostille is typically used in countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents intended for other countries may require authentication through the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
Get answers for all your business needs
Not sure what’s right for your company? Speak directly with our specialists and get clarity before you make your next move.
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FAQs
How long is a certificate of good standing valid?
A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing does not have a fixed expiration date. It simply confirms the company’s status on the date it was issued. However, the organization requesting it may require a certificate issued within the past 30, 60, or 90 days.
How do I restore good standing to my business?
The necessary steps to restore good standing will depend on why the business lost good standing in the first place. Generally, the company must pay outstanding taxes and filing fees, submit overdue annual reports, and maintain a Delaware Registered Agent. A voided or forfeited entity may also need to file a certificate of revival or reinstatement.
Do Delaware LLCs and corporations order the same certificate?
Delaware LLCs and corporations order the same type of Certificate of Good Standing from the Delaware Division of Corporations. The processes are nearly identical, and the finished document proves the business exists and is authorized to operate. However, the specific wording on the certificate differs slightly based on the entity's compliance requirements.
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*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
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There are 3 comments left for How to Order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing
Ralph Walsh r walsh associates, inc. said: Thursday, March 4, 2021Seems i have a vendor demanding i am registered i. Delaware in good standing. I annot seem to find much except my id of 942552
HBS Staff replied: Sunday, March 7, 2021Hi Ralph,
We are happy to assist. We will reach out via email to help further assist you.
PASKR INC said: Tuesday, March 7, 2017I mailed in a certification sheet with billing information about three weeks ago. I would like to check to see if you received that information and when will we receive the certificate of existence?
HBS Staff replied: Wednesday, March 8, 2017Thank you for your comment. It sounds like the order was placed directly with Delaware. However, you may certainly send an email to our filings department with your company information and we can confirm whether we received an order. Call us 9-5 Mon - Fri EST at 800-345-2677.
Cole Blumer said: Friday, December 2, 2016I am inquiring about obtain a Certificate in Good Standing from the State of Delaware. We are presently incorporated in that State and a client is asking for a copy. With your expedited services, what we we get exactly?
HBS Staff replied: Friday, December 2, 2016We can have a Certificate of Good Standing emailed to you in two (2) business days for only $99 or, if you are in a hurry, we can get it to you in under 2 hours for $149 (domestic) or $259 (international; does not include Apostille).
We work directly with the state of Delaware so we are able to email the document to you.