Order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing

The Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence, is a letter provided by the Delaware Secretary of State that declares that a company is in good standing with the state. It specifically lists the incorporation date, good standing status for a corporation or LLC, and whether its taxes are current.

A Certificate of Good Standing can be required in order to open a corporate bank account, purchase or sell real estate, obtain a loan, obtain a Certificate of Authority to operate in another state, or merge with another company. Since the certified document verifies that a company is in good standing on the date it was issued, authorities will generally accept it as proof that the business is valid for 30-60 days after the issue date. Beyond that timeframe, however, a new Certificate of Good Standing may need to be ordered. If you have any questions about how to order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, be sure to read our blog.

This certificate can be issued only for companies in good standing with the state of Delaware. If your company owes Delaware Franchise Taxes, they must be paid in full before Harvard Business Services can order your Certificate of Good Standing.

You may email customer support, call 1-800-345-2677 or live chat with a specialist to determine if your company owes a tax balance.

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Certificate of Good Standing FAQs 

What is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

This document illustrates that your corporation or LLC is a valid Delaware company that has paid all its taxes in the state of Delaware up to the current date. It is signed by the Delaware Secretary of State and attests to the good standing status of your company on the date it is produced and signed.

Authorities will usually accept the document as proof your corporation or LLC is real and valid for one to two months after the date of issue. Beyond that, you will need to obtain a newly-issued Delaware Certificate of Good Standing.

What do I need to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from Delaware?

In order for your business to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Delaware the business must pay your annual Delaware Franchise Tax in a timely manner.

How long does it take to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from Delaware?

Any orders placed prior to 1:00 PM EST will be emailed the same day. Orders placed after this time will be emailed the next business day. Orders placed during weekends or holidays will be processed the next business day.

Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing at all times?

No, a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence can only be used once, and is a document that expires within a certain time frame and the company will need to acquire a new one when it is mandated. A Certificate of Good Standing is not required to continuously operate a business.

When do I need a Certificate of Good Standing?

You will need this document only when you’re asked to supply one. A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is typically needed when you do any of the following:

• Open a business bank account.
• Obtain a Certificate of Authority to operate your company in another state.
• Purchase or sell real estate with your company.
• Obtain a loan from a bank.

Why do I need a Certificate of Good Standing?

A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing proves your company is a legal, valid corporation or LLC that was formed in Delaware and is current on its Delaware Franchise Tax payments.

How long is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing good for?

Depending on what it is being used for, it will be accepted anywhere from 30 days to six months from the date it is produced and signed by the Delaware Secretary of State. Please check with the party requesting the document if you are unsure if the copy you have meets their requirements.

What if my company is not in Good Standing?

If it is determined your entity is not in a good standing status, we can also provide you with the necessary information to help you restore the company's good standing.

What information is included in the Certificate of Good Standing?

When you order a Certificate of Good Standing, you'll receive a unique certificate that applies to a single business for a set period of time. The following information is visible on a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing:

• Business Name - The name of a single business that will be certified.
• State of Formation - The Certificate of Good Standing is unique from state to state, so it will be obvious when you order one in Delaware.
• Issuance Date - The date the Certificate of Good Standing is issued.
• Legal Structure - Depicts whether the company is an LLC, a corporation, or any other type of legal entity.
• Date of Formation - The date the entity was formed in the state.
• Delaware Franchise Tax - Certifies the entity had paid to date the annual taxes.

This info will be accompanied by the current status of your business, indicating that you are in good standing. Keep in mind the information included in the Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence may differ from state to state.

Can Harvard Business Services, Inc. help me to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing even if I originally started my business with another formation specialist?

Yes! Our team is happy to help you order a Certificate of Good Standing, even if you started your company with another service provider.