Certificate of Good Standing, Certificate of Status, and Certificate of Existence usually describe the same general category of official business-status document. The official name and exact wording depend on the state.
What does each name generally mean?
Certificate of Good Standing
This is the most widely recognized generic phrase. It generally confirms that the entity is recognized by the issuing state and is eligible for the status stated on the certificate as of the issue date.
Certificate of Status
Several states use this as the official title. It commonly serves the same practical purpose when submitted to a bank, lender, title company, attorney, licensing agency, or business partner.
Certificate of Existence
This wording emphasizes that the entity exists in the state’s records and has the status described on the document. It is often the correct state-issued equivalent when a request uses the generic phrase Certificate of Good Standing.
Other names you may see
Best practice
Send the requesting party’s exact wording with the order. When a state officially issues a Certificate of Status or Certificate of Existence, that state-named document is often the correct response to a request for a Certificate of Good Standing.
What is it not?
Not a formation document
It is different from Articles of Incorporation, a Certificate of Formation, Articles of Organization, bylaws, an operating agreement, or a certified copy.
Not automatically a tax clearance
A standard status certificate does not necessarily prove that every federal, state, or local tax obligation has been satisfied.
How to order the correct version
- Identify the state where the entity is formed or registered.
- Confirm the exact legal name and entity number.
- Review the recipient’s wording and freshness requirement.
- Use the state’s official certificate name.
- Confirm whether electronic delivery is acceptable.
Unsure which state term applies?
Select the state and Signature Filings will retrieve the official equivalent.
Order the correct certificate →Last reviewed June 29, 2026. Certificate names, eligibility rules, and issuing offices vary by state. This guide provides general information and is not legal advice.