Choose the state where the entity is registered, use its exact legal name, confirm the recipient’s requirements, select standard or rush processing, and review the completed certificate before sending it.
What are you ordering?
A Certificate of Good Standing is an official state-issued record showing that a business is recognized in the state’s records and is eligible for the status stated on the certificate. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may instead be called a Certificate of Status, Certificate of Existence, Certificate of Authorization, or Standing Certificate.
The five-step ordering process
Order from the state where the entity is formed or registered. A Delaware corporation needs a Delaware certificate even when its office, property, or transaction is located elsewhere. A company registered in several states may need more than one certificate.
Use the complete name shown in state records, including punctuation and the entity suffix. A DBA, trade name, property name, or brand is usually not enough.
Confirm which states are required, how recent the certificate must be, whether a PDF is acceptable, whether a certified copy or apostille is also needed, and the final deadline.
Signature Filings offers standard processing for $95, usually the same business day when ordered by 2:00 PM, and rush processing for $125, targeted within one business hour when available. Rush is subject to state availability and is not offered on Fridays.
Check the legal name, jurisdiction, issue date, and status language. Send it promptly to the requesting party and retain a copy with the transaction or compliance file.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering from the operating state instead of the registration state
- Using a DBA instead of the legal entity name
- Ordering too early and missing the recipient’s freshness requirement
- Treating a business-search page as an official certificate
- Forgetting a second state or related entity required for the transaction
Can someone else place the order?
In many jurisdictions, a third party can request a public status certificate without being an owner, officer, or registered agent. Procedures vary, and tax-related or private records may have different access rules.
Ready to place the order?
Choose your state and select standard or rush processing.
Order a Certificate →Last reviewed June 29, 2026. This guide provides general information and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Signature Filings is a private document retrieval service and is not affiliated with any government agency.