Georgia Certificate of Good Standing

Often, for legal or business reasons, a company in Georgia State may need to formally prove that they are registered to do business in the state and/or that they are in compliance with all State of Georgia requirements. If is the case for you, you need a document called a Certificate of Existence, which can be obtained through the Secretary of State’s office by submitting a records order.

In turn, the Secretary of State of Georgia will return to you a Certificate of Existence. On the certificate, you’ll find an authorized signature from the Secretary of State and the seal of Georgia.

In some cases, you may need to certify something other than good standing with the state. For example, you may be interested in certified information on a business that you don’t own. Here, you are legally allowed to order a certified collection of filings such as articles of formation, amendments, conversions, or the original registration if the company is from out of state. In addition, you can use the same status request to show that your business was dissolved or suspended. 

Georgia State’s online business searchcan help you research various records, and to find additional research about forms for records requests and required fees. 

Do you need your Certificate of Existence tomorrow (next business day)? Let SunDoc speed your request with a rush order!

When Do You Need A Certificate Of Good Existence?

Certificates of Existence are needed in a multitude of situations. First, if you plan to buy a company or sell your own, you may need this document. You’ll also need it if you’re planning an acquisition or merger. The certificate will be an integral part of your entity’s legal documentation for the process.

In addition, applications for lines of credit will ask for a Certificate of Existence, and you’ll also need one for some tax matters. Just remember that you can still be in good standing with the State of Georgia and owe taxes, but you won’t be in good standing if you have not abided by the tax process in any way. Certain licensing requirements may also ask for good standing certification.

Finally, another common need for this document is when registering to do business in another state. This is referred to as foreign qualification. At SunDoc Filings, we’d be glad to help you with foreign qualification as well as other filings!

Certificate Of Good Standing Or Certificate Of Existence?

Have you heard of a Certificate of Good Standing or a Certificate of Status? 

These are just other names for the Certificate of Existence that are sometimes used in various other jurisdictions. In Georgia, these certificates prove several things. 

First, the Certificate of Existence proves that you have not been suspended by the Franchise Tax Board (the state taxing authority). Next, it shows that your company can do business in Georgia State. Finally, it says that your company is in compliance with applicable corporate rules and licensing requirements.

How To Get Your Certificate Of Existence

You won’t be able to order your Certificate of Good Standing electronically in Georgia. Currently, they don’t offer this feature. You can, however, go in person to the Sacramento office or send in your request by mail. 

Ordering a Certificate of Good Standing costs $5 (with an extra $10 charge if you present it in person).

Next Steps

SunDoc Filings can handle your Good Standing request, as with all of your company filings. All of our routine filings on your behalf are expedited in this way, saving valuable time over other companies that typically mail in forms.

To talk to a live voice for immediate assistance call us toll-free during business hours at 1-888-595-2747.