Virginia Certificate of Good Standing

A Certificate of Good Standing serves many purposes for businesses in the State of Virginia. It can prove that your business is currently in compliance with applicable requirements by the state. It can prove that you’re legally allowed to do business in the state. And it can also help in various other legal and business situations.

Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is quite straightforward. You’ll simply need to submit a records order with the Virginia Secretary of State’s office. Once you receive your Certificate of Good Standing, you will notice that it bears the Virginia seal and an authorized signature from the Secretary of State.

In certain instances, the same status request can certify other things as well. For example, you may want to prove that your business was dissolved or suspended. Or, you may need certified information on a business or entity that you do not own yourself. In the latter case, you can order a certified collection of any recorded filings such as original registration if the business is out of state, amendments, the original articles of information, conversion, and more.

To learn more about fees and records request forms, use the State of Virginia’s online business search in order to research records in the state. And remember that if you need an expedited request (next business day delivery), SunDoc can certainly arrange this for you!

When Do You Need A Certificate Of Good Standing?

Good Standing Certificates are needed in numerous situations. You might require a Good Standing Certificate if you are involved in an acquisition or merger. You might also need one if you plan to sell your business or buy another one outright. The Certificate of Good Standing will form a portion of the legal documentation of the entity.

Another common need for good standing certification is registering to operate your business in a state that isn’t Virginia (foreign qualification). See how we can assist you with foreign qualification!

Generally, applying for a line of credit like a business loan will need good standing certification. Some tax situations require it too. Remember that technically, you can owe taxes and still be in good standing with the state, but you cannot currently be out of compliance with the tax process overall. Certain licensing requirements may also ask for good standing certification.

You will need to figure out all of your requirements for documentation, which includes dates of expiration. Certain states will ask for certified status to be less than 30 days old or less than 60 days old.

Certificate Of Good Standing Or Certificate Of Fact?

The Certificate of Good Standing in other jurisdictions may also be referred to as a Certificate of Fact or of Existence. In Virginia, it shows that an entity is registered to do business in the state, is in compliance with applicable corporate rules and licensing requirements, and has not been suspended by the state taxing authority, the Franchise Tax Board.

How To Get Your Good Standing Certificate

In person requests are available faster — generally, they can be processed by the 2nd business day. On the other hand, requests that are mailed in need about 5 to 15 business days. Virginia offers a rush service for Good Standing requests when necessary.

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.