Certificate of Good Standing
Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, same-day and expedited
If a bank, investor or government office has asked for proof that your Delaware company is in good standing, I can get the official certificate for you, often the same business day.
What is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is an official document from the Delaware Secretary of State. It confirms that your corporation or LLC legally exists and is up to date on its annual reports and franchise taxes. Some people call it a certificate of existence or a certificate of status.
Most banks and agencies want a recent one, often issued within the last 30 to 90 days. Ask whoever requested it how recent it needs to be, and I'll time the order to match.
When you need a Certificate of Good Standing
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for a loan or line of credit
- Bringing in investors or completing due diligence
- Selling or merging the company
- Registering to do business in another state
- Opening a branch, account or subsidiary in another country
- Renewing a license or signing a large contract
Short form or long form certificate?
Delaware issues two versions. If you aren't sure which one you were asked for, send me the request and I'll tell you.
- Short form
- Confirms the company exists and is in good standing. This is what most banks and agencies ask for.
- Long form
- Confirms good standing and also lists the documents the company has filed with Delaware. Lenders and attorneys sometimes ask for this one in larger transactions.
How fast can I get an expedited Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
Delaware offers same-day, two-hour and one-hour expedited processing. Tell me your deadline and I'll order the speed that meets it.
The state's same-day cutoff is 2:00 PM Eastern on business days, and I need a little time before that to check your company's standing and place the order. The earlier in the morning you reach me, the better. If today isn't realistic, I'll tell you straight away.
Before any rush order goes in, I confirm that your company is current with Delaware. That way you never pay to expedite a certificate the state would refuse to issue.
Questions
Delaware Certificate of Good Standing questions
How long does it take to get a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?
With same-day service, I can usually email your certificate the same business day. Standard processing takes longer. Message or call as early as you can and I'll tell you honestly what is realistic.
What if my company is not in good standing?
I'll let you know before you pay for a rush. The usual cause is an overdue annual report or franchise tax. Delaware corporations file by March 1 each year, and LLCs pay their annual tax by June 1. Once the company is current, I can order the certificate.
Is the state's online status check the same as a Certificate of Good Standing?
No. Delaware's online status search costs $10 or $20 and shows the company's current status, but it is not an official certificate. Banks, courts and foreign authorities ask for the certificate itself.
Can I use the certificate in another country?
Yes, but it will usually need an apostille first. I can order the certificate and the apostille together. See the Delaware apostille service page.
What information do you need from me?
The exact company name as registered in Delaware. The seven-digit Delaware file number helps if you have it, and so does the country or organization the certificate is for.