What is a Certificate of Existence?
A Certificate of Existence is the name some states use for what most call a Certificate of Good Standing. It's the same document, confirming your business entity is properly registered and current with state filings, just with a different title.
Which states call it "Certificate of Existence"?
Alabama
Certificate of Existence
Georgia
Certificate of Existence
Idaho
Certificate of Existence
Indiana
Certificate of Existence
Kentucky
Certificate of Existence
Montana
Certificate of Existence
North Carolina
Certificate of Existence
Oregon
Certificate of Existence
South Carolina
Certificate of Existence
Tennessee
Certificate of Existence
Washington
Certificate of Existence
Maine
Certificate of Good Standing
Utah
Certificate of Good Standing
West Virginia
Certificate of Good Standing
Certificate of Existence vs. Certificate of Good Standing
There's no functional difference. Both documents:
- · Are issued by the state's Secretary of State (or equivalent agency)
- · Confirm your entity is properly registered and in compliance
- · Are accepted interchangeably by banks, landlords, and government agencies
- · Are typically valid for 30 – 90 days from the issue date
If your state issues a Certificate of Existence and someone asks you for a "Certificate of Good Standing," your Certificate of Existence will satisfy the request. The naming is just a quirk of state terminology.
Get your Certificate of Existence.
From $50, state fees included. Most delivered within 1–2 business days.