Same document · Different name

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.

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States that use this name

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 Existence

Utah

Certificate of Existence

West Virginia

Certificate of Existence

Side-by-side

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 commonly used for bank accounts, loans, leases and legal transactions
· Have no state-set expiration; requesters often want one dated within 30 to 90 days

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.

Same document

A Certificate of Existence is a Certificate of Good Standing under another name. Price, processing time and how to order are on the state pages: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, Maine, Utah, West Virginia.

Get your Certificate of Existence.

From $50, state fees included. Processing time is set by each state; see your state's page.

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