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Delaware Certificate of Good Standing

In Delaware, the document is a Certificate of Good Standing, issued by the Delaware Division of Corporations. We don't order Delaware certificates; you can request one directly from the Delaware Division of Corporations.

Delaware is the most popular state for incorporation in the U.S., and its Certificate of Good Standing is one of the most-requested business documents in the country. The Delaware Division of Corporations issues these certificates in three forms: Short Form, Long Form, and Short Form with Apostille for international use.

We don't currently order certificates in Delaware. You can request one directly from the Delaware Division of Corporations:

corp.delaware.gov/directweb

Ordering

Direct only

State processing time

5-10BD (mail request)

Requesters often want it dated within

Set by requester

Online

Mail

How to request

Requesting your Certificate of Good Standing. In Delaware you request it directly from the state.

We don't currently order certificates in Delaware. You can request one directly from the Delaware Division of Corporations:

corp.delaware.gov/directweb
Why you need it

Common requests in Delaware

Delaware corporations and LLCs frequently need Certificates of Good Standing for venture capital due diligence, foreign qualification in other states (almost universally required), M&A transactions, IPO preparation, and international business activities.

How it works

The Delaware process

Delaware typically processes requests in 5-10 business days (mail request; state processing time, not guaranteed).

The Delaware Division of Corporations issues a short-form certificate, which covers most uses, and a long-form certificate listing the entity's filing history, which some lenders and acquirers ask for. An apostilled certificate is needed for use outside the U.S.

Delaware Division of Corporations
Quick facts

Everything about Certificate of Good Standing in Delaware.

Issuing officeDelaware Division of Corporations
Official document nameCertificate of Good Standing
Alternate namesLong Form Certificate · Short Form Certificate · Certificate of Good Standing with Apostille
Requesters often want it dated withinSet by the requesting party
Online availableNo, mail intake only
Official sources

Fees and processing times for Delaware are set by the Delaware Division of Corporations; check its site for the current figures.

How long does a Delaware certificate take?

Delaware typically processes requests in 5-10 business days (mail request; state processing time, not guaranteed). Processing time is set by the Delaware Division of Corporations, not by us.

How much is a Delaware certificate of good standing?

We don't currently order certificates in Delaware. You can request a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing directly from the Delaware Division of Corporations, which sets the fee.

FAQ

Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, asked & answered.

What is the Delaware certificate of good standing called?
Delaware issues it as a Certificate of Good Standing, from the Delaware Division of Corporations. Related names you may see: Long Form Certificate, Short Form Certificate and Certificate of Good Standing with Apostille.
Can I order a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing through GetGoodStanding.com?
No. We don't order Delaware certificates. Request it directly from the Delaware Division of Corporations at https://corp.delaware.gov/directweb/; the state sets the fee and how it is returned.
What can stop the Delaware Division of Corporations from issuing it?
Delaware requires entities to be current on the annual franchise tax (corporations) or annual flat tax (LLCs/LPs) to receive a Certificate of Good Standing. Franchise tax for large corporations can be substantial, verify your tax status before ordering.
Neighbors

Operating in multiple states?

Many Delaware businesses also need certificates from neighboring states.

MDMarylandNJNew JerseyPAPennsylvania
Request directly

Delaware Certificate of Good Standing
requested directly through the state.

We don't currently order certificates in Delaware. You can request one directly from the Delaware Division of Corporations:

corp.delaware.gov/directweb