Get Good Standing

How do I reinstate a dissolved LLC or corporation?

Short answer

Reinstating an administratively dissolved entity has four steps: (1) file every missing annual or biennial report, (2) pay all back taxes, fees, and late penalties, (3) confirm a current registered agent is on file, and (4) submit the state’s Application for Reinstatement with its fee. Once the state restores the entity (usually 1 to 5 business days), it returns to good standing.

Administrative dissolution is reversible in nearly every state. Reinstatement restores the entity as if it never lapsed, preserving your formation date and, in most states, your business name.

The reinstatement steps

1. Identify what is missing. Pull your entity record from the Secretary of State and note every overdue report and the dissolution reason.

2. File the back reports. Submit each missing annual or biennial report.

3. Clear the taxes. Pay franchise tax, annual fees, and accrued late penalties. In states like California you may need a tax clearance from the Franchise Tax Board.

4. Fix the registered agent. Ensure a valid agent with an in-state address is on file.

5. File the Application for Reinstatement and pay the reinstatement fee.

6. Wait for the state to process and restore the entity.

After reinstatement

Once your entity status returns to active/good standing, you can order a Certificate of Good Standing and proceed with whatever transaction was blocked. We will issue the certificate as soon as the state shows you current.

A note on scope

GetGoodStanding retrieves certificates; we do not file reinstatement paperwork on your behalf. Your registered agent, accountant, or attorney typically handles the reinstatement filings. If you order a certificate before reinstating, the state will refuse it and we will refund you in full.

Quick answers

Need the certificate itself?

Order from any state. From $50, state filing fee included. Most delivered in 1–2 business days.