What is a Subsistence Certificate?
A Subsistence Certificate is Pennsylvania's name for the document most states call a Certificate of Good Standing. Issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State, it confirms that your LLC, corporation, or other registered entity is in good standing on the Commonwealth's records. The legal effect is identical to a Certificate of Good Standing from any other state.
Only Pennsylvania calls it a Subsistence Certificate
The term “subsistence” comes from older corporate law — the question of whether an entity continues to legally subsist as a recognized entity of the Commonwealth. Other states call this same document a Certificate of Good Standing, Certificate of Existence, Certificate of Status, Certificate of Legal Existence, or Standing Certificate.
Subsistence Certificate vs. Certificate of Good Standing
No functional difference. A Pennsylvania Subsistence Certificate will satisfy any out-of-state request for a Certificate of Good Standing from a PA entity. Banks and landlords are familiar with the alternate name.
- · Issuing office: Pennsylvania Department of State (Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations)
- · State filing fee: $40 standard online, $140 with same-day expedite
- · Standard turnaround: immediate online
- · Expedited: same-day (in-person)
- · Validity: typically 90 days from issue (most banks prefer within 30)
- · Required compliance: current Decennial Report (every 10 years), registered office on file
Get your Pennsylvania Subsistence Certificate.
From $65, state filing fee included. Most delivered immediately online.