Forming an LLC is just the first step — keeping it in good standing is what proves your company is legitimate.
A Letter of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Status) is the state’s official proof that your LLC is active, compliant, and authorized to operate.
You’ll need it for things like opening a U.S. bank account, applying for financing, or expanding your LLC to another state.
In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what a Letter of Good Standing is, why it matters, and how to get one online — even as a non-U.S. founder.
A Letter of Good Standing — also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, Certificate of Status, or Certificate of Existence — is an official document issued by your state’s Secretary of State confirming that your LLC is legally registered, compliant, and authorized to operate.
It verifies that your company has:
In simple terms, it’s your LLC’s proof of legitimacy — the state’s way of saying, “This company exists and follows the rules.”
Most certificates are valid for 30–90 days, though the exact period varies by state and by what the requesting institution (like a bank or investor) requires.
A Letter of Good Standing is a credibility and compliance badge for your business. Many institutions use it to verify that your LLC is active, legitimate, and following all state requirements.
You’ll often need it when:
To qualify for a Letter of Good Standing, your LLC must remain fully compliant with state regulations. That means keeping up with filings, fees, and records.
Typical requirements include:
If you fall behind on any of these, your state may mark your company as “Not in Good Standing” — or worse, administratively dissolve your LLC until you reinstate it.
Most states make it easy to order a Letter of Good Standing (also called a Certificate of Status) directly from the Secretary of State’s website.
You can do it entirely online or by mail — no need to visit the U.S. in person.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
A Certificate of Good Standing doesn’t technically expire — but it’s time-sensitive. Most institutions only accept certificates issued within the last 30 to 90 days.
For example, banks and payment processors (like Mercury, Relay, or Stripe) often require a certificate no older than 60 days to ensure your company is still active.
While your LLC remains in good standing as long as it meets compliance requirements, the certificate itself can become “stale” if it’s too old. Always keep both digital and printed copies for your records — and order a fresh one whenever you need to verify your company’s status.
If your LLC falls out of compliance, the state can mark it as “Not in Good Standing” or even suspend or dissolve it altogether.
Common consequences include:
For example, a Wyoming LLC that misses its annual report deadline automatically becomes “Inactive — Administratively Dissolved” until it files for reinstatement.
The good news: Reinstating your LLC is possible, but it often requires catching up on filings and paying back fees.
Here’s how to get back on track:
Each state has its own reinstatement rules and fees. For example:
💡 Pro tip: StartFleet help non-U.S. founders file reinstatements and restore LLCs to good standing remotely — saving you the headache of dealing with U.S. state portals from abroad.
Managing your LLC’s compliance from abroad is easier than most founders think. Nearly every U.S. state allows you to file reports, pay fees, and request certificates online, so you can maintain good standing without ever visiting the U.S.
Here’s how to stay compliant remotely:
💡 Tip: StartFleet helps non-U.S. founders stay compliant year-round by filing annual reports, tracking state deadlines, and issuing official Certificates of Good Standing on request — so your business remains active and trusted, even while you’re overseas.
A Letter of Good Standing might seem like a simple document, but it carries serious weight. It proves your company is legitimate, compliant, and ready for business — whether you’re opening a U.S. bank account, signing a new client, or expanding internationally.
Keep your filings current, store your certificate safely, and set reminders before deadlines. Staying proactive with compliance means you’ll never lose momentum — or opportunities — when it’s time to scale.
You can order it directly from your Secretary of State’s website by searching your LLC name, confirming it’s “Active,” and paying a small fee. Most states let you download it instantly as a PDF.
It proves your LLC is compliant and legally authorized to operate. Banks, investors, and state authorities use it to verify that your company exists and has met all reporting and tax obligations.
It typically lists your LLC name, formation date, state ID number, and current status (e.g., “Active” or “Good Standing”). It’s signed or sealed by the Secretary of State as official proof.
The Secretary of State (or equivalent state agency) in the state where your LLC was formed. Only the state can issue an official certificate — it’s not something you can write yourself.
In most states, it’s instant online once your LLC is compliant. Others (like Delaware) may take 1–3 business days if ordered by mail or with certified copies.
Depending on the state, it might be called a Certificate of Status, Certificate of Existence, or Letter of Good Standing — all mean the same thing.
It’s often required when you’re opening a U.S. bank account, applying for financing, or registering your LLC in another state. It shows that your company is in full compliance with local laws.
File your annual reports on time, pay all state fees, and keep your Registered Agent details current.
💡 StartFleet helps founders handle these filings automatically, so your LLC never falls out of good standing — even if you’re managing it remotely.
Kathleen Schweitzer is an international taxation expert, providing strategic counsel to businesses with complex compliance, tax and financial issues in an effort to help them grow their business globally. She often gives lecture on U.S. tax developments, transfer pricing, taxes on the sale of goods and services, U.S. tax policy development, taxation of internet commerce and multi-jurisdictional global tax planning. Kathleen enjoys reading, photography, cooking and spending time with her husband and eleven-year-old daughter.
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