In this article, we’re discussing a Certificate of Good Standing in California, which is actually called a Certificate of Status.
This article is part of our free series on US LLCs, including the necessary steps for applying and opening a business bank account for an LLC, which you can access using this link.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Certificate of Good Standing in California
- How Do You Get a Certificate of Good Standing?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
Certificate of Good Standing in California
Certificate of Good Standing in California is called a Certificate of Status. This official government document confirms the existence of a company and whether it is up-to-date with any California state filing and payment requirements. To obtain a Certificate of Status, you will need to submit a request to the California Secretary of State.
Business owners looking for help to understand other business-related documents or want to understand what operating income is and how to calculate it can check out our free guide, linked here, for additional information on these topics.
How Do You Get a Certificate of Good Standing?
You can get a Certificate of Good Standing in California by requesting it through the state’s online portal. This is completed through California’s Business Entities Records request service called Online Bizfile.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certificate of Good Standing in California?
How long it takes to get a Certificate of Good Standing in California depends on whether you have used Online Bizfile before. If you have used the Online Bizfile, then you can receive your Certificate of Status (Certificate of Good Standing) immediately after requesting.
However, if this is your first time using California’s online business portal, you will need to create an account before you can request a Certificate of Status. So, first-time users should expect to take a bit more time when requesting their documents.
How Long Is a California Certificate of Good Standing Good For?
How long a California Certificate of Good Standing is “good” for will ultimately depend on the requesting party. However, from the state’s perspective, a Certificate of Good Standing is generally valid for one year after issuance. That said, certain banks or contracting parties may request a Certificate of Good Standing that is not older than one to six months.
With this in mind, if you are being asked to provide a Certificate of Good Standing for a particular purpose, it’s important to speak with the requesting party and confirm how soon after receiving the Certificate should be submitted. Otherwise, you need to restart the process and pay the fees for obtaining a Certificate again.
Businesses not registered in California and instead registered in Delaware will need to provide proof of a Certificate of Good Standing in Delaware to open a business bank account.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are two of the most common questions that we receive from people in need of a certificate of good standing in California for opening a bank account. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
What Is a Certificate of Good Standing in California?
A Certificate of Good Standing in California is actually called a Certificate of Status. A certificate of Status indicates whether a California-registered company is currently up-to-date with its state filing and payment requirements. In other words, it has nothing to do with business activities, management competency, or other factors.
Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing in California?
You do not need a Certificate of Good Standing in California unless you have been asked to provide one. Common instances where a Certificate of Good Standing (Certificate of Status) may be requested include when opening bank accounts, requesting financing, conducting high-value transactions, and more.
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