We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Read more
Back to Certificate of Good Standing Guides
Written by: Carolyn Young
Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.
Edited by: David Lepeska
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Updated on February 3, 2023
In New York, potential creditors or investors might request a certificate of status for your LLC, and you’ll need to provide one or risk losing crucial financing. Thankfully, this guide provides all the information you need to get this certificate in New York.
In New York, a certificate of status, known as a certificate of good standing in most other states, verifies that you’re a legally registered business entity that is up to date on all filings and fees and permitted to do business in the state.
You do not have to obtain this certificate to do business in New York, or in any state. It is simply used to verify your strong status to third parties such as banks.
Your LLC only needs a certificate of status if another party requests one. For instance, a bank might request one if you’re opening a bank account or applying for a loan. A credit firm might request one if you apply for a business credit card, or if you set up credit card processing for customer payments.
If you’re registering as a foreign LLC in another state, you will probably be asked for a certificate of status.
A foreign entity is simply a business entity doing business in a state other than the one in which it’s registered. For example, if your business is registered in New York but you also do business in Georgia, you’ll need to register a foreign entity in Georgia.
In New York, the Department of State issues certificates of status. To obtain one, you need to submit a written request to:
New York State Department of State
Division of Corporations
State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
The cost is $25 and you should receive your certificate within 14 days. You can pay an additional $25 to have your request processed and mailed within 24 hours.
You must be registered as a business entity in that state. Operating as a sole proprietorship or a partnership does not require registration in New York, so those entities are not able to obtain a certificate of status.
Corporations and LLCs, like your business, must be registered with the state, so they are able to obtain the certificate.
Again, the fee to obtain a certificate of status in New York is $25. But it’s well worth it because this is an official document that proves your business’ financial accountability and could open the door to greater investment and expansion.
Published on August 15, 2022
If you’re starting an LLC, the business entity formation process is one of the first and most important hurdles. This step can be terribly complex ...
Read Now
Published on March 16, 2022
A limited liability company (LLC) is an increasingly popular business structure for startups in the US, offering liability protection for ownershipa ...
Read Now
Published on October 27, 2021
If you live in New York, you are in one of the world’s great business capitals. Many top investors and multinationals make their home in New YorkC ...
Read Now
