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Written by: Coralee Bechteler
Coralee is a business writer with experience in administrative services, education, and software testing.
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 Pennsylvania, potential creditors or investors might request a certificate of subsistence 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 Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, a certificate of subsistence, 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 Pennsylvania, 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 subsistence 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.
If you’re registering as a foreign LLC in another state, you will probably be asked for a certificate of subsistence.
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 Pennsylvania but you also do business in Georgia, you’ll need to register a foreign entity in Georgia.
In Pennsylvania, the department of state issues certificates of subsistence. Just log in to your PENN File account – or create one if you have not yet done so – then look up your business name and order the certificate. The cost is $40 and you should receive your certificate within five business days.
You must be registered as a business entity in that state. Operating as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership does not require registration in Pennsylvania, so those entities are not able to obtain a certificate of good standing.
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 subsistence in Pennsylvania is $40. 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.
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