Obtaining A Delaware Certificate Of Good Standing

If your business is incorporated in Delaware but you're looking to expand into another state, you’ll likely need a Certificate of Good Standing.¹ A Certificate of Good Standing proves your company is legally compliant and up to date on all its obligations back home. It’s almost like a passport for your business; it helps make things easier when registering in new states, or applying for financing, licenses, or contracts.

So without further ado, here's everything you need to know about obtaining a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, so you can establish your business in the state of Delaware with ease.

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What is a Delaware certificate of good standing?

A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by the Delaware Secretary of State that confirms your business is legally registered and compliant with state requirements.² In more simple terms, it means your company exists, is up to date on its filings, and has paid all necessary fees and taxes.

Many business owners need this certificate when applying for business loans, opening a bank account, or registering to operate in another state (also known as a foreign qualification in Delaware).³ It’s like a clean bill of health for your business in a way, and if you're forming partnerships, attracting investors, or expanding across state lines, having this certificate on hand shows that your company is reliable and playing by the rules.

What’s On A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing

A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing generally includes just the essentials, such as:

• Exact legal business name – As it appears in the state’s records.
• Date of formation or incorporation – The official start date of your entity.
• Statement of good standing – Confirms your company is compliant with Delaware law (e.g., taxes paid, filings current).
• Issued by the Delaware Secretary of State
• Detailed filing history – Lists each amendment, merger, name change, or other official filing on record. (Long Delaware Certificate Of Good Standing)

And here’s what you won’t find on it:

• No business address
• No names of owners, directors, or officers
• No financial or operational details

Requirements For Delaware Certificate Of Good Standing

You must provide the following:

• Entity name exactly as it appears in state records
• Entity file number (optional but helpful)
• Specify if you need:
  • Short form certificate (standard version)
  • Long form certificate (includes detailed status history)⁵

How much does a Delaware certificate of good standing cost?

Like we’ve hinted at above, the cost of getting a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing really depends on the type of certificate you need and how quickly you need it. It’s not necessarily expensive, but the cost can add up if you’re in a hurry.² For most businesses, the standard "short form" certificate, which simply confirms that your company is in compliance with Delaware state requirements, costs $50 if you need a more detailed version, known as the "long form" certificate, which includes your company’s full history of filings and status changes, that will run you about $175.

On top of that, if you're in a hurry, Delaware offers expedited processing options. For example, you can pay extra for same-day service or even two-hour turnaround, with fees for those rush options typically ranging from $50 to $60 or more, depending on the level of urgency.² So while the basic cost is relatively affordable, things can add up quickly if you’re on a tight deadline or need the more comprehensive version.

How to get a certificate of good standing in Delaware?

Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is a lot easier than it sounds. The quickest way to obtain one is to request it directly through the Delaware Division of Corporations online or by mail.⁴ The online method is faster and more convenient, especially if you're moving quickly on an expansion or funding round. You’ll need to do just four things:

1. Visit Delaware Division Of Corporations
2. Log In
3. Search your business name, and select the certificate type
4. Fill out the form and wait for a decision

Standard processing usually takes a few days, but expedited options are available if you’re in a rush.⁵

Keep in mind: this certificate doesn’t last forever. Like we mentioned above, most states require a recently issued version, usually no older than 30 to 90 days, so make sure you stay up to date with your certificate.⁵

Do I need a foreign qualification in Delaware?

So now that we’ve established what a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is, you may be wondering if you may need a foreign qualification. Well, if your business was formed in another state but you're eyeing Delaware for expansion, the short answer is yes, you will.⁴

If you're planning to conduct regular business activities in Delaware, the state requires you to register as a foreign entity, even if you’re already established in the United States. Delaware is known for being business-friendly, but that doesn’t mean it skips formalities. You'll need a Certificate of Authority in addition to your Delaware Certificate of Good Standing to stay compliant, avoid penalties, and gain the legal right to enforce contracts and defend your business in court.⁴

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a Certificate of Good Standing to open a business bank account?

Yes. Many financial institutions require a current Certificate of Good Standing as part of their due diligence process.¹ It helps verify that your company is legally recognized and in compliance. Make sure the certificate is recent, usually no older than 30 to 60 days, for it to be accepted.

Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing if I’m only selling online in another state?

Possibly. Even if your business operates online, if you have economic nexus or significant revenue from another state, you may need to register there.¹ Most states require a Certificate of Good Standing from Delaware when applying for foreign qualification or business licenses, regardless of your physical presence.

Can I request a Certificate of Good Standing if my business is inactive?

No. Delaware only issues Certificates of Good Standing to businesses that are active and in full compliance.⁵ If your business status is inactive or revoked due to missed filings or taxes, you must first restore good standing before the state will issue the certificate.

Is there a difference between a short form and a long form Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes. The short form confirms your company’s good standing status and existence. The long form includes additional details, like a full list of documents filed since formation.⁵ Most foreign registration processes only require the short form, but banks or legal reviews may request the long form.

Do I need a lawyer or registered agent to obtain the certificate?

Not necessarily. You can order it yourself directly from the Delaware Division of Corporations.⁵ However, many businesses use a registered agent or service provider to simplify the process and make sure they’re staying compliant across multiple jurisdictions, especially if other filings are involved.

Can the certificate be apostilled for international use?

Yes. If you're doing business outside the U.S., Delaware can issue an apostille to authenticate the Certificate of Good Standing for use in countries under the Hague Convention.¹ You’ll need to request this through the Delaware Secretary of State and specify the country of intended use.

What happens if the certificate expires before I use it?

While technically the certificate doesn’t expire, most institutions or states will not accept a version that’s more than 30–90 days old.² If that happens, you’ll need to request a new one before proceeding with registrations, banking, or legal filings in another state or country.

Can I order multiple copies of the certificate at once?

Yes. When submitting your request through Delaware’s Division of Corporations or a filing service, you can order additional copies, both digital and physical.³ This is helpful if you need the certificate for multiple state filings, licensing agencies, or banks, and want to avoid repeat fees.

Is a Certificate of Good Standing required for annual report filings?

No, the certificate itself is not needed to file an annual report.⁴ However, staying up to date with annual reports and franchise tax payments is what keeps your business eligible to receive a Certificate of Good Standing when you need one later on.

What if I lost my original Certificate of Good Standing?

If you lose the certificate, you’ll need to order a new one.⁵ Delaware does not maintain a public copy of previously issued certificates. For this reason, many businesses download and save the digital version or use a registered agent service to store it for easy retrieval.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing might seem a little tedious but it’s important if you want to prove your good standing with the state, especially if you plan to expand across state lines or work with partners.³ For as low as $50, you’re confirming your company is in good standing with the state and has met all its legal obligations. Once you fully understand the process and how it works, it becomes much easier to navigate, so you can keep your business in good standing at all times.

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Sources:

1. Delaware Certificate of Good Standing | Wolters Kluwer
2. Order a Delaware certificate of good standing | Harvard Business Services, Inc.
3. Delaware certificate of good standing | A Registered Agent, Inc.
4. Why can’t I get a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing on a rush basis | Cogency Global
5. Foreign Qualification for Corporations | Delaware.gov