If you formed your LLC in Georgia and need to provide proof of your LLC’s good standing, then you’ll need to obtain a “Certificate of Existence” from the Georgia Secretary of state. A Certificate of Existence in Georgia is the same thing as a Certificate of Good Standing in other states.
Read this page to learn how to obtain proof of Good Standing for a Georgia LLC.
The cost of a Certificate of Existence from the Georgia Secretary of State is $10, $60 for expedited service. Processing takes up to 5 business days.
Providing proof of good standing for an LLC may be required when:
A Georgia Certificate of Existence confirms that an LLC has been legally formed and registered with the state of Georgia, and it proves that the company is “in good standing.”
This certificate can typically be used as proof that your business exists and is valid in the state of Georgia.
The best way to obtain a Georgia Certificate of Existence is online, through the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division Website. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Log in with your registered agent information, or create an account if you don’t have one.
Step 2. Select “Certificate of Good Standing” from the menu.
Step 3. Enter the information about your LLC including name, principal office address, and date of formation.
Step 4. Enter payment information. The cost is $10 for the regular service or $60 for expedited service.
Step 5. Submit your request and wait for processing time (up to 5 business days).
Step 6. You will receive an email with a confirmation number and link to download your certificate.
Once you have obtained the Certificate of Existence, you can use it as proof that your LLC is in good standing with the state of Georgia.
A Georgia LLC may fail to be in good standing if:
If you have lost good standing with the state, you must restore it by first making up any outstanding annual reports and paying off any unpaid taxes or other debts.
Step 1. Call the Secretary of State and settle any outstanding balances.
Step 2. Log in to the Corporations Division website.
Step 3. Select “Restore Good Standing” from the menu.
Step 4. Enter the LLC’s name, address, and date of formation.
Step 5. Enter payment information. The cost is $25 for the regular service, or $60 for expedited service.
Step 6. Submit your request and wait for processing time (up to 5 business days).
Step 7. You will receive an email with a confirmation number and link to download your certificate.
Step 8. Once you have obtained the Certificate of Good Standing, you can use it as proof that your LLC is in good standing with the state of Georgia.
A Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Georgia Secretary of State that confirms an LLC has been legally formed and registered with the state, and that it’s “in good standing.” This certificate can typically be used as proof that your business exists and is valid in the state of Georgia.
The cost for a Certificate of Good Standing is $10 for the regular service, or $60 for expedited service.
It usually takes up to 5 business days for processing, depending on the service you choose.
To restore good standing, first make up any outstanding annual reports and pay off any unpaid taxes or other debts. Call the Secretary of State and settle any outstanding balances. Then log in to the Corporations Division website, select “Restore Good Standing” from the menu, enter the LLC’s name, address, and date of formation. Enter payment information (the cost is $25 for regular service or $60 for expedited service). Submit your request and wait for processing time (up to 5 business days).