How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing for an Ohio LLC

If you formed your LLC in Ohio and need to provide proof of your LLC’s good standing, then you’ll need to obtain a “Certificate of Good Standing (or Full Force and Effect Certificate)” from the Ohio Secretary of State.

The cost of a Letter of Good Standing from the Ohio Secretary of State is $5.00.Certificates are sent by mail.

Providing proof of good standing for an LLC may be required when:

• Registering an LLC in a state other than the one it was formed in.
• Applying for loans.
• Getting business insurance.
• Opening a business bank account.

Read this page to learn how to obtain proof of Good Standing for an Ohio LLC.

What is an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing?

The Ohio Secretary of State’s office issues a Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Full Force and Effect Certificate) to Ohio LLCs, which is proof that the business has met all legal obligations required by Ohio law. It also confirms that the LLC is in “good standing” with the Ohio Secretary of State and is authorized to conduct business in Ohio.

How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing From the Ohio Secretary of State

To get a Certificate of Good Standing in Ohio, you’ll have to download and complete a form. You’ll receive your certificate by mail.

Step 1. Complete the Ohio Certificate of Good Standing Request Form (Form GSC-5). This form can be obtained from the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, or it can be requested by mail by calling 614–466–3910.

Step 2. Fill out the Ohio Certificate of Good Standing Request Form (Form GSC-5) with the necessary information, including the Ohio LLC’s name and Ohio Secretary of State ID number.

Step 3. Submit the Ohio Certificate of Good Standing Request Form and applicable fee ($5.00) to the Ohio Secretary of State by mail or online. The mailing address for submission is:
Ohio Secretary of State
180 E. Broad St., 16th Floor,
Columbus OH 43215

Step 4. The Ohio Secretary of State will issue the Ohio LLC a Certificate of Good Standing (Full Force and Effect Certificate) if the LLC is in good standing and has met all legal obligations required by Ohio law. The Ohio Certificate of Good Standing will be mailed to the Ohio LLC’s mailing address, or you can pick it up in person at the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

Step 5. Once you receive your Ohio Certificate of Good Standing (Full Force and Effect Certificate), you can use it to provide proof that your Ohio LLC is in good standing with the Ohio Secretary of State and is authorized to conduct business in Ohio.

Reasons an Ohio LLC Might Fail to Be in Good Standing

An Ohio LLC’s good standing may be affected by a variety of reasons, including:

• Failure to submit annual reports.
• Nonpayment of Ohio taxes and fees.
• Failure to appoint an Ohio registered agent for service of process.
• Having incorrect or outdated information on file with the Ohio Secretary of State.

How to Restore Good Standing to an LLC in Ohio That has Lost it

If your Ohio LLC is not in good standing, you must take the necessary steps to restore it. This may include filing past-due documents and fees, or amending existing documents with incorrect information. You can contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office for more information. Once you have taken these steps, you can then request a new Ohio Certificate of Good Standing (Full Force and Effect Certificate).