How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing for a South Carolina LLC

If you formed your LLC in South Carolina and need to provide proof of your LLC’s good standing, then you’ll need to obtain a “Certificate of Existence” from the South Carolina Secretary of State.

The cost of a Certificate of Existence from the South Carolina Secretary of State is $10.00.

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 a South Carolina LLC.

What is a South Carolina Certificate of Existence?

A Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the South Carolina Secretary of State that certifies your LLC’s existence, as well as its good standing status in the state. It can also sometimes be referred to as a Certificate of Good Standing. The certificate also serves as proof that your LLC has met all necessary filing requirements and paid any applicable fees.

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

The South Carolina Secretary of State provides a streamlined process for obtaining a Certificate of Existence. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Visit the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website and locate the “Certificate of Existence” form under the “Corporations” tab.

Step 2. Download and print the form.

Step 3. Fill out the form completely and sign it.

Step 4. Send your completed and signed Certificate of Existence form, along with a check or money order for $10 made payable to South Carolina Secretary of State to:

South Carolina Secretary of State
Attn: Corporation Records Division
1205 Pendleton St., Ste. 525
Columbia, SC 29201

Step 5. Your South Carolina Certificate of Existence will be mailed to you within 15 business days.

Reasons a South Carolina LLC Might Fail to Be in Good Standing

If South Carolina finds that your LLC is not in good standing, then you will have to take steps to resolve any issues with the state. Common reasons why an LLC might fail to be in good standing include:

  • Not filing annual reports.
  • Not paying applicable taxes or fees.
  • Operating in South Carolina without registering as a foreign LLC.
  • Not resolving disputes or responding to inquiries from South Carolina Secretary of State.

Once these issues are resolved, you can obtain a South Carolina Certificate of Existence to prove that your LLC is in good standing.

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

If your South Carolina LLC has lost its good standing status, then you will need to take certain steps to restore it.

1. First, contact South Carolina Secretary of State and find out what needs to be done in order for your LLC to regain good standing.

2. Then submit the appropriate filings and documents with South Carolina Secretary of State and pay any applicable fees.

3. Once South Carolina confirms that you have taken the necessary steps, it will issue a South Carolina Certificate of Existence to prove your LLC’s good standing status.

4. You can then use this certificate as proof that your LLC is in good standing with South Carolina Secretary of State.