A Missouri Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status, is an official document issued by the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. This document validates the legal status of a business entity in Missouri, whether it’s a Missouri corporation, professional corporation, Missouri LLC (Limited Liability Company), or limited liability partnership. In this article, we will provide an overview and step-by-step instructions on how to acquire this important document.
Why You Need a Certificate of Good Standing
This certificate is an official record stating that your business is legally recognized in the state and is in compliance with all state requirements. It can be crucial when you need to prove the legitimacy of your business for purposes like securing financing, signing leases, and conducting transactions.
Foreign corporations and foreign LLCs seeking foreign qualification in Missouri state also often need to provide a Certificate of Good Standing from their home state.
How to Obtain a Missouri Certificate of Good Standing
Step 1: Visit the Website Go to the Missouri Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.mo.gov.
Step 2: Navigate to the Business Section Find and click on the “Business” tab at the top of the homepage.
Step 3: Go to “Online Business Services” Once you are in the “Business” section, click on the “Online Business Services” link on the left-hand side.
Step 4: Click on “Certificates, Copies, Certifications, and Filing” On the “Online Business Services” page, look for and click on the “Certificates, Copies, Certifications, and Filing” option.
Step 5: Click on “Request Certificate of Good Standing” You will now be directed to a page with a variety of services. Find and click on the “Request Certificate of Good Standing” option.
Step 6: Enter Your Business Information You will need to enter your business name in the box provided. Make sure to spell it correctly!
Step 7: Pay the Fee After entering your business name, you will need to pay a fee. Have a credit card ready for this step.
Step 8: Review and Submit Double-check the information you’ve entered, then hit the “Submit” button.
Step 9: Wait for the Certificate You’ve now completed your part! The state will process your request and send you the Certificate of Good Standing.
Renewing Your Certificate
Your Missouri certificate of good standing isn’t a one-and-done document. It needs to be periodically renewed by filing an annual report. The Missouri Secretary of State’s Business Services division can provide more information on these requirements.
Customer Service
If you have questions or need assistance, the Corporations Division of the Missouri Department of State provides excellent customer service to assist business owners in obtaining forms and understanding the process and meeting the state’s business license requirements. They can guide you through the steps of obtaining your Missouri articles of incorporation or organization, the Missouri certificate of good standing, and other important business documents.
Whether you’re running a Missouri corporation, a Missouri professional corporation, a Missouri LLC, or a Limited Liability Partnership, it’s essential to have a Missouri Certificate of Good Standing. Keeping your business in compliance not only maintains your business’s legitimacy but also ensures your operations run smoothly in the state of Missouri.
Missouri Certificate of Good Standing FAQs
How much does a Missouri certificate of good standing cost?
A certificate of good standing in Missouri costs $10. You can order it online, by mail, by email, by phone, or in person
How long is a Missouri certificate of good standing valid?
A Missouri certificate of good standing does not have a set expiration date. However, requesters such as banks, creditors, and other requesters have their own guidelines for a certificate’s validity.
Most entities requesting a Missouri Certificate of Good Standing will allow it to be dated for between 60-90 days from the date of creation, but it really depends on the individual requesting it.
Do you need an EIN to request a certificate of good standing?
The EIN or Employer Identification Number is a number that is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify some businesses. The certificate can be ordered by anyone and an EIN is not required to make the request.