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Business Formation Focus

Certificate of Good Standing

Understand when you need a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing, how to order one, and what it proves about your business entity's compliance status.

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

Official certificate document

A Certificate of Good Standing (also called a Certificate of Status) is an official document from the Delaware Division of Corporations that confirms your entity is properly formed, current with all state requirements, and authorized to conduct business.

Confirms Legal Existence

Verifies your entity is properly formed and exists under Delaware law

Shows Compliance Status

Proves you're current with franchise taxes and annual requirements

Provides Key Details

Includes entity name, file number, formation date, and registered agent

When Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing?

Banking & Finance

  • • Opening business bank accounts
  • • Applying for business loans
  • • Setting up merchant accounts
  • • Establishing credit lines

Foreign Qualification

  • • Registering in other states
  • • Obtaining business licenses
  • • State tax registrations
  • • Professional licensing

Business Transactions

  • • Major contract negotiations
  • • Real estate purchases
  • • Mergers and acquisitions
  • • Partnership agreements

Legal Proceedings

  • • Court filings and litigation
  • • Trademark applications
  • • Patent filings
  • • Regulatory compliance

Investment & Funding

  • • Venture capital funding
  • • Private equity transactions
  • • Due diligence processes
  • • Investment agreements

Government Contracts

  • • Federal contract bidding
  • • State government contracts
  • • Municipal contracts
  • • Grant applications

How to Order Your Certificate

Online Ordering (Recommended)

1

Visit Delaware Division of Corporations

Go to corp.delaware.gov

2

Search for Your Entity

Enter your entity name or file number

3

Order Certificate

Select certificate type and pay online

4

Receive Certificate

Download immediately or receive by mail

Processing Time: Immediate download available, or 2-3 business days by mail

Mail or Phone Ordering

By Mail:

Send written request with payment to:

Delaware Division of Corporations
401 Federal Street, Suite 4
Dover, DE 19901

By Phone:

Call (302) 739-3073 with credit card ready

Required Information:

  • • Entity name and file number
  • • Type of certificate needed
  • • Delivery method preference
  • • Payment information

Processing Time: 5-7 business days by mail, 2-3 days expedited

Need Help with Delaware Compliance?

Stay in good standing with Delaware requirements. Our team provides administrative compliance support and can help obtain certificates. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.