The Washington Certificate of Good Standing, also referred to as the Certificate of Existence, is issued by the Washington Secretary of State. This certificate verifies that a business entity is legally registered and compliant with Washington’s regulations, such as filing necessary reports and paying fees. Whether your business is a corporation, LLC, or nonprofit, having a Certificate of Good Standing can be essential for business activities like securing loans, opening bank accounts, or expanding to other states.
How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Washington
In Washington, you can request a Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence, through the Washington Secretary of State. The request process can be completed online, by mail, or in person. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Washington Business Search portal.
- Search for your business using the entity name or Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number.
- Once your business is located, select the option to order a Certificate of Good Standing and complete the online form.
- Pay the required fee using a credit card for online orders or by check if submitting by mail.
- Receive the certificate digitally or by mail, depending on your chosen method.
Washington Certificate of Good Standing Costs
The costs for obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing (Certificate of Existence) in Washington are as follows:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Good Standing (Standard Processing) | $20 |
| Expedited Processing (Available for in-person requests) | $50 additional fee |
Processing Time for the Certificate of Good Standing in Washington
Washington offers both standard and expedited processing options for the Certificate of Good Standing. Below are the estimated processing times:
| Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online (Standard) | Immediate |
| Mail (Standard) | 1-2 business weeks |
| In-Person Expedited Processing | Same day (if requested before 2:00 PM PST) |
When Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Washington?
A Certificate of Good Standing is commonly required in the following scenarios:
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for business loans or credit lines
- Registering your business in another state (foreign qualification)
- Renewing certain business licenses or permits
- Entering into significant contracts or agreements with other entities
Many organizations, including banks and government agencies, may require the certificate to be issued within 30 to 90 days to confirm the business is compliant.
What Happens If Your Washington Business Falls Out of Good Standing?
If your business loses its good standing in Washington, it usually means you’ve missed filing a report or failed to pay a required fee. This can lead to penalties, fines, or suspension of the business entity. To restore your business’s status, you need to:
- Submit any overdue reports, such as the Annual Renewal
- Pay any outstanding fees or fines
- Ensure compliance with Washington state’s regulations
Once your business is back in compliance, you can request a new Certificate of Good Standing to confirm your business’s current legal status.
Where to Contact for More Information
For further assistance with obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing or if you have any questions, you can contact the Washington Secretary of State’s office at:
- Phone: (360) 725-0377
- Address: Washington Secretary of State, Corporations Division, PO Box 40234, Olympia, WA 98504-0234
- Website: https://www.sos.wa.gov/
