The South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing, officially referred to as the Certificate of Existence, is issued by the South Dakota Secretary of State. This certificate verifies that a business is legally registered and compliant with state requirements, such as filing necessary reports and paying fees. Whether you operate a corporation, LLC, or nonprofit, obtaining this certificate may be required for activities like applying for loans, registering your business in another state, or entering into major contracts.
How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in South Dakota
You can request a Certificate of Good Standing (Certificate of Existence) through the South Dakota Secretary of State. The request can be submitted by mail, fax, email, or in person. Follow these steps based on your preferred method:
By Mail
Send a written request that includes your business name, the specific document requested, a daytime phone number, return address information, and payment. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee if explicitly requested.
By Fax
Include a normal fax cover sheet with your business name, specific request, and daytime phone number. Payment will be collected by phone after your request is processed. Certificates can be returned by fax or email for an additional $5 fee.
By Email
Send an email to corporations@state.sd.us with your business name, specific request, and daytime phone number. Payment will be collected by phone after the order is completed. Certificates can also be emailed or faxed back for an additional $5 fee.
In Person
Visit the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office. Standard processing takes 1-2 business days unless you pay for expedited service, which ensures same-day processing.
South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing Costs
The costs for obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing in South Dakota are as follows:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Good Standing (Standard Processing) | $20 |
| Expedited Processing Fee | $50 |
| Email or Fax Return Service | $5 |
Processing Time for the Certificate of Good Standing in South Dakota
The processing times for obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing in South Dakota are as follows:
| Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online | Not available |
| Mail (Standard) | 1-2 business days, plus mailing time |
| Fax or Email | 1-2 business days, with an option for same-day service |
| In Person | 1-2 business days, or same-day expedited processing |
When Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing in South Dakota?
A **Certificate of Good Standing** may be required for various reasons, including:
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for business loans or lines of credit
- Registering your business in another state (foreign qualification)
- Renewing certain licenses or permits
- Entering into contracts or agreements with vendors
Many organizations may require the certificate to be dated within the last **30 to 90 days** to confirm compliance.
Payment Options for the South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing
The South Dakota Secretary of State accepts the following payment methods:
- Check or Money Order
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, or Discover
Make checks or money orders payable to: South Dakota Secretary of State.
Where to Contact for More Information
For further assistance with obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing, you can contact the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office at:
- Phone: (605) 773-4845
- Fax: (605) 773-4550
- Email: corporations@state.sd.us
- Address: South Dakota Secretary of State, Corporations Department, Capitol Building, 500 East Capitol Avenue Ste. 204, Pierre, SD 57501-5070
