Virginia Certificate of Good Standing

Does Virginia Have a Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, just like every other state in the US, Virginia has a Certificate of Good Standing, which every corporation needs to obtain. Issued by the SCC, the document is an official verification of the fact that your business complies with all the state laws and has been given the green light to operate legally in Virginia.

It is one of the most important documents you will need for your business because there are a multitude of things you won’t be able to do without it. These things include opening a business bank account, being approved for loans, and expanding your business.

Note that getting a Certificate of Good Standing isn’t necessary. Your business can still operate without it, as long as you continue to comply with all state regulations and maintain your legal standing with the state.

However, the document serves as concrete proof that your company meets all necessary legal requirements. This may not seem like much, but it’s incredibly beneficial when working with other parties, such as banks, investors, and insurance companies. They often want to see some sort of proof that your business is in “good standing” and follows state regulations.

Having this certificate will not just reassure them that your company is legit, but it may also make things smoother and help build trust more easily. It may even help you get better deals or rates since these organizations feel more confident working with a verified business.

You only need a Certificate of Good Standing if your business is categorized as a corporation or a foreign corporation. A foreign corporation refers to a company based in another state that does business in Virginia. For foreign corporations, along with obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing, you also need a Certificate of Authority.

What Is a Certificate of Authority in Virginia?

A Certificate of Authority is an important document that authorizes foreign corporations to legally operate in Virginia.

Unlike a Certificate of Good Standing, a Certificate of Authority is mandatory for foreign corporations that intend to operate in Virginia. It essentially grants them permission to establish a physical presence and conduct business activities within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In some states, it’s referred to as an “Application for Authority” or “Application to Transact Business,” and it includes your business’ sales tax ID, allowing you to collect sales tax.

To get a Certificate of Authority for your foreign corporation, you have to fill out this form, called the “Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Virginia.”

You’ll also have to pay a filing fee of $25 plus an “Entrance Fee.” For stock corporations, the Entrance Fee is based on the number of authorized shares. For nonstock corporations, the Entrance Fee is a flat rate of $50.

The form asks for details about your corporation, including:

• Name of the company (which has to be the same as it appears in the company’s articles of incorporation)
• Location of the principal office and the registered office
• Contact information of the registered agent
• Names and addresses of the principal officers and directors
• The number of shares your company is authorized to share

It has to be signed by one of the following people:

• The president of the corporation
• The chairman or the vice-chairman
• Any officer who has the authority to execute documents on behalf of the corporation

How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in USA?

The process depends on where your business is based, as each state has its own requirements and procedures. There are many things your company has to comply with, such as filing annual reports, paying state fees and Virginia business tax, and getting all the right permits/licenses.

Regardless of where your business is based in the US, you have to make sure that it’s in full compliance with the state’s requirements before you apply for a Certificate of Good Standing. Otherwise, your application will be rejected.

You can obtain it either online or by mail. Both methods require you to pay a small one-time fee, which varies depending on the state.

How to Get Certificate of Good Standing Virginia

Before you apply for a Certificate of Good Standing in Virginia, here are some things you need to take care of:

• Comply With State Requirements: This is the most important part. Make sure your business is compliant with all state regulations and all your licenses and permits are up-to-date.
• Hire a Registered Agent: A registered agent is a person or a company who receives legal documents on behalf of your business. They can also apply for a Certificate of Good Standing for you, but keep in mind that most of them will charge an extra fee.
• Pay the Fee: In Virginia, the fee for obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is $6.

Virginia Certificate of Good Standing Online

The easiest way to get a Certificate of Good Standing in Virginia is by applying for it online. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to the Clerk’s Information System (CIS) official site and log in with your username and password.
2. Click on Online Services in the menu bar on the top left.
3. Now type the “Entity Name” or “Entity ID” of your business and hit the Search button.
4. Select your company by clicking on the radio button under the “Select” section and then click on Continue.
5. Go to your shopping cart and click on Checkout.
6. Enter your payment information and pay the $6 fee.

If everything is in order, then you’ll get a digital copy of your Certificate of Good Standing within minutes.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Certificate of Good Standing:

“I certify the following from the Records of the Commission:

That [Your company’s name] is duly incorporated under the law of the Commonwealth of Virginia;

That the date of its incorporation is [Date of incorporation];

That the period of its duration is perpetual; and

That the corporation is in existence and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Virginia as of the date set forth below.

Nothing more is hereby certified.”

Virginia Certificate of Good Standing Template

If you don’t want to apply for the certificate online, then the other option is to mail a written request to the Clerk’s Office of the State Corporate Commission. You can also submit it in person at their office in Richmond.

You’ll have to pay the same $6 fee if you choose to mail a written request or submit it in person. In the written request, you need to include the following things:

• The name, address, and contact information of your corporation.
• An appropriate subject line, such as “Request for Certificate of Good Standing.”
• A formal greeting, such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
• In the body of the letter, mention that you’re writing the letter to request a Certificate of Good Standing and provide your contact information, entity name, entity ID, and contact details of your registered agent (this is optional).
• Add a polite and professional closing at the end, such as “Sincerely.”
• Include a check for the required fee if you’re mailing the written request.

How Do I Get a Copy of My Business License in Virginia?

You can download certified copies of your business license through the CIS platform on the SCC’s official site. Log into your account and search for your business by typing the Entity ID or name.

You’ll be able to see a list of all the documents you can download. Click on the license or permit you want to download, pay a one-time fee of $6, and you’ll get a certified copy of the document immediately.

You can also get a non-certified copy through the site for free. Keep in mind, though, that non-certified copies are considered “unofficial” and they’re only useful for your own records.

Note that if your Virginia business license has expired and you want to renew it, then you have two options. You can either get it renewed through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or Sircon.

Certificate of Fact of Existence for VA and Foreign LLC

A Certificate of Good Standing is only issued to corporations (and foreign corporations) in Virginia. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), foreign LLCs, and other types of LLCs in Virginia, on the other hand, are issued a Certificate of Fact of Existence or Registration.

The process of obtaining a Certificate of Fact of Existence is the same as for a Certificate of Good Standing. You can apply for it online through the CIS platform for a one-time fee of $6.

Make Sure Your Business Is Compliant With VA SCC Certificate of Good Standing

When applying for a Certificate of Good Standing, the most important thing is to make sure that your corporation is compliant with all the local laws and regulations. You can easily apply for it through the CIS site by logging into your account and paying a one-time fee of $6.

A Certificate of Good Standing, while not mandatory for domestic corporations, can be of great help. This is especially true when you’re dealing with banks, investors, and other third-parties that want to know if your business is compliant.

If you find the process too difficult, we recommend hiring a registered agent to do it for you. They are professionals who know how to handle the paperwork and make sure that everything is filed correctly.

As a foreign corporation, you can’t run your business in Virginia without a Certificate of Good Standing. That’s why it’s important that you do everything correctly and get this document as soon as you can.