Certificate of Good Standing Missouri
A Missouri certificate of good standing verifies that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was legally formed and has been properly maintained.
In our Certificate of Good Standing Missouri guide, we will discuss the requirements for good standing and exactly how to get a certificate of good standing in Missouri.
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ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Missouri?
You can obtain your Missouri certificate of good standing by requesting it from the Secretary of State.
There are two main steps for getting your certificate of good standing:
2. Order your certificate of good standing
What is a certificate of good standing? A certificate of good standing is a state document that verifies your business was legally formed and has been properly maintained.
Step 1. Make Sure Your Missouri Business is Compliant
To qualify for a Missouri certificate of good standing, your business must stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements:
Licenses & Permits
To operate your business in Missouri, you must follow federal, state, and local licensing guidelines. This can include regulations like health permits and building permits.
You can find out more about state licensing requirements with the Missouri Business Portal website.
State Taxes
Depending on your business activity, you will have to register for different forms of Missouri state tax. This can include sales tax, withholding tax, or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax.
Annual Reports
All Missouri corporations must file an annual registration report. This report verifies the business’s basic information including its principal office address and registered agent information.
This report is filed online with the Secretary of State and is initially due 30 days after registration, then every anniversary month thereafter. The filing fee is $25.
Missouri LLCs do not have to file an annual report.
Step 2. Order Your Missouri Certificate of Good Standing
Once your business remains compliant with the state, you can request a Missouri certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State. This can be done online, by mail, by email, by phone, or in person.
OPTION 1: Order Online With the Secretary of State
- OR -
OPTION 2: Order by Mail, by Email, by Phone, or In Person
Filing Cost: $10
Mailing Address:
Corporations Unit
James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Office Address:
Corporations Unit
600 W. Main St.
Missouri State Information Center, Room 322
Jefferson City, MO 65101-0778
Email: corporations@sos.mo.gov
Phone: (573) 751-4153
Need Help Filing?
Use a professional service to help you order your Missouri Certificate of Good Standing
Our favorite choice is ZenBusiness ($75 + state fee)
Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Missouri?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your business in Missouri, there are several instances where you may need to get one. These include:
- Purchasing business insurance
- Applying for business loans
- Opening a business checking account
- Registering to do business in other states
Missouri Certificate of Good Standing FAQ
What is a Missouri certificate of good standing?
A certificate of good standing is a legal document that confirms that your business is compliant with state regulations.
Certificates of good standing are also known as certificates of status, certificates of existence, or certificates of compliance.
How do I get a certificate of good standing?
You can get a Missouri certificate of good standing by remaining compliant with state regulations and ordering a certificate online, by mail, by email, by phone, or in person.
How much does a certificate of good standing cost?
In Missouri, ordering a certificate of good standing costs $10.
How soon do you need a certificate of good standing?
Because many banks and insurance companies will want a business’s certificate of good standing in order to do business, we recommend getting one as soon as possible.
How long is the certificate of good standing valid for?
A Missouri certificate of good standing does not have a set expiration date. However, requesters — such as banks, creditors, and foreign business states — often have their own guidelines for a certificate's validity.
What does a certificate of good standing mean?
Obtaining a Missouri certificate of good standing means that the state recognizes your business as both active and compliant.
When do you need a certificate of good standing?
Missouri businesses often need a certificate of good standing in order to do business outside of Missouri, obtain business loans, open business bank accounts, or purchase business insurance.
Who is required to get a certificate of good standing?
Missouri businesses are not legally required to obtain a certificate of good standing. However, your business may choose to get one if you decide to do business outside of Missouri or get a business bank account.
Where do I find a certificate of good standing?
After ordering your Missouri certificate of good standing online, the Secretary of State will either email or fax you your certificate.