Certificate of Good Standing Virginia
A Virginia 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 Virginia guide, we will discuss the requirements for good standing and exactly how to get a certificate of good standing in Virginia.
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How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Virginia?
You can obtain your certificate of good standing, known as a certificate of fact of existence for Virginia LLCs, by requesting it from the State Corporation Commission.
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 Virginia Business is Compliant
To qualify for a certificate of fact of existence or a certificate of good standing, your business must stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements:
Licenses & Permits
To operate your business in Virginia, 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 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations website.
State Taxes
Depending on your business activity, you will have to register for different forms of Virginia state tax. This can include sales tax, withholding tax, or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax.
Annual Registration Fee
All Virginia LLCs and corporations must pay an annual registration fee. This can be done online, by mail, or in person. Payment is due to the State Corporation Commission by the last day of the month in which the company was formed or registered to transact business in Virginia.
The annual registration fee for LLCs is $50. The annual registration fee for corporations is based on the number of authorized shares.
Annual Reports
All Virginia corporations must file an annual report. This report verifies the corporation’s basic information including its principal office address and director information.
The annual report is filed online or by requesting a paper form and is due before the last day of the month in which the corporation was registered to do business in Virginia. There is no filing fee.
Step 2. Order Your Virginia Certificate of Good Standing
Once your business remains compliant with the state, you can request a Virginia LLC certificate of fact of existence or a corporate certificate of good standing from the State Corporation Commission. This can be done online, by mail, or in person.
OPTION 1: Order Online With the State Corporation Commission
- OR -
OPTION 2: Order by Mail or In Person
Filing Cost: $6
Mailing Address:
Clerk’s Office, State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218
Office Address:
Clerk’s Office, State Corporation Commission
Tyler Building, 1st Floor
1300 E. Main St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Need Help Filing?
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Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Virginia?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of existence to run your business in Virginia, 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
Virginia Certificate of Good Standing FAQ
What is a Virginia certificate of good standing?
A certificate of good standing is a legal document that confirms that your business is compliant with state regulations.
In Virginia, a certificate of good standing is known as a certificate of fact of existence for LLCs.
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 Virginia certificate of fact of existence by remaining compliant with state regulations and ordering a certificate online, by mail, or in person.
How much does a certificate of good standing cost?
In Virginia, ordering a certificate of fact of existence costs $6.
How soon do you need a certificate of good standing?
Because many banks and insurance companies will want a business’s certificate of fact of existence in order to do business, we recommend getting one as soon as possible.
How long is the certificate of good standing valid for?
A Virginia certificate of fact of existence 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 Virginia certificate of fact of existence means that the state recognizes your business as both active and compliant.
When do you need a certificate of good standing?
Virginia businesses often need a certificate of fact of existence in order to do business outside of Virginia, obtain business loans, open business bank accounts, or purchase business insurance.
Who is required to get a certificate of good standing?
Virginia businesses are not legally required to obtain a certificate of fact of existence. However, your business may choose to get one if you decide to do business outside of Virginia or get a business bank account.
Where do I find a certificate of good standing?
After ordering your Virginia certificate of fact of existence, it will be available immediately if you ordered it online. Otherwise, the State Corporation Commission will mail it to you.