Delaware Certificate of Good Standing: What It Is and How to Get One

Whether you plan to finance your Delaware business or expand it into another state, you’ll likely need a certificate of good standing, also called a certificate of status in The First State. You can request this document from the Delaware Division of Corporations (DOC). Let’s dive into how to request a certificate of good standing, the costs, and what to do if you don’t currently qualify.

What is a Delaware certificate of good standing?

A Delaware certificate of good standing, or certificate of status, is an official document from the Delaware Division of Corporations that confirms your business is actively registered with the state and up-to-date on DOC filing requirements. You may need this document to do one of the following things:

• Open a business bank account. Many banks require proof of active, compliant status before they'll open a commercial account.
• Apply for a business loan or financing. Lenders routinely check a business’ status with the state before approving a loan or line of credit.
• Work with an outside vendor. Many vendors require a certificate of good standing from a business to verify its legal legitimacy before signing a major contract.
• Register to do business in another state (foreign qualification). Many states require a certificate of existence to authorize an out-of-state business to operate within its borders.
• Complete a merger or acquisition. Buyers, sellers, and their attorneys typically require proof of active status from all entities before a deal closes.
• Apply for a business license. Some licensing agencies require a current certificate of existence before approving an application.

How to check your Delaware business’ current status

Before you fill out a request and pay the associated fees, it’s best to make sure your entity actually qualifies for a certificate of good standing. You can do this online by searching your business in the Division’s corporate database.

Then, click on the name of your business to pull up its entity profile. At the bottom of the page, there should be an option to view your entity’s status for a $10 fee. If you’d like to know more information, such as your business’ tax and filing history, you also have the option to order a more expansive status check for a $20 fee.

How to get a certificate of good standing in Delaware: Step-by-step

The Delaware Division of Corporations offers two paths to request a certificate of good standing. You can submit a request either online through eCorp, the Division's online business services portal, or by mail. Here’s how.

How to file a request online

1. Navigate to eCorp. The homepage should display several links to various Division of Corporations’ services.
2. Select, “Document Filing and Certificate Request.” This will redirect you to an online form that you can use to request certificates or submit documents.
3. Choose your certificate type. You have the option to request a short form for $50 or a long form certificate for $175. Most requesting parties only require the short form certificate.
4. Opt for regular or expedited processing. If you need the certificate in a rush, you can request priority processing for an additional fee. Priority 1 takes one hour and costs $1,000 per document. Priority 2 takes two hours and costs $500 per document. Priority 3 processes the certificate that same day for a $40 fee, while Priority 4 processes it in 24-hours for a $30 fee.
5. Pick a method of delivery. You’ll receive your certificate of good standing in the mail at the address you provided. If you opt for regular mail, this should take 1–5 days from the time it's processed. However, you can also choose express delivery by providing a FedEx or UPS account number.
6. Submit your request and provide your payment information. You can pay for online certificate requests via credit card. The Division processes your payment once your request is completed.

How to file a request by mail

1. Download the Division's certification request memo to submit a written request.
2. Provide your personal and business information. Fill in your name, address, and contact information. Include the name of your company and its file number (if you know it.)
3. Choose your certificate type. You have the option to request a short form for $50 or a long form certificate for $175. Most requesting parties only require the short form certificate.
4. Opt for regular or expedited processing. If you need the certificate in a rush, you can request priority processing for an additional fee. Priority 1 takes one hour and costs $1,000 per document. Priority 2 takes two hours and costs $500 per document. Priority 3 processes the certificate that same day and for a $40 fee, while Priority 4 processes it in 24-hours for a $30 fee.
5. Pick a method of delivery. You’ll receive your certificate of good standing in the mail at the address you provided. If you opt for regular mail, this should take 1–5 days from the time it's processed. However, you can also choose express delivery by providing a FedEx or UPS account number.
6. Pay the fee and mail your request. Calculate your fees and include a check payable to the Delaware Secretary of State. Then, mail your check with the completed form to the following address: