California does not sell a document called a certificate of good standing. The Secretary of State issues a Certificate of Status instead, and that is what banks, lenders and other states accept. It shows the entity's status on the Secretary of State's record on the day it is issued.
This page covers how to get it and what blocks it. For search, fees and contacts, read the California office guide.
Ordering a Certificate of Status in bizfile Online
The fee on the Secretary of State's schedule is $5. Orders go through bizfile Online, the same portal used for searches and filings.
| What the state calls it | Certificate of Status (bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov, checked ) |
|---|---|
| Fee | $5 (bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov, checked ) |
| Where to order | bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov (sos.ca.gov, checked ) |
- Open bizfile Online and find the entity by name or entity number.
- Read the status line. It should say Active.
- Request the Certificate of Status for that record and pay.
- Keep the copy, and note the date it was issued.
The fee schedule on file is an older PDF, so confirm the amount on the checkout screen.
What a California status line tells you
The status word on the record names the agency that acted. That matters, because the fix depends on who suspended the company.
Every status word California uses is explained in our California office guide.
Active means a domestic entity has filed its formation document and may do business, or a foreign one is registered to transact business here. Suspended or Forfeited means its powers are gone. A prefix of SOS, FTB or SOS/FTB says which office took the step.
Clearing an SOS suspension
An SOS suspension almost always traces back to a missing Statement of Information. LLCs and nonprofits file it every two years, and stock corporations file every year, in the month the entity first registered. A new LLC files its first one within 90 days. The fee is $20 for an LLC and $25 for a domestic stock corporation. File what is overdue in bizfile Online, then check the record before you order.
Clearing an FTB suspension
An FTB suspension is a tax matter. Every California LLC owes the Franchise Tax Board an $800 annual tax, and missed returns or payments can lead to suspension. The Secretary of State does not collect that tax and cannot lift an FTB suspension. Settle the account with the Franchise Tax Board first. If the record says SOS/FTB, both offices need to be satisfied.
Who asks for California proof
Banks opening accounts, lenders, buyers in a sale and agencies awarding contracts often ask for a recent Certificate of Status. Another state may also want one when a California company registers there. For how other states name and price this document, see our certificate of good standing guide.
Sources
- bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/pdf/be-fee-schedule-062018.pdf: good standing certificate, certificate fee. Checked .
- www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/faqs/: certificate ordering. Checked .