Nevada Certificate of Good Standing
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Running a small business is no walk in the park, especially when you’re handling the paperwork solo. If you’ve kept your Nevada business compliant, that’s something to be proud of.
Maintaining good standing with the state doesn’t just help you steer clear of legal issues. It also builds credibility with banks, business partners, and clients. Think of it as a mark of professionalism and legitimacy.
One way to demonstrate this compliance is by getting a Nevada certificate of good standing. In this guide, we’ll cover what the document is, why it matters, and how you can request one.
What Is a Certificate of Good Standing in Nevada?
A certificate of good standing (sometimes referred to as a certificate of existence or certificate of status) is an official document issued by the Nevada Secretary of State. It confirms that your business has met all legal obligations, such as filing annual reports and paying necessary fees and taxes.
While you don’t need one to continue operating your business, this certificate can be important in certain scenarios. Here are some examples.
Banking and Financing
Planning to open a business bank account or apply for financing? Banks and lenders often request a certificate of good standing to confirm that your business is properly registered and in compliance with state requirements.
Mergers and Transactions
Whether you’re merging with another company, seeking investors, or selling your business, a certificate of good standing is typically required. It assures other parties that your business is legitimate and up to date with filings.
Business Licensing
Some professional and regulatory licenses in Nevada require proof of good standing, especially in industries like healthcare, construction, or legal services. This ensures you’re following the state’s rules and regulations.
Contract Bidding
Applying for a government contract or a major partnership? Agencies and corporations may require a certificate of good standing as part of their due diligence before finalizing any deals.
Foreign Qualification
If you want to register your Nevada business to operate in another state, you’ll likely need to present a certificate of good standing from Nevada. It proves that your company is active and compliant in its home state.
How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Nevada
Before you request the certificate, double-check that your business is eligible. That means:
- You’ve filed your annual list of officers/managers
- Your business license is active
- All fees, taxes, and filings with the Secretary of State are current
Requesting Through SilverFlume (Nevada's Online Portal)
Here are the steps to use SilverFlume:
- Go to SilverFlume Nevada’s Business Portal.
- Log in with your business credentials or create an account.
Navigate to your business dashboard. - Select your entity and choose the “Order Certificate” option.
- Choose “Certificate of Good Standing” from the list of available documents.
The fee for a standard Certificate of Good Standing in Nevada is $50, and you can request expedited service for an additional cost.
Requesting by Mail or In Person
Prefer a more traditional method? You can also submit a request by mail or in person through the Nevada Secretary of State’s office. Send a letter with the business entity name, as well as payment (check, money order, or credit card authorization, which includes the CVV2 code or VCode number).
Mail your request to:
Secretary of State Francisco V. Aguilar
401 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701-4201
To fax, you can use the number 775-684-5645.
Expedited processing is available, with additional fees based on turnaround time. One-hour, two-hour, and 24-hour options exist, with costs ranging from $125 to $1,000 depending on urgency.
How Long Is a Nevada Certificate of Good Standing Valid?
Technically, Nevada’s certificate of good standing doesn’t expire. But in practical use (especially for banking, licensing, or registration purposes), most organizations require a certificate dated within the last 60 to 90 days.
To be safe, always check with the requesting party to find out how recent your certificate needs to be.
Get Your Nevada Certificate of Good Standing Today
Having a certificate of good standing shows that you’re running a reliable and law-abiding business in Nevada. Whether you need it for a bank, a contract, or to expand into another state, it’s a straightforward document that carries a lot of weight.
Nevada Certificate of Good Standing FAQs
Need more clarity? Then read our Nevada certificate of good standing FAQs.
What types of businesses can request a certificate of good standing in Nevada?
All registered business entities (such as LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations) can request a certificate. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships that aren’t registered with the Secretary of State typically aren’t eligible.
Will the certificate show the business’s full history?
No, Nevada’s certificate of good standing does not include a detailed business history. It only verifies that your business is currently active and in compliance.
Do I need a certificate for my Nevada DBA?
No, a certificate of good standing is linked to a registered legal entity (like an LLC or corporation), not to a DBA (Doing Business As) name. If you’re operating solely under a Nevada fictitious firm name without a formal business entity, a certificate will not be issued.
Can someone else request the certificate on my behalf?
Yes, a third party (such as your accountant, attorney, or business formation service) can request the certificate, as long as they have your business name and entity number. No special authorization is typically required.
Is the certificate available in languages other than English?
Currently, the Nevada Certificate of Good Standing is only available in English. If you're dealing with international partners who require translation, you’ll need to get the document translated and notarized separately.
Step-by-Step Guide to
Forming a Nevada LLC
Nevada LLC Starter Guide
A step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Nevada, covering all legal and operational requirements.
1. Nevada Name Search
Learn how to check the availability of your desired LLC name and ensure compliance with Nevada naming rules.
2. Nevada Registered Agent
Understand the role of a registered agent and how to choose one for your Nevada.
4. Nevada Operating Agreement
Discover why an Operating Agreement is crucial for defining the structure and management of your LLC.
5. Nevada EIN Number
Learn how to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax and banking purposes.
6. Nevada Business License
Get information on the required business licenses and permits for operating legally in Nevada.
