How to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Pennsylvania

Has your company been asked to confirm that it is authorized to operate in Pennsylvania? For businesses formed within Pennsylvania, this document is referred to as the Subsistence Certificate for Domestic Filing Entities. For entities created in another state and registered as a foreign entity in Pennsylvania, it is known as a Certificate of Registration.

What is a Certificate of Good Standing

A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. This certificate serves as evidence that a business entity is presently registered and has the legal authorization to operate within the state of Pennsylvania.

This certificate indicates that a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership exists as per the records of the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Note:

Since Pennsylvania only requires the registration of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships, only these entities will be able to obtain a certificate. Therefore, you will not be able to get a certificate if you operate as a sole proprietorship or a general partnership (and you also will not need one).

How to Aquire a Certificate of Good Standing in PA

The PA Department of State office certifies copies of various documents and issues certificates of subsistence (good standing). This can be done online, by mail, or in person.

Online

To order your Subsistence Certificate online, follow these steps on their PennFile system.
1. Create Log In

2. Click on Search Business Entities

3. Search Name, then Click on Name

4. Find Subsistence/Certificate of Registration Under ‘Certified Documents'

By Mail

You may request a certificate by mail by submitting a completed Copy/Certification Request (Form DSCB: 15-133/145/153). This form includes instructions. Mail your completed form to: Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, PO Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722.

In Person

A completed Copy/Certification Request also can be submitted in person to the Bureau at:

206 North Office Building, 401 North Street, Harrisburg.

For questions, you may reach the bureau by telephone by calling [phone], option 3. The telephone lines are available from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm

Resources: 

Pennsylvania Department of State