A good standing Massachusetts certificate is a document that shows that your limited liability company is in good standing with the government.
It proves that your Massachusetts business has met all requirements and is authorized to conduct business in the state.
This document can be important for businesses that want to renew business licenses or look to do business in other states. It can also be useful for opening a new business bank account or applying for credit.
Steps to Get a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing

The first step is to go to the Massachusetts department website.
From there, you will be able to navigate to the certificate of good standing page.
On this page, you can download the online form.
Once you have filled out the form, you will need to mail it in with all the required documentation.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive your certificate of good standing in the mail.
The Massachusetts Secretary of State's website is a great resource for businesses that want to stay in good standing with the government.
The online form is easy to fill out, and you will receive your certificate of good standing in the mail within a few weeks. Make sure to keep this document on file, as it may be needed for future transactions.
Check our article for more information on how long it takes to form an LLC in Massachusetts.
How Much Does a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing Cost?
The cost for a Good Standing Certificate is $125. The certificate verifies that your company is in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
See our guide for more information about Massachusetts LLC costs.
To order a certificate, you will need to provide the following information:
- Company name and address
- Date of incorporation
- The purpose of the company
- Names and addresses of all directors, officers, and shareholders
- A copy of the company's articles of organization or bylaws
You may also need to provide additional documentation depending on your specific case. You can order a Good Standing Certificate by mail, fax, or online.
What Are the Requirements to Be In Good Standing in Massachusetts?

Your company must meet a few requirements to be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These include:
- The company must have been incorporated in Massachusetts or another state and registered to do business in Massachusetts
- The company must have a principal office address in Massachusetts
- The Massachusetts company must file annual reports and pay all fees
- The company's officers and directors must be registered with the state
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Get a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?
The process of obtaining a Massachusetts certificate of good standing can take up to two weeks. However, it is important to note that this time frame may vary depending on the case.
Does a Massachusetts Good Standing Certificate Include a Verification Number?
Yes, the Good Standing Certificate will include a verification number. This number is unique to your certificate and can be used to verify the document's authenticity.
Which Massachusetts Office Issues Certificates of Good Standing?
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth's office is responsible for issuing certificates of good standing.
Does a Massachusetts Good Standing Certificate Include the Incorporation Date?
The good standing certificate does not include the incorporation date. You would need to contact the Massachusetts Corporations Division directly for this information.