Texas Certificate of Good Standing (Certificate of Fact — Status)

A Certificate of Good Standing — officially called a "Certificate of Fact — Status" in Texas — confirms that your LLC is active, in compliance, and authorized to transact business in the state. You may need this document when applying for business loans, registering as a foreign LLC in another state, opening bank accounts in other jurisdictions, or entering certain contracts. See our full after-formation guide for all compliance requirements.

What a Certificate of Good Standing Confirms

The Texas Secretary of State issues this certificate to verify:

• Your LLC currently exists as a valid entity under Texas law
• Your LLC has not been forfeited, terminated, or dissolved
• Your LLC is in compliance with the Secretary of State's records (registered agent on file, formation document properly filed)

Important distinction: This certificate does NOT confirm tax compliance with the Comptroller. A separate Certificate of Account Status from the Comptroller confirms franchise tax compliance. Some entities (banks, other states) may request both.

How to Obtain One

Online via SOSDirect (fastest):

1. Go to https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/
2. Log in to your SOSDirect account
3. Search for your LLC by name or SOS file number
4. Select "Certificate of Fact — Status"
5. Pay the $15 fee
6. Download immediately (electronic certificate)

By mail/phone:

• Call (512) 463-5555 or send a written request to the SOS
• Include LLC name, SOS file number, and $15 payment
• Processing: 3-5 business days by mail

Cost and Validity

When You Need a Certificate of Good Standing

• Foreign LLC registration: When registering your Texas LLC in another state, that state requires proof of good standing in your home state
• Business loans and lines of credit: Lenders verify your LLC is active before extending credit
• Selling the business: Buyers verify the entity is in good standing during due diligence
• Certain contracts: Government contracts and large commercial agreements may require current good-standing certification
• Renewing professional licenses: Some licensing boards require proof of entity status

How to Maintain Good Standing

Your Texas LLC stays in good standing by:

1. Filing the Franchise Tax Report and PIR by May 15 annually with the Comptroller
2. Maintaining a valid registered agent with the Secretary of State
3. Not being subject to any forfeiture actions

If you have been forfeited: You cannot obtain a Certificate of Good Standing until you reinstate. See our reinstatement guide.

FAQ

Is "Certificate of Good Standing" the same as "Certificate of Existence"?

In Texas, the official name is "Certificate of Fact — Status." Other states may call it a Certificate of Good Standing, Certificate of Existence, or Certificate of Status. They serve the same purpose — proving your LLC is active and authorized.

How quickly can I get one?

Via SOSDirect: immediate electronic download after payment. This is the fastest option and works for most purposes (many requesting parties accept electronic certificates).

Does good standing with the SOS mean I am current on taxes?

No. The SOS certificate only confirms the entity is not forfeited/terminated on their records. For tax compliance verification, request a Certificate of Account Status from the Texas Comptroller separately. Some situations (like dissolving your LLC) require both.

What if another state rejects my Texas certificate?

Some states require the certificate to be recent (within 30-60 days). If yours is older, order a fresh one from SOSDirect. If the state requires a specific format, contact the Texas SOS to ask about apostille or authentication options for interstate/international use.