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When you run a business in Nevada, keeping it in good standing with the state is important. This protects your investment and (potentially) helps it grow while strengthening its credibility.
Whether you’re expanding to new locations, applying for a business loan, or aiming to secure major contracts, you may need proof of your venture’s compliance with state requirements. Nevada’s Certificate of Good Standing serves as this important document, showing external parties that your business is authorized to operate in the state and meets its current legal requirements.
To learn more about this certificate and when to get one, keep reading.
Key Takeaways
- A Nevada Certificate of Good Standing states that your business is authorized to operate in the state and adheres to all current compliance requirements.
- This document contains a company’s legal business name, date of registration, and other details such as its operational status.
- You may need a Certificate of Good Standing (or Certificate of Existence in Nevada) when opening a business bank account, entering major contracts, or registering your business in other states.
- To get a Certificate of Good Standing, you can order one via the SilverFlume portal or mail or fax a request letter to the Nevada Secretary of State.
- The document costs $50, with standard and expedited processing available. Your payment options include credit cards, checks, and money orders.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
A Certificate of Good Standing (or Certificate of Existence in Nevada) is an official document stating that your business is authorized to operate in Nevada and has fulfilled its compliance obligations at the time of its issuance.
This certificate contains basic information about your business, mainly its legal business name and date of registration. Also, the Nevada Secretary of State can include any requested amendments to your Certificate of Existence. The office’s seal is imprinted on the document as well, emphasizing its authenticity.
Here’s what the Certificate of Existence looks like:
Screenshot from the Nevada Secretary of State’s website
Screenshot from the Nevada Secretary of State’s website
Screenshot from the Nevada Secretary of State’s website
Related Resource
Learn more about the Certificate of Good Standing from NCH’s 60 Second Business Tip video series.
When to Get the Certificate of Existence
You can get a Certificate of Existence from the Nevada Secretary of State for the following reasons:
- Opening a business bank account – You may need a Certificate of Existence to open a business bank account at your chosen bank. Lenders may also require this document from you.
- Signing contracts or partnership agreements – Parties involved in these transactions may ask you to provide them with a Certificate of Existence. They do so to ensure that they’re working with a legally compliant business entity.
- Registering as a foreign LLC – If you own a Nevada LLC that’s planning to expand to other states, you’ll need a Certificate of Existence for foreign LLC registration.
- Securing government contracts or professional licenses – Government agencies and professional licensing boards may request a Certificate of Existence from your business as well.
How to Obtain a Certificate of Existence
To obtain a Nevada Certificate of Good Standing, you can use the following methods:
Online Application via SilverFlume
The quickest and easiest way to get a Certificate of Existence is requesting via SilverFlume, Nevada’s online business portal. If you’ve already created an account on SilverFlume, log in and select “Good Standing Certificate” on your dashboard.
Mail or Fax a Request Letter
Alternatively, you can mail or fax your request for a Certificate of Existence to the Nevada Secretary of State. Your request letter should include your business name and a check, money order, or credit card authorization or information.
You can send the request letter to the address below:
Secretary of State Francisco V. Aguilar
401 North Carson Street
Carson City, Nevada 89701-4201
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If you prefer faxing the letter, dial 775-684-5645.
The Cost of Getting a Certificate of Existence
You’ll be charged $50 for a copy of the Certificate of Existence. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
| Processing Type | Processing Time | Cost |
| Standard Processing | 5-10 business days | $50 |
| Expedited Processing | 24 hours | $125 |
| Same-Day Processing | 1 or 2 hours | $500 or $1,000 |
If you’re paying the $50 fee with your credit card, make sure the card is issued by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.
Bonus Resources
- Learn how to start an LLC in Nevada here.
- Discover the importance of annual reports in keeping your business compliant.
- Get a full guide to Nevada’s LLC renewal process from NCH.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Nevada Certificate of Good Standing valid?
There’s no validity period indicated on a Nevada Certificate of Good Standing. However, we recommend sending the document to requesting parties after receiving it. Ask the requesting party for a specific deadline before getting a certificate.
Can I get a Certificate of Existence if my business has outstanding fees?
Yes, you can get a Certificate of Existence if your business has outstanding fees.
The Nevada Secretary of State also issues this document to companies in default status and revoked businesses. In any of these cases, your certificate will include details about the specific requirements your business has failed to meet.
What’s the difference between a Certificate of Good Standing & a Certificate of Status?
A Certificate of Good Standing states that your business is authorized to conduct business in its home state and has fulfilled all its compliance obligations. Meanwhile, a Certificate of Status simply confirms that your business operates in its home state.
How do I check my company’s current status before requesting a Certificate of Existence?
If you’ve already created an account on SilverFlume, log in to the portal and check your company’s status on the dashboard. Alternatively, you can use the Nevada Secretary of State’s business entity search tool. Enter your business name or entity number or apply specific search filters to look up your business and check its status.
Can I request multiple copies of the Certificate of Existence?
Yes, you can request multiple copies of the Certificate of Existence.
The Nevada Secretary of State charges $2 per page for copies of the document, so ordering multiple copies is better than requesting just one copy. You only have to determine how many copies you’ll need for your specific purpose.
Do I need a new certificate for each requesting bank or institution?
Yes, you’ll need a new certificate for each requesting bank or institution. Most companies require a certified copy of the Certificate of Existence, as they usually keep it on file.
In some cases, you may be required to provide photocopies of the document. Otherwise, you’ll need to submit an original certified copy.
How much does a Nevada Certificate of Good Standing cost?
A Nevada Certificate of Good Standing costs $50. But if you need it immediately, you must pay an additional fee for expedited processing. You can pay all applicable fees with a credit card, check, or money order.
Can I order a copy of the Certificate of Existence online?
Yes, you can order a copy of the Certificate of Existence online. Just log in to the SilverFlume portal and click “Good Standing Certificate.” Provide the necessary information for your order, including your preferred processing option, and submit your request.
When do I need a Certificate of Good Standing?
You’ll need a Certificate of Good Standing if you’re:
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for business loans or lines of credit
- Registering as a foreign LLC in another state
- Entering major contracts or agreements
Many companies require you to provide a recently issued certificate to confirm your business’s compliance with state requirements and active operations.
Expert Tips From NCH
- Order a Certificate of Existence in advance. Send your request before preparing documents for loan applications or contract negotiations.
- Create and maintain a compliance calendar. Set up automated reminders for annual report deadlines, registered agent renewals, and other state requirements. Missing important deadlines affects your good standing through costly penalties and the potential closure of your business.
- Keep digital copies of your Certificate of Existence. Physical copies of the document may be misplaced or damaged, so having digital copies is essential.
- Always check your company’s basic information for accuracy. You can file an amendment with the Nevada Secretary of State to update any incorrect information.
- Consider working with a professional business compliance service provider. They can help you keep your business in good standing with Nevada and the other states where it operates.
Start a Compliant & Profitable Business in Nevada Today
Besides proving your venture’s compliance with state requirements, a Nevada Certificate of Good Standing can help you secure funding, partnerships, and expand your business to other locations. It’s a document you must keep on file as your company continues to operate in Nevada.
Are you planning to start a business in the Silver State? Consider forming a Nevada LLC with NCH’s expert assistance.
DISCLAIMER: The above material has been prepared for informational purposes only, containing opinions of the provider and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consider consulting tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.