Key Takeaways

  • An Arizona Corporation Commission Certificate of Good Standing verifies that a business is legally formed, active, and compliant with state requirements.
  • The certificate is often required for activities such as opening a bank account, applying for loans, securing investors, or registering to do business in another state.
  • Businesses can order the certificate online, by mail, fax, or in person, with online orders processed fastest.
  • Arizona also issues Certificates of Existence for certain entity types (like LLPs and LLLPs) through the Secretary of State.
  • Costs range from $10 (mail/fax) to $45 (online), with expedited service available for in-person or mailed requests.
  • Keeping good standing requires filing annual reports on time, paying required fees, and maintaining a statutory agent in Arizona.

An Arizona Corporation Commission Certificate of Good Standing can be obtained by following a simple process. All businesses should request such a certificate as part of their standard business administration. It will allow them to undertake any transactions that require one and to demonstrate their reliability to clients, suppliers, and other operations with whom they may wish to do business.

What Is an Arizona Certificate of Good Standing?

A company can file for an Arizona Certificate of Good Standing which will enable them to prove that they are authorized to conduct their business in the state of Arizona.

Businesses qualify for a certificate if they do not have any delinquent accounts and they do not owe any money to the state. Having and maintaining a certificate of good standing is vital to businesses that want to form and operate in Arizona. They may need them to obtain foreign qualification, which will allow their business to undertake work in states other than Arizona.

Certificates can be required to complete certain business transactions, and most businesses will apply for one as a normal part of their business admin.

Many types of organization can apply for their Certificates of Good Standing by applying to the relevant division of the Arizona Corporation Commission using the Records Request Form including:

  • Corporations.
  • Professional corporations.
  • Limited liability companies.
  • Non-profit corporations.

Applications can be made via mail, fax, or online, on the ecorp website. Fees are $10 for applications made by mail or fax and $45 for those applying online.

For certain types of business, the equivalent option is a Certificate of Existence, including organizations such as:

  • Limited partnerships.
  • Limited liability partnerships.
  • Limited liability limited partnerships.

Businesses which fall into one of these categories can request a Certificate of Existence from the Business Services division of the Arizona Secretary of State a for a state fee of $5.

Why You May Need a Certificate of Good Standing

A Certificate of Good Standing is more than a formality—it serves as proof that your company is compliant with Arizona state law. Businesses may need to present this certificate in several circumstances, such as:

  • Expanding operations out of state – Many states require proof of good standing before granting authority to do business there.
  • Securing financing – Lenders and banks often request the certificate when reviewing loan or credit applications.
  • Attracting investors – Investors may ask for proof that your company is in good standing before committing funds.
  • Engaging in contracts – Some clients, vendors, or government agencies require it as part of due diligence.

Failing to provide this document can delay deals, financing, or expansion efforts.

How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing From the State of Arizona

Although it is possible to order a Certificate of Good Standing by mail, it is recommended that you complete the request online.

If you are ordering by mail, then processing usually takes around two weeks, not including time for mailing, and there is an option to expedite the service for an additional fee, which will take less than 10 days plus mailing time. To order by mail, you need to complete the relevant Corporate Records Order Form, write ‘Certificate of Good Standing' on the request form, and provide a phone number where you can be reached to answer any queries that may arise.

If you order online, then you will get access to a PDF version of your certificate as soon as your payment is made, so you can print it out and complete the online verification process online.

It is also possible to order in person, and there is an option for expedited counter service which will allow applicants to get their certificate on the day of applying for an additional fee. If you don't order online, your certificate will either be returned to you in the mail, by fax, or made available for collection. You can choose which by checking the relevant box on the form.

Arizona Good Standing Requirements

To qualify for an Arizona Corporation Commission Certificate of Good Standing, a business must:

  • Be properly registered and authorized with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
  • Have no outstanding fees, penalties, or delinquent annual reports.
  • Maintain an active statutory agent with updated contact information.
  • Remain compliant with any corporate or LLC recordkeeping and reporting rules.

If a company falls behind on filings or payments, it risks losing its “good standing” status, which can restrict its ability to operate legally or expand into other states.

Steps in Ordering an Arizona Certificate of Good Standing Online

Businesses wishing to complete a request for a Certificate of Good Standing online can do so using the ‘online services' page of the ecorp website.

To request a certificate by mail or fax, you will need to download a Certificate of Good Standing request form and complete with the following information:

  • Name and other personal details of the individual requesting the certificate.
  • Your choice of the delivery options.
  • A list of the documents or files you are including with your application.
  • Your choice of payment type.
  • The exact name of your business.

It is recommended that you make a copy of any documents you submit for your own records, and if you are attaching a money order or check, then you should make it payable to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Cost and Processing Times

The Arizona Corporation Commission charges different fees depending on how you request the certificate:

  • Online request: $45, with immediate access to a downloadable PDF.
  • Mail or fax request: $10, with a standard processing time of up to two weeks.
  • In-person request: Same-day service available with an expedited fee.

Most businesses choose the online option for speed and convenience. If you need multiple certified copies, you can request them in one order for additional fees.

How Long Is a Certificate Valid?

Arizona does not set an official expiration date for Certificates of Good Standing. However, most institutions (such as banks or state agencies) only accept certificates issued within the past 60–90 days. For this reason, businesses often order a fresh certificate whenever they need to present one for official purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I know if my Arizona business is in good standing?
    You can check your business status by searching the Arizona Corporation Commission’s online database. If filings and fees are current, your company will show as “active” or “in good standing.”
  2. How long does it take to get a certificate online?
    Online orders are processed immediately, and you can download a PDF version of your certificate once payment is complete.
  3. What happens if my business loses good standing?
    You may be unable to conduct business legally, expand into other states, or access loans. To restore good standing, you must file delinquent reports, pay outstanding fees, and correct compliance issues.
  4. Is a Certificate of Good Standing the same as a business license?
    No. A certificate proves compliance with state filings and fees, while a business license grants permission to operate in a specific city, county, or industry.
  5. How often should I request a certificate?
    While Arizona does not require regular renewal, many businesses order a new certificate whenever they apply for financing, expand to another state, or enter significant contracts, since institutions usually require a recent certificate.

If you need help with getting an arizona corporation commission good standing, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.