Key Takeaways

  • An NH Certificate of Good Standing verifies that a business or attorney is compliant with New Hampshire state requirements and legally permitted to operate.
  • Businesses request the certificate through the Secretary of State, while attorneys request it from the NH Supreme Court.
  • The certificate is commonly required for foreign qualification, major business transactions, and banking or licensing purposes.
  • Standard processing is 7 business days, with 24-hour expedited options available for an extra fee.
  • Certificates can be used domestically or internationally when paired with apostille or embassy certification.

The NH Certificate of Good Standing is a document affirming that your company can legally conduct business in New Hampshire. This formal authorization is often required during business transactions and foreign qualification.

Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing in NH

To request a certificate for your business, send a letter with the name of your business, contact information, the name of the contact person, and the details of your request.

You'll also need to include a fee of $5 or $30 for expedited service. The standard service time is seven business days, plus time for mailing. Expedited service consists of 24-hour processing plus mailing time. The fee should be in a check or money order made payable to the state of New Hampshire.

Your certificate will be sent by postal mail unless you provide a FedEx or UPS account number or a prepaid pre-addressed envelope with your request. You can also receive a faxed copy by request in addition to the mailed copy. Email service is not currently offered.

The request should be sent to the New Hampshire Secretary of State Corporations Division, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301. You can also visit the office at 25 Capitol Street in Concord. The phone number is 603-271-3246.

Any company registered in New Hampshire can make this request provided it is in good standing, which means it is up to date on required filings and fees.

Online and In-Person Request Options

In addition to mailing your request, the New Hampshire Secretary of State allows in-person and online options for obtaining your NH Certificate of Good Standing:

  • Online: Submit your request through the Secretary of State’s NH QuickStart portal. Online requests often reduce processing time and allow for quicker payment via credit card.
  • In-Person: Visit the Corporations Division in Concord. In-person requests can be expedited the same day if all filings and fees are current.
  • Status Requirements: Your business must have filed all annual reports, paid all state fees, and avoided administrative dissolution to qualify.

Certificate of Good Standing for Attorneys

Attorneys must request a Certificate of Good Standing through the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The request should include your name, birth date, mailing address, and state bar association ID number. The fee for this service is $10 and should be in a check made payable to the State of New Hampshire. Mail your request to the court at One Charles Doe Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

When Attorneys May Need This Certificate

New Hampshire attorneys often need a Certificate of Good Standing when:

  • Applying for admission to another state bar or federal court.
  • Providing verification to clients or law firms during significant case work.
  • Completing professional renewals or certifications that require proof of active status.

The certificate confirms that an attorney is licensed, in good standing, and free of disciplinary suspension within New Hampshire.

Purpose of the Certificate of Good Standing

If you established a business in New Hampshire and want to expand to a new state as a foreign entity, the new state will often want to see your Certificate of Good Standing. This process is called foreign qualification. The certificate can be certified with the Embassy or Apostille certification for foreign use.

Common Uses for New Hampshire Businesses

An NH Certificate of Good Standing is widely requested during business operations. Typical scenarios include:

  • Foreign Qualification: When registering your New Hampshire entity to operate in another state.
  • Banking and Financing: Lenders and financial institutions may require proof of good standing before approving loans or credit lines.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: Buyers and investors often request the certificate to verify that the company is active and compliant.
  • Government or Licensing Requirements: Certain state or federal agencies may require the certificate for permits, bids, or contracts.
  • International Use: When coupled with an apostille or embassy certification, the certificate can demonstrate legal existence abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does an NH Certificate of Good Standing prove? It confirms your business or attorney status is active, compliant with filings and fees, and legally authorized to operate in New Hampshire.

2. How long does it take to receive the certificate? Standard processing is about 7 business days by mail, while expedited service takes roughly 24 hours plus mailing time.

3. Can I request the certificate online? Yes. Businesses can use the NH QuickStart portal, which allows faster submission and payment.

4. Is the certificate required for foreign qualification? Yes. Most states require your NH Certificate of Good Standing when you register to operate as a foreign entity elsewhere.

5. Can the certificate be used internationally? Yes, with an apostille or embassy certification, it can validate your business in foreign jurisdictions.

If you need help with obtaining an NH Certificate of 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.