Key Takeaways

  • A certificate of status Maryland confirms a business is legally registered and compliant with state requirements.
  • The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is the issuing authority.
  • Businesses can request a certificate online, by mail, or in person.
  • Certificates are required for foreign qualification, business loans, contracts, or expansion.
  • Noncompliance can lead to penalties, loss of limited liability protections, or administrative dissolution.
  • Online orders are the fastest and cost $40; mail and in-person orders cost $20 with optional expedited service.

A state of Maryland certificate of good standing is officially known as a Certificate of Status. It's a document showing that your business not only has authorization to conduct business in Maryland but also that your taxes, reports, and fees are all up to date.

In most states, a certificate of good standing is formal proof that a company is authorized to do business there. There are several uses for this certificate, and they're most often required for certain business transactions or during foreign qualification.  While the certificate's purpose sounds simple, it proves your entity is legitimate and may also provide important business benefits for your company.

Maryland Certificate of Status

When a business owner wants to form a business in a state other than the one the company is already registered in, this is known as a foreign entity. This process is called foreign qualification. Most states want to see the business's certificate of good standing, or an equivalent document, for this to take place.

Businesses that have intentions of expanding abroad may also need these certificates, which will then be certified for foreign use, with either Apostille or Embassy Certification.

A business that's registered in Maryland and in good standing can obtain a Certificate of Status. It can get its certificate from the Department of Assessments and Taxation.

It usually takes between one business day and two weeks to process orders, depending on the method of ordering. You may order in person, by mail, or online, with online being the recommended method.

The fee for online ordering is $40, and the processing time is immediate. If you order your certificate in another way, processing times can take up to seven days, not counting additional time for mailing. The fee for this is $20. You can pay $20 more to expedite processing, which cuts processing time to about three days, plus additional mailing time.

What Is Included in a Maryland Certificate of Status

A Maryland certificate of status confirms that a business entity is registered, authorized to do business in the state, and compliant with state obligations. Specifically, it certifies:

  • The legal name and entity type of the business
  • That the business exists and is active in Maryland records
  • That no dissolution, withdrawal, or cancellation has been filed
  • The business is in good standing—meaning it has no outstanding reports, fees, or legal issues with SDAT

This document does not show whether a business has outstanding debts, liens, or other external obligations.

How to File for a Certificate of Status

Choose one of the following options to obtain your certificate.

  • Online: Visit the Department of Assessments and Taxation website. Follow the instructions to search and print a certificate. You'll be able to authenticate, view, and print your certificate immediately. Be prepared to pay by credit card.
  • By mail: You'll provide your business name and address. Include your return address, specific request, phone number (if the office has any questions), and payment.
  • In person: If you order in person, this is considered expedited processing. You can usually receive your documents the same day. Make sure you have appropriate payment ready, but credit cards aren't accepted for in-person orders.

Common Reasons You May Need a Certificate of Status

A Maryland certificate of status is often requested in the following scenarios:

  • Registering in another state (foreign qualification)
  • Opening a business bank account
  • Applying for a business loan
  • Bidding on government contracts
  • Renewing business licenses or permits
  • Selling the business or bringing in investors

Some agencies or banks may require the certificate to be dated within 30 to 90 days of submission, so be sure to check specific requirements in advance.

Online Ordering Through Maryland Business Express

To streamline the process, Maryland encourages business owners to use the Maryland Business Express portal to order a certificate of status. Here’s how:

  1. Access the site and search for your business name.
  2. Verify your business record, ensuring it is marked “Good Standing.”
  3. Choose your delivery method (email or mail).
  4. Pay the fee using a credit card.

Once confirmed, a digital certificate is available for download instantly. Digital certificates are considered official and acceptable for most uses, including legal and financial transactions.

Reasons for Keeping Your Business in Good Standing

There are a few reasons you want to ensure your company is in good standing.

Lenders

A lot of lenders require business owners to show proof of good standing before they'll approve financing. It's better to have a certificate ahead of time instead of scrambling at the last minute to obtain one while also going through loan negotiations.

Expansion opportunities

Many states require you to have a certificate of good standing before allowing you to register to do business in their jurisdiction. In addition, some states require to obtain your certificate within a certain window, such as 90 days or so, before filing.

Avoiding fees and penalties

Some states impose fees on businesses that aren't in compliance with state guidelines, so it makes sense to obtain your certificate to avoid paying costly penalties. You also want to keep your business in compliance to maintain your limited liability protection, since some states may revoke this protection for companies that aren't in good standing. Plus, a business that isn't in compliance could be dissolved by the state altogether.

Each state has its own requirements for staying in compliance. If your business is registered in jurisdictions outside of your home state, it's important to know what the requirements are. Not having a certificate of good standing can cost you, legally and financially. It can be costly now and in the future, in regard to lost opportunities. Because obtaining this certificate is simple and usually inexpensive, it's an easy, affordable way to follow state guidelines for operating a business.

Apostille and Embassy Certification for International Use

If you plan to conduct business outside of the United States, you may need to authenticate your certificate of status for use in a foreign country. Maryland offers two types of international authentication:

  • Apostille Certification – For use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
  • Embassy or Consular Certification – For countries not party to the Apostille Convention.

To obtain either, you must first request a paper certificate of status from SDAT. Then, submit it to the Maryland Secretary of State for authentication, followed by the U.S. Department of State or foreign embassy if needed.

How to Maintain Good Standing in Maryland

To remain eligible for a certificate of status, your business must maintain good standing with the state. Key requirements include:

  • Timely filing of the Annual Report and Personal Property Return by April 15 each year
  • Paying all fees, taxes, and penalties owed to the state
  • Updating business records when changes occur, such as a new registered agent or business address
  • Avoiding legal or regulatory infractions

Failure to meet any of these obligations may result in the business being marked “Not in Good Standing,” which can hinder operations or lead to administrative dissolution by the SDAT.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I know if my Maryland business is in good standing?
    You can check your business’s status through the Maryland Business Express portal. If listed as “Good Standing,” your entity is compliant.
  2. Can I request a certificate of status if my business is not in good standing?
    No, your business must be in good standing with SDAT to obtain a certificate of status.
  3. Is a digital certificate valid for legal and financial purposes?
    Yes, digital certificates from the Maryland Business Express portal are considered official and accepted by most institutions.
  4. How long is a Maryland certificate of status valid?
    There is no official expiration, but many agencies require a certificate issued within the last 30–90 days for verification purposes.
  5. What is the fastest way to obtain a certificate of status in Maryland?
    Ordering online through the Maryland Business Express portal is the fastest method—certificates are issued immediately upon payment.

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