Delaware Certificate of Existence — At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Document name | Certificate of Existence |
| Issuing agency | Delaware Division of Corporations |
| Fee | $50 |
| Processing time | 3–4 business days |
| Expedited | Available — $100 for same-day; $50 for 24-hour |
| Online ordering | Available |
| Typical validity | 60–90 days |
What Is a Delaware Certificate of Existence?
A Certificate of Existence (sometimes called a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status in other states) is an official document issued by the Delaware Division of Corporations that confirms your LLC is:
- Properly formed and registered with the state
- Current on all required annual reports and fees
- Not dissolved, revoked, or administratively suspended
- Authorized to transact business in Delaware
The document is time-stamped and typically considered current for 60–90 days, after which most requesting parties will require a new one.
LLC Attorney clients can request a Certificate of Existence at any time through the client portal. The certificate is available as part of all LLC formation packages and ongoing compliance support.
When Do You Need a Certificate of Existence?
Common situations that require a Certificate of Existence include:
- Opening a business bank account — most banks require proof of good standing before opening an account for an LLC
- Applying for business financing — lenders verify your LLC's status as part of underwriting
- Foreign qualification — registering your LLC to do business in another state requires a certificate from your home state
- Contract and vendor onboarding — large companies and government contractors often require good standing documentation
- Business acquisition or investment — buyers and investors conduct due diligence that includes verifying legal status
- Real estate transactions — title companies and lenders may require a certificate when an LLC is buying or selling property
Frequently required by investors, lenders, and banks as part of due diligence, or when registering a Delaware entity to operate in another state.
How to Get a Delaware Certificate of Existence
Confirm Your LLC Is in Good Standing
Before ordering, verify that your LLC has filed all required annual reports and paid any outstanding fees. If your LLC has a balance due or a missed filing, the Delaware Division of Corporations will not issue the certificate. You can check your status on the Delaware Division of Corporations business search portal at corp.delaware.gov.
Order Online from the State
Visit corp.delaware.gov and use the online ordering portal to request a Certificate of Existence. You will need your LLC name or file number and a payment method for the $50 fee.
Pay the Fee
The fee for a Delaware Certificate of Existence is $50. Expedited processing is available for $100 for same-day; $50 for 24-hour.
Receive and Use the Certificate
3–4 business days. The certificate will be issued with a date stamp. Most requesting parties accept certificates that are less than 60–90 days old — order one close to when you need to use it.
How to Keep Your Delaware LLC in Good Standing
A Certificate of Existence reflects a snapshot of your LLC's compliance status at a point in time. To maintain good standing year-round:
- File all annual reports on time — Delaware requires LLCs to file periodic reports with the Delaware Division of Corporations; missing a deadline can result in late fees or administrative dissolution
- Pay all state fees when due — franchise taxes, filing fees, and renewal fees must be current
- Maintain a registered agent — your LLC must always have a registered agent with a physical Delaware address on file
- Keep your state records current — file amendments if your name, registered agent, or management structure changes
Need a Delaware Certificate of Existence?
LLC Attorney handles Delaware compliance — including annual report filings, registered agent service, and obtaining your Certificate of Existence when you need it. Form your LLC or transfer your compliance to LLC Attorney today.
Delaware Certificate of Existence — FAQs
The fee to obtain a Certificate of Existence from the Delaware Division of Corporations is $50. Expedited processing is available for $100 for same-day; $50 for 24-hour. Third-party services may charge additional handling fees.
3–4 business days. Expedited processing is available for $100 for same-day; $50 for 24-hour. Certificates typically remain valid for 60–90 days before requesting parties require a fresh one.
These are different names for the same document, issued by different states. Delaware calls it a "Certificate of Existence." Other states use "Certificate of Existence" (e.g., Delaware) or "Certificate of Status" (e.g., California). They all confirm that your LLC is registered and compliant in its home state.
The Delaware Division of Corporations will not issue a Certificate of Existence if your LLC has an outstanding annual report, unpaid fees or taxes, or has been administratively dissolved or suspended. Check your LLC's status at corp.delaware.gov before requesting the certificate.
The Delaware Division of Corporations does not set a formal expiration date, but most banks, lenders, and counterparties treat certificates as current for 60–90 days from the issue date. If your certificate is older than that, you will likely need to obtain a fresh one.
Yes. LLC Attorney handles Delaware compliance filings — including annual reports and obtaining your Certificate of Existence when you need it. Certificates are available to all LLC Attorney clients as part of ongoing compliance support.