Ongoing compliance
California Certificate of Status
A California Certificate of Status (often called a Certificate of Good Standing) is issued by the Secretary of State for a $5 state fee; our optional filing service is $99 plus that $5 state fee. It certifies the entity’s current status in SOS records. Banks, SBA lenders and other states may request it for lending or foreign qualification; check their requirements and both SOS and FTB standing.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
- Verified Oct 2026 CA SOS & FTB Rules
- $0 Markup on State Pass-Through Fees
- Physical Corporate Kits & Seals (CorporateKits.com)
- Live Filing Support: (667) 274-0865
The requirements
What to know before you file
Certificate fee / $5 state + $99 service
The standard SOS Certificate of Status costs $5. Corp USA filing assistance is $99 plus the $5 pass-through state fee; service fees, shipping and applicable tax are separate. You may order directly from SOS.
Official source: California Secretary of StateSOS certificate vs. FTB Entity Status Letter
SOS reports the entity’s status in its registration records, including Statement of Information compliance. An FTB Entity Status Letter reports tax standing; R&TC § 23301 addresses suspension for tax noncompliance. One document does not replace the other.
Official source: California Franchise Tax BoardWhy good standing is lost
SOS suspension can follow a missing LLC-12 or SI-550. FTB suspension or forfeiture can follow unpaid taxes, including the applicable $800 LLC annual tax, or unfiled returns. Check the exact status and notices before ordering.
Official source: California Franchise Tax BoardForeign qualification and commercial lending
A receiving state or lender may require a recent status certificate. Confirm its accepted document, age and delivery requirements; not every transaction requires the same certificate.
Official source: California Secretary of StateThe answers that matter
Frequently asked questions
In California, Certificate of Status is the SOS document commonly called a Certificate of Good Standing. Confirm the recipient’s requested document.
Official source: California Secretary of StateThe SOS certificate concerns state registration status; the FTB letter concerns tax standing. Check which document the recipient needs.
Official source: California Franchise Tax BoardIdentify whether SOS, FTB or both suspended the entity. File missing statements or returns, pay required taxes and penalties, and follow the applicable revival process before ordering a status certificate.
Official source: California Franchise Tax BoardYour next chapter. In California.
Review your options and costs before you order.
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.