Order certificates
A Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Legal Existence (sometimes called a “certificate of status”) is issued by the RI Department of State to verify that a business entity is in good standing with our office. It does not verify that a business has satisfied its tax obligations and should not be confused with a Letter of Good Standing issued by the RI Division of Taxation.
Before You Order
Confirm your business is in good standing. Learn how.
Order online
- Visit the Corporate Database to search for the correct entity.
- Click on the request certificate box at the top of the screen.
- In the dropdown menu, select the certificate type desired and click add.
- Fill in your contact information in its entirety. Review your information and submit.
- Complete your order and be sure to print or save the receipt.
Fee
- Payment: All major credit cards are accepted
- Fee: Non-profit entities $7. All other entities $22. Non-refundable
- Processing time: Two business days (plus mailing time, if needed)
Order in person
Visit us at the Business Services Division located at 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904. Business Services is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.
You can walk in and request your certificate at the public counter.
Fee
- Payment: Cash, check made payable to RI Department of State, or credit card (additional fees apply).
- Fee: Non-profit entities $5. All other entities $20. Non-refundable
- Processing time: Immediate
Order by phone
The Business Services Division is available by phone, Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm at 401-222-3040.
Fee
- Payment is accepted at the time of pickup at our office: Cash, check made payable to RI Department of State, or credit card (additional fees apply).
- Fee: Non-profit entities $5. All other entities $20. Non-refundable
- Processing time: Two business days. The certificate must be picked up at the Business Services Division, 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904.
Order by mail
- Address your request to:
Business Services Division
148 W. River St.
Providence, RI 02904-2615
Fee
- Payment: Check made payable to RI Department of State.
- Fee: Non-profit entities $5. All other entities $20. Non-refundable
- Processing time: 5-7 business days (including mailing time). A self-addressed/stamped envelope will help expedite delivery time.
Forms of payments
- Online: All major credit cards are accepted.
- In person: You can pay with cash, check made payable to RI Department of State, or credit card (additional fees apply).
- By phone: We do not take payments over the phone. Payment is made at the time of pickup.
- By mail: Make your check payable to RI Department of State.
Additional types of certificates
The Department of State also offers more in-depth certificates. These are created individually for each specific entity. The filing fee is $30.00. These documents cannot be e-mailed.
- Certificate of Good Standing – Long Form
- Certificate of Legal Existence – Long Form
- Certificate of Status – Canceled
- Certificate of Fact – Certificate of Merger
- Certificate of Status – Dissolved
- Certificate of Fact – Name Change
- Certificate of Status – Non-Resident Landlord
- Certificate of Status – Revoked
- Certificate of Status – Withdrawn