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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 is in good standing with the RI Division of Taxation and should not be confused with a Letter of Good Standing required to close your business.

Before You Order

Confirm your business is in good standing. Learn how.

STEP
1

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.
STEP
2

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)
STEP
1

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.

STEP
2

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
STEP
1

Order by phone

The Business Services Division is available by phone, Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm at 401-222-3040.


STEP
2

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.
STEP
1

Order by mail

  • Address your request to:
    Business Services Division
    148 W. River St.
    Providence, RI 02904-2615

 

STEP
2

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