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.
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