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How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania calls it the Subsistence Certificate (Certificate of Good Standing) and charges $40. Here is how to order it and what must be current first.

At a glance

Document name
Subsistence Certificate (Certificate of Good Standing)
State fee
$40
Online ordering
Yes
Typical turnaround
Same-day email delivery for online orders
Issuing office
Pennsylvania SOS ↗

How to order it

  1. Clear any past-due filings first. The Pennsylvania SOS will not issue a certificate while you have unpaid tax or an unfiled report. The state-specific requirements are in the points below.
  2. Order it online. Search your LLC in the Pennsylvania portal, request the certificate, and download it. Link in the table above.
  3. Pay the $40 fee. Pay by card at checkout. A small card surcharge usually applies.
  4. Use it inside the recipient's window. The certificate has no state expiration, but banks and other states usually want one dated within the last 30 to 90 days. Order it close to when you need it.
Full ordering details for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania calls its Certificate of Good Standing a Subsistence Certificate (for domestic entities) or Certificate of Registration (for foreign entities registered in PA). Order online through the Business Filing Services portal at hub.business.pa.gov for $40 - delivery is typically within 2 hours by email. Mail requests ($40, same fee) go to Bureau of Corporations, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg PA 17105-8722 with 7-10 business day turnaround. Critical distinction: PA Subsistence Certificate confirms only that the entity still exists on Department of State records - it does NOT confirm tax compliance or fee payment status. For tax compliance proof, request a separate Tax Clearance Certificate from the PA Department of Revenue.

Processing and expedited tiers: Same-day email delivery for online orders; 7-10 business days by mail

Important to know about Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania Subsistence Certificate does NOT confirm tax compliance - unlike most states. It only confirms the entity still exists on record. For tax clearance, request a separate Tax Clearance Certificate from the PA Department of Revenue.
  • Pennsylvania transitioned from decennial reports to $7 annual reports starting January 2025 under Act 122 of 2022. The annual report is due by September 30 for LLCs. Missing three consecutive annual reports triggers administrative dissolution.
  • The Subsistence Certificate is $40 regardless of filing method - online, mail, or in-person all cost the same. The Engrossed Certificate (custom-worded) is $125.
  • PA uniquely uses "Subsistence Certificate" terminology. Out-of-state receiving parties may ask for "Certificate of Good Standing" - the Subsistence Certificate is the correct equivalent document.
  • Online orders through the Business Hub require a Keystone Login account. If you already have one from any PA government system, use the existing credentials.

Ordering this to register in another state?

A certificate of good standing is what a new state asks for when you register your Pennsylvania LLC to do business there. Start with the guide for where you are expanding.

Pennsylvania foreign LLC guide · Foreign qualification by state

Related guides

This page provides general information based on publicly available Pennsylvania Secretary of State requirements. It is not legal advice. Names, fees, and procedures can change. Verify with the Pennsylvania SOS before ordering.