Why would I need a Certificate of Status?

When one is obtaining a license, a license renewal or a loan settlement, the person is often required to obtain a “Certificate of Status” (generally called a “good standing” certificate) from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. On the specific date and time the Department issues a certificate verifying that a business entity is in “good standing,” it means that all documents and fees required by law to be submitted to the Department have been received, and that no other government agency has notified the Department tha​t the entity is delinquent in tax payments.

How to purchase a Certificate on the Internet:

• You can obtain a certificate for a business entity registered with the Department by going to the Maryland Business Express website at https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress
  
  
• Select the either link Business Entity Search, Certificate of Status & Document Order
  ​
• Enter the name of the business or department ID number
  
  
• Authenticity of Certificates purchased online can be verified on the system by choosing the Verify Certificate(s) of Status​ link
  
  
• Online certificate purchase technical support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact MD Egov support by Email, Live Chat or Phone Support: 410-990-1090, Toll-free: 888-963-3468.  Go to https://egov.maryland.gov/support

Other wa​ys of getting a Certificate of Status:

• You may send a letter requesting a certificate and the cost is $20. If you would like the certificate expedited, you need to pay an additional $20. Please enclose a check or money order made out to the State Department of Assessments.
  
  Mail to:
  SDAT - Corporate Charter Division
  
  700 East Pratt Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700,
  Baltimore,Maryland 21202​

Special Notes

• Certificates are not available for entities that do not have a Resident Agent, have not filed all Personal Property returns or have unpaid penalties.
• If an entity (business) is not in good standing with SDAT it is recommended that all issues be resolved before purchasing a certificate. 
• Certificates are not available for trade names, name reservations, sole proprietorships, government entities and special entities such as public utilities, contact the Charter unit to discuss Departmental documentation options.  
  
  

If you have further questions about certificates, please email sdat.goodstanding@maryland.gov or call 410-767-1344.