Montana Certificate of Good Standing: What It Is and How to Get It
When you'll need one
- Opening or maintaining a US business bank account.
- Onboarding with certain payment processors or marketplaces.
- Registering to do business (foreign qualification) in another US state.
- Closing deals with some investors, lenders or partners.
How to get it
- Make sure your annual report is filed within the Jan 1-April 15 window and your registered agent is active — that is what "good standing" rests on.
- Order the certificate from the Montana Secretary of State (online is fastest) for a small state fee.
- Receive the official certificate, typically as a verifiable digital document.
Keeping good standing
Your LLC stays in good standing by filing the annual report on time (the window is January 1 to April 15) and keeping a registered agent active. File late and a $35 late fee applies; let things lapse far enough and the state can dissolve the LLC, after which $35 reinstatement is needed before any certificate can issue.
Montana Certificate of Existence issued by the Secretary of State
Related guides
Need a Certificate of Good Standing for your bank? We'll request it for you
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
- It is an official document from the Montana Secretary of State, issued as a Certificate of Existence, proving your LLC legally exists and is compliant. Banks, processors and partners often request it.
- How do I get a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
- Make sure your annual report is filed within the January 1 to April 15 window and your registered agent is active, then order the certificate from the Montana Secretary of State for a small fee. Bastion can obtain it for you.
- Why does my bank want a Certificate of Good Standing?
- Banks use it to confirm your LLC is active and compliant before opening or keeping an account. It is common for non-resident-owned US LLCs.