What is a Texas Certificate of Good Standing?

In Texas it is called the Certificate of Status, issued by the Secretary of State, with a related Certificate of Account Status from the Comptroller for franchise-tax purposes. Both prove the LLC legally exists and is compliant. Banks, processors and partners often request one.

How do I get a Texas Certificate of Status?

Make sure your franchise-tax/PIR filing is current and your registered agent is active, then order the Certificate of Status from the Texas Secretary of State, or a Certificate of Account Status from the Comptroller, for a small fee. Bastion can obtain it for you.

Why does my bank want a Texas Certificate of Status?

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.

Texas Certificate of Status (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 some payment processors or marketplaces.
Registering to do business (foreign qualification) in another US state.
Closing with certain investors, lenders, or partners.

How to get it

Make sure your franchise-tax/PIR filing is current and your registered agent is active — good standing depends on both.
Order the Certificate of Status from the Texas Secretary of State (via SOSDirect), or a Certificate of Account Status from the Comptroller, for a small state fee.
Receive the official certificate, usually as a verifiable digital document.

Keeping good standing

Your LLC stays in good standing by filing the Franchise Tax Report + Public Information Report by May 15 each year and maintaining a registered agent. Note that the PIR is free and most small LLCs owe $0 in franchise tax — but the filing itself is mandatory. Miss it and the entity can forfeit its right to transact business in Texas; members can even become personally liable for certain debts. Reinstating then requires bringing those filings current before any certificate can issue.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Texas Certificate of Good Standing?: In Texas it is called the Certificate of Status, issued by the Secretary of State, with a related Certificate of Account Status from the Comptroller for franchise-tax purposes. Both prove the LLC legally exists and is compliant. Banks, processors and partners often request one.
How do I get a Texas Certificate of Status?: Make sure your franchise-tax/PIR filing is current and your registered agent is active, then order the Certificate of Status from the Texas Secretary of State, or a Certificate of Account Status from the Comptroller, for a small fee. Bastion can obtain it for you.
Why does my bank want a Texas Certificate of Status?: 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.