How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Pennsylvania

Overview

A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by the state of Pennsylvania confirming that your business is legally authorized to operate within the state. In Pennsylvania, this document is referred to as a Certificate of Subsistence (or Certificate of Registration, depending on your entity type). While it doesn't explicitly detail whether you owe back taxes, it does verify that your business has met essential state requirements — including annual filings, fees, and other regulatory obligations.

If your business is incorporated in Pennsylvania, Slash requires a Certificate of Good Standing as part of your application. This guide walks you through how to obtain one.

Step 1: Visit the Pennsylvania Department of State Website

Navigate to the Pennsylvania Department of State's Good Standing / Subsistence Certificates page at pa.gov/agencies/dos/programs/business

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

Enter your login details to access the Pennsylvania Department of State's online services portal. If you don't already have an account, you may need to create one before proceeding.

Step 3: Search for Your Business

Search for your business by entering your entity name in the search field.

Step 4: Request Your Certificate

Click 'Find Subsistence/Certificate of Registration' to initiate your certificate request.

Step 5: Pay and Download Your Certificate

Follow the prompts to pay the certificate fee and download the PDF of your certificate.

Why Is This Document Required?

A Certificate of Good Standing demonstrates that your business is active, legally registered, and compliant with state obligations. Slash and other financial institutions rely on this document to verify your business's credibility, streamline onboarding, and ensure smooth financial transactions.