PIERRE – Secretary of State Jason Gant is pleased to announce that customers may now obtain a Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of State’s website.

A Certificate of Good Standing certifies that a business has complied with the applicable provisions of the business laws of the state of South Dakota, is in good standing or is authorized to transact business within the state.

Previously, a customer would have to submit a request for a Certificate of Good Standing in writing to the Secretary of State’s office and receive the certificate via mail.  This process typically takes between three and four days.  Now, a certificate can be ordered and received through the Secretary of State website.  “This new online feature allows companies to move at the speed of business.  This is another way that we have made it easier for our customers to interact with state government,” Gant said.

Over the past couple of years, the Secretary of State’s office has made tremendous strides in bringing technology to the South Dakota business community.  The first initiative was developing a state of the art online filing report system for businesses to file their annual reports online.  “Over 90% of all South Dakota businesses are using the online system that has taken a two or three day process down to minutes saving businesses money and time,” said Gant. 

The Certificate of Good Standing can still be ordered by mail and now there is an online option.  Gant went on to say, “The online feature is something that customers deserve as we continue to get government out of a business’s way and we are happy to provide this new online service.”  The cost of a certificate is still $20 via mail or web. 

For more information, contact the office of the South Dakota Secretary of State at (605) 773-3537 or visit www.sdsos.gov.