Businesses operating in New Mexico may need to prove they are legally compliant and authorized to conduct business within the state. A Certificate of Good Standing is a common way to do this, often required for securing financing, registering in another state, or entering into contracts. Understanding how to obtain this certificate helps your business avoid unnecessary delays.
Where to Obtain the Certificate
Businesses in New Mexico obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State’s office.1Maggie Toulouse Oliver – New Mexico Secretary of State. Business Services The Business Services Division within this office handles the issuance of these certificates.
Required Criteria for Issuance
To receive a Certificate of Good Standing, a business must first be registered with the New Mexico Secretary of State.2New Mexico Business Portal. Register Legal Business Structure The entity must also be current with all required state filings, including biennial reports, which keep company information updated. Failure to file these reports promptly can affect an entity’s good standing.
The business must have fulfilled all franchise tax obligations with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.3Taxation and Revenue New Mexico. Corporate Income and Franchise Tax The Secretary of State’s office verifies tax status, and outstanding tax liabilities or unfiled returns can prevent certificate issuance.
Additionally, the entity must maintain a registered agent and registered office in New Mexico.4Justia Law. New Mexico Statutes Section 53-8-8 (2024) – Registered Office and Registered Agent The registered agent receives legal and tax documents for the business; failure to maintain one can lead to a loss of good standing.
Methods of Filing an Application
Applications for a Certificate of Good Standing can be submitted to the Secretary of State’s office through several methods. The primary method is via the Secretary of State’s online portal, which offers efficient processing and quicker receipt of the certificate as a downloadable PDF.5Maggie Toulouse Oliver – New Mexico Secretary of State. Online Services
Alternatively, applications can be mailed to the Business Services Division. This method involves longer processing times due to mail delivery and manual handling.
Applications can also be filed in person at the Secretary of State’s office in Santa Fe.6Maggie Toulouse Oliver – New Mexico Secretary of State. Contact Us While submission is immediate, same-day issuance of the certificate is not guaranteed and depends on the office’s workload.
Filing Fees and Payment Options
A set fee, established by the state, is required when applying for a Certificate of Good Standing, and payment must be submitted with the application.7Justia Law. New Mexico Statutes Section 6-10-1.2 (2024) – Payment Methods Authorized; Fee.
For online submissions through the state portal, payments are made electronically using major credit or debit cards.8Justia Regulation Tracker. New Mexico Administrative Code, 12.6.2.19 – Methods of Payment For mail-in applications, a check or money order payable to the New Mexico Secretary of State should be included.
When filing in person in Santa Fe, payment can be made by credit card, check, or money order; confirm if cash is accepted. The fee must be paid in full before the certificate will be issued.
Renewal or Expiration
A Certificate of Good Standing from the New Mexico Secretary of State reflects a business’s compliance status on its specific date of issuance. Because it is a snapshot in time, the certificate itself does not have a formal expiration date, but its relevance diminishes as the business’s circumstances can change.
The party requesting the certificate—like a lender or another state agency—determines how recent it must be. They often require a certificate issued within the last 30 to 90 days to ensure the information is current.
Consequently, there is no formal renewal process. If a business needs to provide updated proof of good standing, it must apply for an entirely new certificate.