Updated September 7, 2026. Quick answer: In Pennsylvania, this document is called a Subsistence Certificate (also called Certificate of Subsistence), issued by the Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. $40.00, per the PA Department of State’s official Fees and Payments page: ‘Subsistence certificates (Domestic entities) … $40.’
What it’s called and who issues it
Pennsylvania calls this document a Subsistence Certificate (also called Certificate of Subsistence), issued by the Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.
The fee
| Standard fee | $40.00 |
| Full fee detail | $40.00, per the PA Department of State’s official Fees and Payments page: ‘Subsistence certificates (Domestic entities) … $40.’ |
| Expedited/rush fee | $40.00 is the only fee this state’s own source names; no separate expedited/rush tier is published. |
| Fee confirmed | $40.00 as read directly from the state’s own site or fee schedule this session. |
How fast you can get it
Online ordering is available through Business Filing Services, but per the PA DOS page, online orders are downloadable within 1-2 business days (not instant); mail requests take 7-10 business days.
What makes this state different
Pennsylvania is the only state in this set that doesn’t use Good Standing or Existence terminology at all – its document is called a Subsistence Certificate.
| Fee/process source | Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations |
| Agency business-filings site | Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations business filings |
| Confidence | High |
Every fee on this page was read directly from the state’s own Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) site or fee-schedule PDF this session, or, where that site blocked automated access, from an archived snapshot of the same official document or independently cross-checked legal-directory sources (disclosed below). General information, not legal advice; states change fees without notice, so confirm the current price at checkout before you pay.