Key Takeaways

  • To form an LLC in NC, file the L-01 Articles of Organization and BE-01 Cover Sheet with the Secretary of State.
  • Processing time is 7–10 business days; expedited options are available.
  • Reinstating a dissolved NC corporation requires Form B-08 and outstanding documents.
  • The Secretary of State NC also offers tools like business entity search, annual report filing, and real-time document status.
  • You cannot change your registered agent or principal office on a reinstatement form—use the annual report instead.
  • The NC SOS accepts multiple payment methods including checks, money orders, and cash.
  • The Secretary of State NC oversees business filings, lobbyist registrations, and state trademarks.

NC Secretary of State LLC

To complete NC secretary of state LLC creation, you will need to download the right documents and forms. Official documents needed to form your LLC in North Carolina can be found on the "All Forms for LLCs" page on the Secretary of State's website.

L-01 (North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization) and BE-01 (North Carolina Cover Sheet for Business Filings are the two forms that you will need.

Business Entity Search and Online Services

The North Carolina Secretary of State offers a robust business entity search tool, allowing users to view public filing information for all entities registered in the state. You can search by company name, registered agent, or company ID number. This is a valuable resource for confirming the existence of a business, reviewing its status, or preparing for compliance filings.

In addition to business formation services, the Secretary of State NC website offers a variety of tools and resources, including:

  • Online filing portal for new business registrations and annual reports
  • Document status tracking to monitor processing times
  • UCC filings and lien searches
  • Trademark and service mark registrations
  • Lobbyist registration and compliance tools

These tools are accessible through the Business Registration and Business Services sections on the Secretary of State’s website.

Approval Time

Typically, you will need to wait between 7 and 10 days after the State has received your documents for your LLC to be approved. Upon approval, you will receive a Certified Copy of your Articles of Organization. 

Depending on your preferred delivery option, you will receive your Articles of Organization Certified Copy through the mail or in an email. You can choose your delivery method on your application Cover Sheet.

Expedited Filing Options

For businesses requiring faster processing, the Secretary of State NC offers expedited service options. The costs and timelines are as follows:

  • Same-day service: $200 (documents must be received before 12:00 PM)
  • 24-hour service: $100
  • Standard service: Free, with 7–10 business day turnaround

You can indicate your preferred processing speed on the BE-01 Cover Sheet when submitting your LLC formation documents. Expedited filings are processed in the order they are received.

State Contact Information

You contact the Department of the Secretary of State by phone at 919-814-5400 between the ours of 8 AM and 5 PM EST or via email.

Support for Out-of-State Filers

If you are an out-of-state business looking to register as a foreign LLC in North Carolina, the process differs slightly. You must file a Certificate of Authority (Form L-09) with the Secretary of State NC and provide a Certificate of Existence from your home state dated within six months of filing.

Out-of-state businesses must also appoint a registered agent with a physical address in North Carolina to receive legal notices. This ensures that your business remains in good standing and complies with NC law.

Reinstating a North Carolina Corporation

It is possible to reinstate a corporation in North Carolina by filing an Application for Reinstatement Following Dissolution, form B-08. This form can be filed after the North Carolina Secretary of State Corporations of Division (SOS) has dissolved your corporation.

The form for this can be submitted by mail or delivered personally. You will need to include any missing annual reports and required fees. To expedite your request for reinstatement, you should include a Cover Sheet for over the counter Corporate Filings.

All forms needed for reinstatement can be located on the NC SOS website, or in your registered agent service online account.

Drafting your own request instead of using the reinstatement forms is allowed. Also, you will not need the signatures from the application form.

Accepted Forms of Payment

Multiple forms of payment are accepted by the NC SOS. To pay your fees, you can use:

  • Checks
  • Money orders
  • Cash

All forms of payment must be made payable to the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Filing Methods and Submission Guidelines

You may submit business formation and reinstatement documents to the Secretary of State NC through the following methods:

  • Online via the SOSNC.gov portal
  • By mail to the PO Box address
  • In person at the Raleigh physical office

When filing in person, using a cover sheet marked “Over the Counter” can help expedite processing. Electronic filing is often the fastest and most convenient method, especially for annual reports and simple updates.

North Carolina Secretary of State Contact Information

The North Carolina office is reachable by mail at:

PO BOX 29622

Raleigh, NC 27626-0622

The physical address for the Secretary of State is:

2 South Salisbury Street

Raleigh, NC 27601-2903

You can also reach the Secretary of State by phone at (919) 807-2039 or by fax at (919) 087-2039.

North Carolina Corporation Reinstatement Cost

When you file your North Carolina Application for Reinstatement, you will need to pay a $100 fee.

Processing Time for Reinstatement

You can expect to wait between 7 and 10 business days for your reinstatement request to be processed. However, if you pay a $200 fee and submit your documents by noon, your reinstatement request can be processed on the same day that it is submitted.

While documents can be processed in 24 hours for a $100 fee, processing can take longer if you file on a weekend or holiday.

How Long Does Your Corporation Have to Be Inactive?

You do not need to start your corporation from scratch when seeking reinstatement, as any officer of the corporation can start this process. However, you do have the ability to form a new North Carolina corporation instead of applying for reinstatement.

After a corporation has been dissolved, its name is not available for use for five years after dissolution. If you choose to establish a new corporation instead of applying for reinstatement, you will need to choose a new and unique name for your corporation.

Maintaining Good Standing with the Secretary of State NC

To avoid administrative dissolution, corporations and LLCs must stay compliant with the Secretary of State NC by:

  • Filing annual reports by April 15 (for corporations) or on the anniversary of formation (for LLCs)
  • Maintaining a registered agent and office
  • Paying all applicable fees and taxes

Failure to meet these requirements can lead to involuntary dissolution. Reinstatement is possible, but may require additional documentation and fees. Regularly checking your entity status using the NC SOS business search tool can help you remain in good standing. 

Changing your North Carolina Registered Agent at the Same Time

When you apply for reinstatement, you are not allowed to change your corporation's registered agent. Instead, changing your registered agent must be performed on the annual report form that is filed with your reinstatement form. Annual report forms must include up to date information for your corporation. 

The principal address of your corporation also cannot be changed on your reinstatement application. Your corporation's principal address can only be listed on your annual report when you request reinstatement.

It is not possible to change corporate directors or officers on your reinstatement form. This task can also be completed on your annual report.

Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Businesses often face delays or rejections due to preventable errors in their filings. To ensure smooth processing with the Secretary of State NC, avoid the following mistakes:

  • Submitting outdated or incorrect forms (always use the latest version)
  • Leaving required fields blank on the Articles of Organization
  • Forgetting to include the Cover Sheet (Form BE-01) when filing
  • Omitting the filing fee or using the wrong payment method
  • Listing a P.O. Box as the principal office address (must be a physical address)

Double-check all documentation before submission to save time and avoid rework. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the status of my LLC filing with the Secretary of State NC? Use the business entity search on the NC SOS website to track your filing status and review public documents.

Can I file LLC formation documents online in North Carolina? Yes. The NC Secretary of State allows online filing for LLC formation, annual reports, and other key documents.

What happens if my corporation name is no longer available during reinstatement? If more than five years have passed since dissolution, the original name may be claimed by another entity. You will need to choose a new name.

Is a registered agent required for LLCs in North Carolina? Yes. Every LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical NC address to receive official communications.

Can I change my business name during reinstatement? No. You must first reinstate the business, then file a separate amendment to change the name.

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