How Do I Register a Foreign LLC in North Carolina?
File an Application for Certificate of Authority with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division. The $250 filing fee covers registration. You must provide a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state and appoint a registered agent with a physical North Carolina address. File online at https://www.sosnc.gov/online_filing/filing/creation or call (919) 814-5400.
What Documents Do I Need?
Submit your Application for Certificate of Authority through the Secretary of State's online filing system. Include a Certificate of Good Standing from your LLC's state of formation, issued within 90 days of filing. This document verifies your LLC is authorized to conduct business in its home state.
Registered Agent Requirements
Under N.C.G.S. §§ 55D-30 and 55D-31, appoint a registered agent who is either:
- An individual resident of North Carolina with a business office in the state, or
- A domestic or foreign entity authorized to do business in North Carolina with a matching business office
A member of your LLC may serve as registered agent. The Secretary of State cannot serve in this role. Your registered agent must provide written consent to the appointment.
Filing Fees and Timeline
The registration fee is $250.00 (non-refundable). File online or mail your application to the Secretary of State, Business Registration Division, 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-2903. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
Annual Compliance
After registration, file an Annual Report each year for $203.00 to maintain your authority to do business in North Carolina. This keeps your Certificate of Authority active.
To change your registered agent or office address, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with a $5.00 fee and obtain the new agent's written consent.
To withdraw your foreign LLC's registration, file a withdrawal application with a $10.00 fee.
Contact the Secretary of State
- Website: https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/business_registration
- Online Filing: https://www.sosnc.gov/online_filing/filing/creation
- Phone: (919) 814-5400
- Business Search: https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/search/by_title/search_Business_Registration
This is general information, not legal advice.