How to Start an LLC in North Carolina
North Carolina LLC Formation
$99 our flat service fee · $125 North Carolina state filing fee · Articles of Organization formation document
Starting an LLC in North Carolina means filing the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the state's $125 filing fee. Once North Carolina approves it, your LLC exists as a separate legal entity. Rapid Registered Agent handles that filing for a flat $99, the same price we charge in every state, with no packages and no upsells.
File my North Carolina LLC – $99 + $125 state fee
North Carolina LLC filing facts
- Formation document: Articles of Organization
- State filing fee: $125, paid to the state
- Filing office: Secretary of State
- Our service fee: $99 flat
- Registered agent: required in North Carolina; use ours at $10/month or act as your own
What else North Carolina requires
North Carolina’s annual report is due April 15 ($200).
How to form your North Carolina LLC
- Choose and check the name. It must be distinguishable from other North Carolina businesses on record and include an LLC designator. We run the check before filing.
- Name a registered agent. North Carolina requires a registered agent with a physical address in the state. Add ours for $10/month or name your own.
- File the Articles of Organization. We prepare it, list your registered agent, submit it to the Secretary of State, and pay the $125 fee. If North Carolina rejects anything, we fix and refile at no charge.
- Handle the follow-ups. Get a free EIN from the IRS, adopt an operating agreement, open a business bank account, and calendar any initial or annual report.
North Carolina registered agent
Every North Carolina LLC must keep a registered agent with a North Carolina street address who is available during business hours. If you would rather not put your own address on the public record, our North Carolina registered agent service is $10 per month, listed on your filing from day one, with same-day scanning of anything the state or a court sends.
North Carolina LLC formation FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in North Carolina?
The North Carolina state filing fee is $125, paid to the state. Rapid Registered Agent adds a flat $99 to prepare and file the Articles of Organization. Registered agent service, if you add it, is $10 per month.
What is the North Carolina LLC formation document called?
North Carolina calls it the Articles of Organization. You file it with the Secretary of State.
Do I need a registered agent for a North Carolina LLC?
Yes. North Carolina requires every LLC to name and maintain a registered agent with a physical address in North Carolina. You can be your own, or use our service for $10 per month.
How long does a North Carolina LLC take?
It depends on North Carolina's current processing queue and whether the filing goes in online or by mail. We tell you the current turnaround before you order, and your LLC is not formed until North Carolina approves the filing.