How to Order Certified Copies
A certified copy of your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation can be ordered online, by fax, mail, email, phone, in person, or online. Online processing is immediate and costs $15 plus $1 per page.
Any company registered in North Carolina can order certified copies of its official formation documents from the North Carolina Secretary of State. Processing time is typically 1 business day plus mailing time.
Forming a Corporation in North Carolina
To form a corporation in North Carolina choose a corporate name, file Articles of Incorporation, appoint a registered agent, and prepare corporate bylaws.
To file the Articles of Incorporation in person, take an original and a copy to the Corporations Division at 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC. You will receive a stamp on the copy if you file the original.
Reserving a Business Name
To reserve a business name, you must file an application online or by mail. You can search the register of the North Carolina Secretary of State to see if there are any NC corporations or LLCs with that name.
The Articles of Organization contains the names of the LLC’s members and managers, the LLC’s purpose, and the address of the LLC’s principal office. It also sets forth the LLC’s power to conduct business and enter into contracts.