Business Registration

Process Changes Due to COVID-19
Our process are changing in many ways, some of which are:
1. Teleworking: Please provide a cover-letter with documents. See link below
2. Mail Handling:
3. Expedited documents:
Click the link below for more details.
Process Changes Due to COVID-19 Details
Cover Letter (Form BE-01)

Create and Submit a Creation Filing Online
The NC Secretary of State’s Office provides online form creation and electronic submission for many of the most popular business creation/formation documents. View a tutorial or click here to start the process.

Your Dream Is Our Dream
We believe in North Carolina's economy, an informed citizenry, and your dream to create a business. The Business Registration Division will help you realize your dreams by providing the information and tools to register your business and stay compliant with the State of North Carolina.

Expedited Documents During COVID-19
Reinstatements and Requalifications following administrative dissolution/revocation can be expedited through the mail to: Attn: Reinstatement or Requalification, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626-0622. The current turn-around time is 3 business days.

Turn-Around Times
Turn-around times begin when the document is received and ends when processing is completed and placed in the mail or emailed to the filer.
Reinstatements – 2 business days when sent to address on the Application
Annual Reports – 2-3 business days
All other documents – 3-5 business days

Why the Notice of Grounds?
Did you receive a Notice of Grounds for Administrative Dissolution/Revocation?
Click here to find out why.

Certificate of Existence
You can obtain Certificates of Existence for your company by ordering online at a cost of $10.
Click here for a related fraud alert.
Search Business Registration
Business Registration Document Verification
What We Do
The duty of the Secretary of State is to ensure uniform compliance with the statutes governing the creation of business entities, record the information required to be kept as a public record, and provide that information to the public. The Business Registration Division acts in an administrative capacity only and cannot give legal advice.
Contact Business Registration
Customer Service
corpinfo@sosnc.govAnnual Reports
arinfo@sosnc.govAnnual Reports Fax
919 814-5394Notice of Grounds Mailing
notice@sosnc.govService of Process
sop@sosnc.govTelephone
919-814-5400Fax
919 814-5393Mailing Address
PO Box 29622Raleigh, NC 27626-0622