Register a Foreign Business
An Entity Already registered in another state or country must qualify to conduct business in North Carolina by filing an Application for a Certificate of Authority.
A Certificate of Authority is the legal authorization which a foreign entity must obtain in order to be able to conduct its affairs in this state.
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Exceptions
- Activities Not Considered "Transacting Business" in North Carolina An entity may not have to file an application for Certificate of Authority if they qualify for one or more exceptions for filing.
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Requirements for Registration
- If the entity does not qualify for an exception, the business entity must complete and submit one executed original application for a Certificate of Authority, specific to its entity type, to the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State Business Registration Division.
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Preparing and Submitting the Documents
- Documents are submitted to the Secretary of State's Office electronically, by mail or courier, and at the Secretary of State's Office.
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What's Next?
- North Carolina law may require the company to register with other agencies in North Carolina.
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Maintaining Registration
- Each entity has statutory requirements in order to keep the company current and active on the records of the Secretary of State's Office.
Rural RISE NC—Resources for Innovators, Start-Ups, and Entrepreneurs
Starting your own business is exciting, but it can be tricky and time consuming to figure out what to do next. That’s why we started Rural RISE NC. Rural RISE offers you an easy way to connect with experienced, professional resources—funding sources, mentors, business counselors and more —within your community and beyond. And even better, many of these resources are free.
For further information, visit our Rural RISE NC website at https://www.sosnc.gov/rise.