How to Form an LLC in North Carolina
Standard North Carolina LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. Here is what it costs, how long it takes, and what you get.
| Total cost, standard filing | $249 |
|---|---|
| Total cost, expedited filing | $349 |
| State filing fee | Included |
| State form filed | Articles of Organization (Form L-01) |
| You receive | Articles of Organization |
What it costs
Forming an LLC in North Carolina costs $249 in total. That is one price covering both the North Carolina Secretary of State's filing fee, which we pay on your behalf, and our service for preparing and filing the paperwork. There is nothing else to pay to get your LLC formed.
The price here is one number covering the state's filing fee and our service, with no separate expedite charge to add on later.
How long it takes
Standard North Carolina LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. We track each filing and deliver your documents as soon as the state issues them. Expedited North Carolina LLC processing takes 1 business day.
Where North Carolina filings get tripped up
These are the things we have actually run into filing in North Carolina, in plain English.
- Punctuation and the ending do not make a name distinguishable
- North Carolina ignores punctuation-only differences, and changing the ending from LLC to LLP does not distinguish one name from another. A name that was administratively dissolved can also stay protected through its reinstatement window, so a dead company can still block you.
- The state emails your registered agent to confirm the appointment
- North Carolina verifies the appointment directly with the agent, so the agent's email on the filing has to be one that is actually monitored. We handle this end when you use our agent service.
- Your name must carry an LLC designator
- A bare trade name will not file. If you give us “Smith Landscaping” we file “Smith Landscaping LLC”.
What we need from you
Your business name, the address for the company, and the names of the members. That is the whole application, and it takes a few minutes. We prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form L-01) for you, and handle the state's payment.
What you get
Your stamped Articles of Organization from the state, delivered straight to your account as soon as North Carolina issues it. From there you can add an EIN, an operating agreement, membership certificates, or registered agent service.
Start your North Carolina LLC — $249One price. The North Carolina state filing fee is included.
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Common questions
- How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?
- $249 total for standard filing, with the North Carolina state filing fee included in that price. Expedited filing is $349. There are no other fees to get your LLC formed.
- How long does it take to form an LLC in North Carolina?
- Standard North Carolina LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. We track each filing and deliver your documents as soon as the state issues them.
- What do I receive?
- Your stamped Articles of Organization from the North Carolina Secretary of State, delivered to your account. You can add an EIN, an operating agreement, and registered agent service at checkout or afterwards.
- Do I need a registered agent in North Carolina?
- Yes. Every North Carolina LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal mail. You can serve as your own, or use our service to keep your home address off the public record.