Short answer: File Certificate of Authority with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division for $250, and name a North Carolina registered agent.
We've pulled these figures from the North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Registering an out-of-state LLC in North Carolina
File Certificate of Authority with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division ($250). You'll usually need a certificate of good standing from your home state and a North Carolina registered agent.
A physical North Carolina address is required for the registered agent.
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina's foreign LLC registration fee is $250. That's the 9th highest of 47 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $150, so North Carolina runs $100 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $250 | 9 of 47 |
| Alabama | $150 | 19 of 47 |
| South Carolina | $110 | 29 of 47 |
| Tennessee | Varies | Not confirmed |
| West Virginia | $150 | 19 of 47 |
| Georgia | $235 | 14 of 47 |
North Carolina fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $203 | annual, April 15 of every year following the year of formation |
| Certificate of Authority | $250 | For LLCs formed in another state |
Foreign LLC registration: North Carolina questions
Do I need to register my out-of-state LLC in North Carolina?
If your LLC is "transacting business" in North Carolina (for example, an office, employees or ongoing operations there), you generally must register as a foreign LLC with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division.
How much does foreign LLC registration cost in North Carolina?
$250 to file Certificate of Authority.
Does a foreign LLC need a registered agent in North Carolina?
Yes. Every registered LLC needs an agent with a physical address in North Carolina. A physical North Carolina address is required for the registered agent.
Does a foreign LLC file the North Carolina annual report too?
Generally yes. Registered foreign LLCs usually carry the same Annual Report obligation. Confirm the foreign LLC fee with the state.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: ra.self allowed.