Short answer: Name reservations hold a name for 120 days.
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.
North Carolina naming rules
Name reservations hold a name for 120 days.
Open the official North Carolina name search
Reserving a name
North Carolina lets you reserve a name for $10, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
North Carolina DBAs are filed with: county. Fee: $26.
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina's name reservation fee is $10. That ties for the lowest of the 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so North Carolina comes in $15 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Alabama | $28 | 17 of 50 |
| South Carolina | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Tennessee | $20 | 33 of 50 |
| West Virginia | $15 | 38 of 50 |
| Georgia | $35 | 12 of 50 |
North Carolina fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form L-01) | $128 | Exact fee. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $50 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $26 | county |
Name search and rules: North Carolina questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in North Carolina?
Use the official North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a North Carolina LLC name include?
Name reservations hold a name for 120 days.
Can I reserve an LLC name in North Carolina?
Yes. Reservation costs $10 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in North Carolina?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: county. Fee: $26.
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.