Short answer: A physical North Carolina address is required for the registered agent. Changing agents costs $5.
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.
Who can serve as a North Carolina registered agent
A physical North Carolina address is required for the registered agent.
Check the rules above before naming yourself.
Paid registered agent services
| Service | Yearly price | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125 | Uses its address on your public filings by default; scans state and legal mail |
| Bizee | Free year 1 with formation, then $149 | Says it runs its own offices in all 50 states; sends service of process by tracked FedEx |
| ZenBusiness | $199 | Sold as an add-on, not included with formation |
| LegalZoom | $249 | Sold separately from its LLC packages |
Compare all four in our registered agent rankings, or read the Bizee vs Northwest comparison.
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina's fee to change registered agents is $5. That's the 7th lowest of 45 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $20, so North Carolina comes in $15 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $5 | 37 of 45 |
| Alabama | $100 | 1 of 45 |
| South Carolina | $15 | 27 of 45 |
| Tennessee | $20 | 21 of 45 |
| West Virginia | $15 | 27 of 45 |
| Georgia | $0 | 40 of 45 |
North Carolina fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form L-01) | $128 | Exact fee. |
| Change of registered agent | $5 | Changing the agent costs $5. |
| Articles of Dissolution (Form L-07) | $30 |
Registered agent rules: North Carolina questions
What are the registered agent requirements in North Carolina?
A physical North Carolina address is required for the registered agent.
Can I be my own registered agent in North Carolina?
Generally yes, if you have a physical address in North Carolina and are available during business hours. Confirm with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division.
How much does it cost to change registered agents in North Carolina?
The state charges $5. Changing the agent costs $5.
Can a registered agent use a PO box in North Carolina?
No. Registered agents need a physical street address in North Carolina where legal papers can be delivered in person during business hours.
How much does a registered agent service cost in North Carolina?
Commercial services typically charge a yearly fee. Northwest charges $125 a year and Bizee charges $149 a year after a free first year with formation, based on prices we checked. The state doesn't regulate these prices.
What happens if my North Carolina LLC doesn't have a registered agent?
You can miss lawsuits and state notices, and the state can eventually move to revoke or dissolve the LLC. Administrative dissolution for failure to file.
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.