North Carolina LLC Cost

The minimum cost to form an LLC in North Carolina is $125, which covers the filing fee for the Articles of Organization.

However, the overall expense of establishing a North Carolina LLC can vary based on several factors, such as your business needs and preferences.

In our North Carolina LLC Cost guide, we've detailed all the potential expenses involved in starting and maintaining an LLC in the state.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

How Much Does a North Carolina LLC Cost

Below is a table summarizing the main requirements for forming a North Carolina LLC and their associated fees.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Articles of Organization	$125-$250+
Registered Agent	$0-$130+
LLC Name	$0-$56

North Carolina LLC Filing Fee ($125-$250+)

To officially establish an LLC in North Carolina, you must file the right formation documents with the Secretary of State. 

This will depend on whether you’re attempting to form a domestic LLC (i.e., if you’re going to be based within NC) or a foreign LLC (where you will be registered in NC but will be operating from a different state):

• Domestic LLCs: File the Articles of Organization (Form L-01).
• Foreign LLCs: Submit an Application for Certificate of Authority (Form L-09).

The cost for filing is $125 for domestic LLCs and $250 for foreign LLCs.

Having said that, if you choose to use an LLC formation service your total cost will be slightly higher as there will be a small service fee in addition to the state filing fee. These services typically start at just $29 and can increase with additional features.

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024. 

North Carolina Registered Agent ($0-$130+)

When filing your LLC’s formation documents, you’ll need to designate a registered agent. This individual or entity will be responsible for receiving legal, tax, and government-related documents on behalf of your LLC.

You can act as your own registered agent at no cost, but many business owners prefer to hire a professional service to avoid potential legal issues and protect their personal information.

The cost of a registered agent service is generally between $125 and $300 per year, although it can be significantly more expensive depending on the features and provider you choose. 

North Carolina LLC Name ($0-$56)

While registering a name in itself is free, there are two potential costs that can be associated with the overall process. 

Reserving a Name

If you’ve chosen a business name but aren’t ready to form your LLC yet, you can reserve it by filing an Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name with the North Carolina Secretary of State. This reservation lasts for 120 days.

The filing fee is $30, regardless of whether your submission is done online or by mail. Once the reservation period ends, you’ll need to decide whether to renew it (for another $30) or proceed with your LLC’s formation.

Note: We recommend checking the availability of your desired name through a Business Entity Search on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website before attempting to file a name reservation. 

You should also do a quick domain search in order to ensure that your name’s corresponding domain is available (this is the URL that you will use for your business website). 

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If your LLC will operate under a name different from its legal name, you’ll need to file for a Doing Business As (DBA) name, also known as an Assumed Business Name in North Carolina.

The cost to register a DBA name is $26, and it must be filed with the County Register of Deeds where your business will operate by filing an Assumed Business Name Certificate. 

While not legally required to be unique, it’s wise to choose a distinctive DBA name in order to avoid confusion and potential legal issues.

Note: You can verify the availability of your desired DBA name by using the state’s Assumed Business Name Database, which is free to access.

You will also want to ensure that your name’s corresponding domain is available, as you’ll need this for your business website.

Optional North Carolina LLC Formation Costs

Beyond the standard fees, your North Carolina LLC might encounter additional costs depending on its specific circumstances.

Expedited North Carolina LLC Filing

While the Secretary of State typically processes LLC filings within 15 to 18 days, you can expedite the process by paying extra:

• 24-Hour Processing: $100
• Same-Day Processing: $200 (if received by 12 p.m.)

These expedited filing fees apply to both domestic and foreign LLCs.

Local Business Licenses

Depending on your business’s location and industry, you may need to obtain a local business license. For example, pushcart vendors in Raleigh need a license that costs $172 to operate, while dry cleaning businesses in Durham require a permit that costs $150.

The cost of local business licenses varies, so it’s best to contact your county’s office for the specific requirements that will apply to your business.

Note: The State of North Carolina’s County Government website provides the contact information for each body in your county.

Certificate of Existence

A Certificate of Existence, which is often needed to open a business bank account or for loan applications, can be obtained for $15 either online or by mail through the Secretary of State.

For foreign entities, this document is known as a Certificate of Authorization and carries the same fee.

North Carolina LLC Operating Agreement

Although not legally required, it’s advisable for North Carolina LLCs to have an operating agreement. This document outlines the roles and responsibilities of your LLC’s members or managers, helping to prevent and resolve disputes.

You can draft this document yourself at no cost, but you may choose to hire an online service or business attorney, which could cost several hundred dollars. 

The operating agreement does not need to be filed with the Secretary of State; it is purely an internal document.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain a North Carolina LLC

In addition to the initial costs of forming an LLC in North Carolina, there are ongoing expenses that you must account for to maintain your business.

Annual Report

To keep your North Carolina LLC in good standing, you must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State by April 15 each year. The fee for this is $200, with an additional $3 for electronic filings.

Failure to file on time will result in a Notice for Grounds for Administrative Dissolution or Revocation of Foreign Business. 

You will then need to submit your report within 60 days of receiving this notice in order to avoid dissolution.

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you choose to use a professional registered agent to handle your legal documents, you’ll need to pay an annual fee for their services. 

The cost of this service varies, typically ranging from $125 to $300 per year, depending on the provider in question and the features you select. 

While not mandatory, using a professional registered agent service is often recommended for new business owners as it offers increased flexibility and privacy. 

This is because your LLC’s registered agent will need to be physically available during normal business hours in order to receive service of process and their information will become publicly available. 

Ready to Get Started?

Have a look at our LLC North Carolina Guide (DIY Approach)

Let Northwest Registered Agent handle it for you ($29 + State Fees) 

North Carolina LLC vs Other States

North Carolina’s startup fee of $125 is relatively affordable, but its ongoing annual fee of $200 can make it more expensive compared to several other states. 

Regardless, it’s important to understand that the best state to form your LLC in is generally where you will be operating from. 

This is because otherwise you will likely need to pay registration and maintenance fees in more than one state, which often defeats the point of choosing a more “affordable” state.