At a glance
| Official name | Certificate of Existence |
|---|---|
| Fee | $15 |
| Online | See how to order below |
| Issued by | North Carolina Secretary of State — Business Registration Division |
| Order page | Official page |
How to order
Order online with a free Secretary of State online account.
Have your LLC’s exact name or state filing number ready. Banks and other states often want a certificate issued within the last few weeks, so order it shortly before you need it.
Staying in good standing in North Carolina
- North Carolina annual report: April 15 each year. — $200.
- Registered agent: keep one with a physical address in the state. North Carolina registered agent rules.
If you fall behind: None stated; after a 60-day notice. Reinstatement: $100 + overdue reports and fees.
Full details: North Carolina annual report guide. Get reminders before each deadline:
All North Carolina LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a North Carolina LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $200 a year ($200 annual report ($203 online by card)).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form L-01) | $125 (plus $3 card or $2 ACH e-filing fee) | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name — 120 days (fee listed as $10 on the fee schedule, $30 on the forms page) | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| North Carolina annual report | $200 | Every year after the year of formation |
| Registered agent | $0 if you qualify to serve yourself; $99–$199/yr for a service | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $5 | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Existence | $15 | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Assumed Business Name Certificate | Set by the Register of Deeds | Only if you trade under another name |
| Articles of Dissolution (Form L-07) | $30 | Once, to close the LLC |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a certificate of good standing in North Carolina?
Order online with a free Secretary of State online account. North Carolina calls it a “Certificate of Existence”.
How much is a North Carolina certificate of good standing?
$15, per the North Carolina Secretary of State — Business Registration Division.
How long does it take?
It isn’t instant — allow processing time, or pay for expedited service where the state offers it.
Why can’t I get a certificate for my North Carolina LLC?
The state only issues one if the LLC is current. The usual cause is a missed north carolina annual report (April 15 each year.) or unpaid fees. Late consequence: Not filing is grounds for administrative dissolution: after the state sends a notice, you have 60 days to fix it. Reinstatement requires all overdue reports and fees plus a $100 reinstatement fee.
Is it the same as a certificate of existence?
For most purposes, yes — states use different names for the document confirming an entity exists and is current. Some states also offer a longer version listing filing history.
Your LLC setup checklist
- Get a free EINFrom the IRS, in minutes online.
- Open a business bank accountKeep LLC money apart from yours to protect the liability shield.
- Sign an operating agreementSettle who owns and decides what before it matters.
- Get business insuranceCover what the LLC itself doesn’t protect.
- Plan your taxesKnow your tax status and federal due dates.
- Track state deadlinesFree reminders before each filing.
Everything in one list: printable LLC compliance checklist · live deadline calendar.