North Carolina Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
north_carolina_state_seal

If you already have an LLC in another state and want an LLC in NC, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in North Carolina.

Forming an North Carolina Foreign LLC

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in North Carolina, you need to register it with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Step 1: Choose North Carolina Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the North Carolina Secretary of State. Your LLC’s legal name outside of North Carolina will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in North Carolina. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC.

Check name availability at North Carolina’s business entity names and reserve your LLC name.

Step 2: Select North Carolina Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in North Carolina and take note that a North Carolina registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries:

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

  • Established reputation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

Step 3: File Registration of North Carolina Foreign LLC

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form via email to [email protected] or by mail to NC Secretary of State Business Registration, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0622.

Include the following:

  • LLC’s full legal name.
  • A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
  • LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
  • LLC formation state and date.
  • Registered agent’s name and address in North Carolina.
  • Date when your LLC will start operations in North Carolina.
  • Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee.

The LLC cost in North Carolina, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.

Step 4: Determine How Your North Carolina Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the North Carolina Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Steps to Filing North Carolina Foreign LLC

Time needed: 5 minutes

To establish your foreign LLC in the State of North Carolina, you are required to register your business LLC with the Secretary of State of North Carolina. You can apply for Certificate of Authority for Limited Liability Company via online as well as offline mode. The cost of registration is $250. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Certified Copy of your registration from the Secretary of State office. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for the North Carolina Foreign Limited Liability Company.

  1. Go to the Official North Carolina Secretary of State website

    Visit the NC SOS portal on the official Secretary of State website. The portal is a one-stop solution to different business filings online. You can easily submit your business documents by creating a free account on the portal. Scroll down and select the option of ‘Online Business Services’.
    NC-sos

  2. Navigate to Online Business Services

    On the given page, select the option of ‘Navigate to Online Business Services’ present on the top section of the screen. Next, select the link of ‘Business Registration’ from the given drop-down list.
    NC-online business service

  3. Register your business

    On the Business Registration page, scroll down and select the third tab ‘Register your Business Online’. On the next page, the Sign In box appears. If you already have an account on the NC SOS portal, proceed to log in by entering your username or notary number and password. If you do not have an account, go on to read the next step to create an account on the portal.
    NC-sos register

  4. Create your account:

    To create your account, on the Sign In page, under the Sign In help box click on the ‘First Time user?’ link.
    NC-sign-in

  5. Complete the Registration Process

    On the Create a New Account page, create your username and password and proceed to fill in the other required details such as Business name, first and last name, street address, and contact details. Click on the ‘Register’ tab.

  6. File your application

    After creating your account on the portal, log in to your account using the username and password. On the user homepage, select the option to ‘Create a Business Online’ under the ‘I want to..’ section from the toolbar. Now on the online application page, proceed to fill in all the required fields with your relevant business information. Upload all the mandatory documents in the given sections.

  7. Review your application

    Before submitting your application, recheck all the information entered by you to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.

  8. Make the payment

    As the last step, proceed to the payment gateway page and make an online payment of $250.00 as the filing fee for your North Carolina Certificate of Authority Application. After you have successfully submitted your application form, you will receive a notification from the Secretary of State office acknowledging the receipt of your application.

Filing your North Carolina Certificate of Authority by Mail

You can also file your Foreign LLC Certificate of Authority Application by mail

  • Download the Application form PDF (Form L-09) on your system.
  • Read all the instructions carefully and proceed to fill in the application form.
  • You must attach the original Certificate of Existence issued by the State of Original jurisdiction, which should be less than 6 months old from the date of issuance.
  • Review all the information entered by you to be correct and accurate.
  • Issue a money order or check of $250 as the filing fee for your Foreign LLC Registration application, payable to the ‘Secretary of State’.
  • Arrange all the documents and mail it to the following address, Business Registration Division P.O. Box 29622 Raleigh, Nc 27626-0622.

After Forming North Carolina Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your North Carolina Foreign LLC

  1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
  2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
  3. Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC.

It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form the foreign LLC in North Carolina.

F.A.Qs

What is a foreign LLC in North Carolina?

If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in North Carolina.

Do I need a foreign LLC?

Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.

What is the main difference between domestic and foreign LLC?

A domestic LLC is a company registered in North Carolina as an LLC. The entity type that has a physical presence in another state is a foreign LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in North Carolina

To register as a foreign LLC in North Carolina, you can file through mail or online by paying a filing fee of $250 to the North Carolina Secretary of State.

One of the most significant costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in North Carolina is the filing fee. The filing fee is the amount of money that you must pay to the Secretary of State in order to officially register your business in the state. This fee can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the specific circumstances of your LLC.

In addition to the filing fee, there may be other costs involved as well. For example, you may need to hire a registered agent in North Carolina to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. This can be an additional expense that must be factored into the total cost of registration.

Another factor that can impact the cost of registering a foreign LLC in North Carolina is the use of a professional service provider. While it is possible to go through the registration process on your own, many businesses opt to hire a professional service provider to handle all of the paperwork and ensure that everything is filed correctly. This can save time and reduce the risk of errors, but it also comes with an additional cost.

Overall, the cost of registering a foreign LLC in North Carolina can add up quickly. In addition to the filing fee, there may be other expenses such as hiring a registered agent or engaging a professional service provider. However, it is important to remember that these costs are an investment in the future success of your business. By paying the necessary fees and ensuring that your LLC is in compliance with all state regulations, you are setting your business up for success in North Carolina.

While the cost of registering a foreign LLC in North Carolina may be a significant initial expense, it is important to consider the long-term benefits. Establishing a business presence in a new state can open up new opportunities for growth and expansion. By carefully considering the costs involved and making smart decisions about how to register your LLC, you can position your business for success in North Carolina and beyond.

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in North Carolina does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.

Leave a Comment