Processing Times
Due to staffing shortages, the Agency continues to work through its business registration mail backlog from the recently ended busy filing season. In some cases, mailed-in documents may take up to 8 weeks to process. We strongly urge annual reports and new business documents be filed online-- they are always processed more quickly. If you have documents that must be sent by mail and need urgent processing-- you may consider paying an expedite fee and marking the envelope "Expedite." We ask for your patience as we work diligently to bring our business registration processing times back to the Agency goal of 3 to 5 days.
Dissolutions and Revocations
Did you receive a Certificate of Dissolution or Revocation from the NC Secretary of State? If so, and you want to bring your business back into current and active status, to get started click on green button below titled "Reinstate or Requalify Here!"
Misleading Mailings/Email
The NC Secretary of State’s Office has been made aware of deceptive mailings and emails from North Carolina Certified Document Services targeting businesses. The company is charging fees of $499.89 to assist in the filing of company annual reports. Click here for more information
Our Rural RISE NC initiative connects you with mentors, business counselors, funding sources, and more—within your community and beyond. And even better, many of these resources are free.
Don’t Fall for Impostors posing as the NC Department of the Secretary of State. The NC Secretary of State’s Office has received a report of individuals misrepresenting themselves as the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State to lure loan-seekers to pay an up-front fee. Neither the Secretary of State’s Office nor any other agency will require individuals to pay taxes on a loan before the loan money can be released. Please report anyone making such offers to the NC Attorney General’s Office (https://www.ncdoj.gov/consumer.aspx) at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.