The main elements required in the Articles of Incorporation are:

• Name of the Corporation, including an appropriate ending.
• Shares of Stock the Corporation is authorized to issue. At least one share must be authorized.
• Registered Office and Registered Agent’s street address, mailing address, if different from the street address, of the corporation’s registered office and the name of the corporation’s initial registered agent are required. The registered office street address and the registered mailing address must be located in North Carolina.
• Principal Office physical and mailing address. This is required if there is a principal office location at the time the Articles are filed.
• The name and address of each incorporator. The Articles of Incorporation must be signed by at least one incorporator.

The Articles of Incorporation may set forth additional provisions that the incorporators elect to include.

These additional provisions may include:

• Names of the corporation’s initial directors;
• Provisions not inconsistent with law regarding the purpose or purposes for which the corporation is being formed; and
• Provisions for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the corporation.

It is important to remember that the corporation’s bylaws are not filed with the Secretary of State.