General Counsel Manual

Can I search Service of Process filings online?

Yes. You can search

I want to serve legal documents on the Secretary of State, not a business. Do I serve the Service of Process Agent?

No. If you want to serve the Secretary of State with legal documents, you need to serve the Department’s agent for the service of process. The name of that agent is always on file with the NC Department of Justice.

To serve the Department, serve:

Ann Wall, General Counsel

NC Department of the Secretary of State

PO Box 29622

Raleigh, NC 27626-0622

For service of process on a business entity

Sometimes there is an attempt to serve a business entity and service of process does not succeed. North Carolina laws set out alternative methods for service of process, if it does not succeed. For certain business entities, if a North Carolina law specifically authorizes it, our Service of Process agent accepts service of process on business entities registered in our records. This is sometimes referred to as “substitute service of process”.

Please be aware: We cannot give you legal advice about service of process.

Agents for Service of Process for State Agencies

As required by G.S. § 1A-1, Rule 4(j)(4), the Attorney General’s office maintains a register of State agencies’ process agents. You can view the Process Agent Directory.

For service of process on the Department pursuant to G.S. § 1A-1, Rule 4(j)(4):

Ann Wall, General Counsel

North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State

P.O. Box 29622

Raleigh, NC 27626-0622

By courier or other delivery service: 2 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601.

If you have questions, contact: [email protected]

Telephone 919-814-5400

Fax 919 814-5393