LLC names need limited liability company, L.L.C. or LLC (or ltd. liability co. and similar forms). Corporate names need corporation, incorporated, company, limited or an abbreviation (G.S. 55D-20).
North Carolina General StatutesNC Department of the Secretary of StateNC Department of the Secretary of State fee schedule and the North Carolina General Statutes reviewed October 30, 2026. Confirm current fees with the Business Registration Division before filing.
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits North Carolina filings for owners. We are not the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and we do not give legal advice. Every state and county charge passes through at the exact amount billed, and anyone can file directly with the Business Registration Division for no service fee.
- Filed online with the NC Secretary of State
- We track your April 15 annual report
- Cited to NC General Statutes 57D and 55
- Talk to a filer: (386) 465-3937
The forks in the road.
LLC endings
limited liability company, L.L.C., LLC, ltd. liability co., limited liability co., ltd. liability company.
North Carolina General StatutesCorporate endings
corporation, incorporated, company, limited, corp., inc., co., ltd.
North Carolina General StatutesWhat to have ready
- Pick a name with the right ending
- Search the business registry
- Reserve it if needed
North Carolina LLC and Corporation Name Rules
North Carolina LLC and Corporation Name Rules
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North Carolina law and SOS rules behind this.
| Topic | North Carolina rule | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| LLC endings | limited liability company, L.L.C., LLC, ltd. liability co., limited liability co., ltd. liability company. | North Carolina General Statutes |
| Corporate endings | corporation, incorporated, company, limited, corp., inc., co., ltd. | North Carolina General Statutes |
| Reservations | $10 for an LLC name, $30 for a corporate name. | NC Department of the Secretary of State |
Related North Carolina reading.
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits North Carolina filings for owners. We are not the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and we do not give legal advice. Every state and county charge passes through at the exact amount billed, and anyone can file directly with the Business Registration Division for no service fee.
What North Carolina owners ask us
No (G.S. 55D-20(c)).
North Carolina General StatutesYes. You can file directly with the NC Business Registration Division for the state fee alone. Our service fee is separate and optional.
NC Department of the Secretary of State