Updated on April 22, 2024
A North Carolina registered agent is a person or company responsible for forwarding official documents to a corporation. The agent’s role is to guarantee that legal documents such as notices, service of process, and demands are properly delivered to the business on which they are served. All entities registered in North Carolina must always have a registered agent.[1]
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Registered Agent Search
Step 1 – Visit the Secretary of State’s business search page.
Step 2 – Choose “Registered Agents” under “Select what you want to search.” Choose either an individual or a business under “Search Type” and enter the agent’s last name and first name. Click “Search.”
Step 3 – Select an agent.
Step 4 – Click the name of the entity associated with the agent.
Step 5 – Review information about the entity, including the name of its registered agent.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
A registered agent can be an individual who resides in North Carolina or a corporation, nonprofit corporation, or limited liability company registered to do business in North Carolina.
The agent must also have a street address, as this address will double as the business office address of the corporation the agent represents.[2]
Can I be a Registered Agent?
Yes, if you are a person or corporation with a street address in North Carolina.
The most common way a corporation selects a registered agent is to include the agent’s name in its formation document. To find the appropriate formation document, select from the list below.
The form should be completed and either mailed to Business Registration Division PO Box 29622, Raleigh NC 27626-0622 or delivered to 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, which is located directly across from the State Capitol Building. Make sure to also include payment for the relevant filing fee.
Alternatively, a business can be registered online using the Online Creation Wizard.
Corporation
- B-01: Articles of Incorporation
- $125 filing fee
Nonprofit Corporation
- N-01: Articles of Incorporation
- $60 filing fee
Limited Liability Company
- L-01: Articles of Organization
- $125 filing fee
Limited Partnership
- LP-01: Application for Registration
- $50 filing fee
Limited Liability Partnership
- LLP-01: Certificate of Domestic Limited Partnership
- $125 filing fee
Limited Liability Limited Partnership
- LP-01: Certificate of Registration
- $125 filing fee
Changing a Registered Agent
A corporation can change its registered agent by delivering a Statement of Change to the Secretary of State.[3] The filing fee is $5.
This statement must be delivered within 60 days of the change. Failing to make the state aware of a change can put an entity at risk of administrative dissolution.
Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent
Download: PDF
Resigning as a Registered Agent
A registered agent may resign by completing and signing a Statement of Resignation. The statement must include certification that a copy of the statement has been mailed or delivered to the entity at its official address.[4]
There is no filing fee. The resignation becomes effective 31 days after filing.
Once the agent has resigned, the corporation must designate a new agent within 60 days. This can be done using a form called Designation of Registered Office Address and/or Registered Agent. The filing fee is $5.
Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent
Download: PDF