Looking to start a business in North Carolina or check if your dream business name is available? The North Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Registration Division maintains a comprehensive database of all registered business entities in the state. This guide will walk you through how to use the North Carolina Secretary of State Business Entity Search tool to find existing businesses, check name availability, and understand the results.
What is the North Carolina Business Entity Search?
The North Carolina Business Entity Search is an online database maintained by the North Carolina Secretary of State that allows users to search for information about businesses registered in North Carolina. This includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofits that have filed with the state.
Why You Might Need to Conduct a Business Entity Search
- To check if your desired business name is available
- To verify information about an existing business
- To conduct due diligence before entering a business relationship
- To find registered agent information
- To check the status of your own business entity
How to Access the North Carolina Business Entity Search Tool
The official North Carolina Business Entity Search portal can be accessed directly through the North Carolina Secretary of State website at https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/search/by_title/_Business_Registration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the NC Business Entity Search
Let’s walk through exactly how to use this tool, with all the unique aspects of North Carolina’s system:
Step 1: Navigate to the Search Page
From the North Carolina Secretary of State website, click on “Search for a Business Entity” under the Business Registration section. You’ll be directed to the search page.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
North Carolina’s system offers several search options:
- Business Entity Name: Search by the exact business name
- Starting Words: Search for businesses whose names start with specific words
- Contains Words: Search for businesses whose names contain specific words
- ID Number: Search by the business’s SOS ID number
- Registered Agent: Search by the registered agent’s name
Step 3: Enter Your Search Terms
For our example, let’s search for businesses with “Carolina Brewing” in their name:
- Select “Contains Words” from the dropdown menu
- Type “Carolina Brewing” in the search field
- Click the “Search” button (blue button located at the bottom of the search parameters)
Step 4: Review the Search Results
The search results page will display a list of businesses matching your criteria. Each result shows:
- The business name
- The business type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- The SOS ID number (unique identifier assigned by the state)
- The status of the business (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
- The date of formation
Step 5: Access Detailed Information
Click on any business name to view detailed information about that entity. The detailed view includes:
- Business name and type
- SOS ID number
- Status (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
- Formation date
- Citizenship (Domestic or Foreign)
- Annual report status
- Principal office address
- Registered agent information
- List of officers/managers (for some entity types)
- Filing history with dates and document types
Special Features of North Carolina’s Business Entity Search
Unlike some states, North Carolina’s system:
- Does not require creating an account to search
- Allows downloading of filed documents for a $4 fee per document
- Provides a view of annual report history
- Shows the name and address of the registered agent
- Displays the names of company officers for corporations
Sample Search Results: “Carolina Brewing Company”
When searching for “Carolina Brewing Company,” you might see results like:
- Carolina Brewing Company, LLC
- SOS ID: 0123456
- Status: Active
- Formation Date: 03/15/2008
- Type: Limited Liability Company
- Citizenship: Domestic
- Carolina Brewing Company of Raleigh, Inc.
- SOS ID: 0654321
- Status: Administrative Dissolution
- Formation Date: 05/22/1999
- Type: Business Corporation
- Citizenship: Domestic
Understanding North Carolina Business Entity Status Codes
When reviewing search results, you’ll see various status codes. Here’s what they mean:
- Active: The business is in good standing with the state
- Admin Dissolution: The business has been administratively dissolved (often due to failure to file annual reports)
- Dissolved: The business has been voluntarily dissolved by its owners
- Suspended: The business’s authority to operate has been suspended
- Cancelled: The business registration has been cancelled
- Merged: The business has merged with another entity
- Withdrawn: A foreign entity that has withdrawn its registration from North Carolina
How to Reserve a Business Name in North Carolina
If you’ve performed a search and found that your desired business name is available, you can reserve it before formally registering your business. Here’s how:
- Complete an Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name (form BE-04)
- Submit the form online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail
- Pay the $30 reservation fee
- Wait for confirmation (usually within 1-2 business days for online submissions)
A name reservation in North Carolina holds your business name for 120 days. After this period, the name becomes available to the public again if you haven’t formed your business entity.
What to Do After Your North Carolina Business Entity Search
Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, you can proceed with:
- Forming your business entity
- LLC: File Articles of Organization ($125 filing fee)
- Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation ($125 filing fee)
- Partnership: File Certificate of Limited Partnership ($50 filing fee)
- Applying for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- Opening a business bank account
- Registering for state taxes with the North Carolina Department of Revenue
- Obtaining necessary business licenses and permits
North Carolina Business Entity Search FAQs
What do I do if my desired business name is already taken in North Carolina?
If your preferred business name is already registered, you have several options:
- Choose a different name entirely
- Modify your business name (adding words like “of Raleigh” or “Services”)
- Use a different business entity identifier (e.g., “LLC” instead of “Inc.”)
- Check if the existing business is inactive or dissolved (if it’s been administratively dissolved, you may be able to use the name after going through additional procedures)
- Contact the business owner to inquire about purchasing the name rights
How long does a business name reservation last in North Carolina?
A business name reservation in North Carolina lasts for 120 days from the date of approval. If you need more time, you must file a new reservation application and pay another $30 fee. You cannot renew the same reservation.
What are the filing fees for business entities in North Carolina?
The current North Carolina business filing fees include:
- Business Name Reservation: $30
- Articles of Organization (LLC): $125
- Articles of Incorporation (Corporation): $125
- Certificate of Limited Partnership: $50
- Annual Report (LLC): $200
- Annual Report (Corporation): $25
- Certified Copy of Business Documents: $15
- Certificate of Existence: $15
Can I register or reserve a business name online in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina offers complete online services for business name reservation and entity registration. The online system allows for:
- Business name reservations
- Entity formation
- Annual report filing
- Document ordering
- Status verification
The online platform is available 24/7 and processes transactions faster than mail submissions.
What business names are prohibited in North Carolina?
North Carolina prohibits business names that:
- Are identical or confusingly similar to existing business names
- Contain words that falsely suggest connection with government agencies
- Include restricted words like “Bank,” “Insurance,” “Engineering,” or “Pharmacy” without proper licensing
- Contain profanity or obscenities
- Do not include a proper business designator (LLC, Inc., etc.)
Filing Annual Reports for North Carolina Business Entities
All business entities in North Carolina must file annual reports to maintain active status:
- LLCs must file annual reports by April 15th each year ($200 fee)
- Corporations must file annual reports by the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of their fiscal year ($25 fee)
- Failure to file annual reports results in administrative dissolution after 60 days
Annual reports can be filed online through the Secretary of State’s website.
Business Entity Search Mobile Access
The North Carolina Secretary of State’s website is mobile-responsive, allowing you to conduct business entity searches from your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for:
- Entrepreneurs on the go
- Real estate professionals needing to verify business information at meetings
- Attorneys conducting due diligence outside the office
- Business owners checking compliance status
Why Regular Business Entity Searches Matter
Regular business entity searches in North Carolina can help:
- Protect your business identity – Ensure no one is using a similar name
- Verify compliance – Check if your business is in good standing
- Conduct due diligence – Research potential business partners or vendors
- Maintain accurate records – Confirm your business information is current and accurate
Document Retrieval from the North Carolina Secretary of State
After conducting a business entity search, you may need to retrieve official documents:
- From the detailed business information page, locate the “Order Documents” option
- Select the specific documents you need (Articles of Organization, Annual Reports, etc.)
- Pay the document retrieval fee ($4 per document)
- Download or receive the certified documents via email
North Carolina Business Entity Search: Pro Tips
To get the most out of your North Carolina business entity search:
- Use partial name searches with the “Contains Words” option for broader results
- Check both active and inactive entities when researching name availability
- Look at similar names to avoid potential trademark issues
- Review the filing history to understand a company’s compliance track record
- Use the business entity search before meetings or negotiations for up-to-date information
Resources for North Carolina Business Owners
Beyond the business entity search, North Carolina offers resources for business owners:
- NC Business Link – One-stop shop for business formation
- NC Department of Revenue – Tax registration information
- Small Business and Technology Development Center – Free business consulting services
- NC Community College Small Business Center Network – Local business training and support
State Business Entity Search Resources
At BusinessAnywhere.io, we provide comprehensive guides for business entity searches across all 50 states. Check out our other state-specific guides:
- Florida Business Entity Search
- Texas Business Entity Search
- California Business Entity Search
- New York Business Entity Search
- Georgia Business Entity Search
- Pennsylvania Business Entity Search
- Ohio Business Entity Search
- Michigan Business Entity Search
- Virginia Business Entity Search
Whether you’re starting a new business, conducting research, or verifying information, our state-specific guides provide you with all the information you need to navigate each state’s unique business registration system.
Conclusion: Mastering the North Carolina Business Entity Search
The North Carolina Business Entity Search tool is an essential resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals in the state. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively search for business entities, check name availability, and understand the registration requirements specific to North Carolina.
Remember to conduct a thorough search before settling on a business name, and consider reserving your name if you’re not ready to complete the full registration process. With the right approach, you can navigate the North Carolina business landscape with confidence and ensure your business starts on solid legal footing.Retry
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these are bad links:
https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/business_registration/file_annual_reportEdit
Thank you for pointing that out. You’re right – I should verify that links are valid before including them. Let me fix that issue and provide valid links for the North Carolina Secretary of State resources.
How to Do a Business Entity Search in North Carolina: Complete Guide
Updated on May 2025
Looking to start a business in North Carolina or check if your dream business name is available? The North Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Registration Division maintains a comprehensive database of all registered business entities in the state. This guide will walk you through how to use the North Carolina Secretary of State Business Entity Search tool to find existing businesses, check name availability, and understand the results.
What is the North Carolina Business Entity Search?
The North Carolina Business Entity Search is an online database maintained by the North Carolina Secretary of State that allows users to search for information about businesses registered in North Carolina. This includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofits that have filed with the state.
Why You Might Need to Conduct a Business Entity Search
- To check if your desired business name is available
- To verify information about an existing business
- To conduct due diligence before entering a business relationship
- To find registered agent information
- To check the status of your own business entity
How to Access the North Carolina Business Entity Search Tool
The official North Carolina Business Entity Search portal can be accessed directly through the North Carolina Secretary of State website at https://www.sosnc.gov/search/index/corp.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the NC Business Entity Search
Let’s walk through exactly how to use this tool, with all the unique aspects of North Carolina’s system:
Step 1: Navigate to the Search Page
From the North Carolina Secretary of State website, click on “Search for a Business Entity” under the Business Registration section. You’ll be directed to the search page.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
North Carolina’s system offers several search options:
- Business Entity Name: Search by the exact business name
- Starting Words: Search for businesses whose names start with specific words
- Contains Words: Search for businesses whose names contain specific words
- ID Number: Search by the business’s SOS ID number
- Registered Agent: Search by the registered agent’s name
Step 3: Enter Your Search Terms
For our example, let’s search for businesses with “Carolina Brewing” in their name:
- Select “Contains Words” from the dropdown menu
- Type “Carolina Brewing” in the search field
- Click the “Search” button (blue button located at the bottom of the search parameters)
Step 4: Review the Search Results
The search results page will display a list of businesses matching your criteria. Each result shows:
- The business name
- The business type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- The SOS ID number (unique identifier assigned by the state)
- The status of the business (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
- The date of formation
Step 5: Access Detailed Information
Click on any business name to view detailed information about that entity. The detailed view includes:
- Business name and type
- SOS ID number
- Status (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
- Formation date
- Citizenship (Domestic or Foreign)
- Annual report status
- Principal office address
- Registered agent information
- List of officers/managers (for some entity types)
- Filing history with dates and document types
Special Features of North Carolina’s Business Entity Search
Unlike some states, North Carolina’s system:
- Does not require creating an account to search
- Allows downloading of filed documents for a $4 fee per document
- Provides a view of annual report history
- Shows the name and address of the registered agent
- Displays the names of company officers for corporations
Sample Search Results: “Carolina Brewing Company”
When searching for “Carolina Brewing Company,” you might see results like:
- Carolina Brewing Company, LLC
- SOS ID: 0123456
- Status: Active
- Formation Date: 03/15/2008
- Type: Limited Liability Company
- Citizenship: Domestic
- Carolina Brewing Company of Raleigh, Inc.
- SOS ID: 0654321
- Status: Administrative Dissolution
- Formation Date: 05/22/1999
- Type: Business Corporation
- Citizenship: Domestic
Understanding North Carolina Business Entity Status Codes
When reviewing search results, you’ll see various status codes. Here’s what they mean:
- Active: The business is in good standing with the state
- Admin Dissolution: The business has been administratively dissolved (often due to failure to file annual reports)
- Dissolved: The business has been voluntarily dissolved by its owners
- Suspended: The business’s authority to operate has been suspended
- Cancelled: The business registration has been cancelled
- Merged: The business has merged with another entity
- Withdrawn: A foreign entity that has withdrawn its registration from North Carolina
How to Reserve a Business Name in North Carolina
If you’ve performed a search and found that your desired business name is available, you can reserve it before formally registering your business. Here’s how:
- Complete an Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name (form BE-04)
- Submit the form online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail
- Pay the $30 reservation fee
- Wait for confirmation (usually within 1-2 business days for online submissions)
A name reservation in North Carolina holds your business name for 120 days. After this period, the name becomes available to the public again if you haven’t formed your business entity.
What to Do After Your North Carolina Business Entity Search
Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, you can proceed with:
- Forming your business entity
- LLC: File Articles of Organization ($125 filing fee)
- Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation ($125 filing fee)
- Partnership: File Certificate of Limited Partnership ($50 filing fee)
- Applying for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- Opening a business bank account
- Registering for state taxes with the North Carolina Department of Revenue
- Obtaining necessary business licenses and permits
North Carolina Business Entity Search FAQs
What do I do if my desired business name is already taken in North Carolina?
If your preferred business name is already registered, you have several options:
- Choose a different name entirely
- Modify your business name (adding words like “of Raleigh” or “Services”)
- Use a different business entity identifier (e.g., “LLC” instead of “Inc.”)
- Check if the existing business is inactive or dissolved (if it’s been administratively dissolved, you may be able to use the name after going through additional procedures)
- Contact the business owner to inquire about purchasing the name rights
How long does a business name reservation last in North Carolina?
A business name reservation in North Carolina lasts for 120 days from the date of approval. If you need more time, you must file a new reservation application and pay another $30 fee. You cannot renew the same reservation.
What are the filing fees for business entities in North Carolina?
The current North Carolina business filing fees include:
- Business Name Reservation: $30
- Articles of Organization (LLC): $125
- Articles of Incorporation (Corporation): $125
- Certificate of Limited Partnership: $50
- Annual Report (LLC): $200
- Annual Report (Corporation): $25
- Certified Copy of Business Documents: $15
- Certificate of Existence: $15
Can I register or reserve a business name online in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina offers complete online services for business name reservation and entity registration. The online system allows for:
- Business name reservations
- Entity formation
- Annual report filing
- Document ordering
- Status verification
The online platform is available 24/7 and processes transactions faster than mail submissions.
What business names are prohibited in North Carolina?
North Carolina prohibits business names that:
- Are identical or confusingly similar to existing business names
- Contain words that falsely suggest connection with government agencies
- Include restricted words like “Bank,” “Insurance,” “Engineering,” or “Pharmacy” without proper licensing
- Contain profanity or obscenities
- Do not include a proper business designator (LLC, Inc., etc.)
Filing Annual Reports for North Carolina Business Entities
All business entities in North Carolina must file annual reports to maintain active status:
- LLCs must file annual reports by April 15th each year ($200 fee)
- Corporations must file annual reports by the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of their fiscal year ($25 fee)
- Failure to file annual reports results in administrative dissolution after 60 days
Annual reports can be filed online through the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.sosnc.gov/Guides/launching_a_business (under the Annual Reports section).
Business Entity Search Mobile Access
The North Carolina Secretary of State’s website is mobile-responsive, allowing you to conduct business entity searches from your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for:
- Entrepreneurs on the go
- Real estate professionals needing to verify business information at meetings
- Attorneys conducting due diligence outside the office
- Business owners checking compliance status
Why Regular Business Entity Searches Matter
Regular business entity searches in North Carolina can help:
- Protect your business identity – Ensure no one is using a similar name
- Verify compliance – Check if your business is in good standing
- Conduct due diligence – Research potential business partners or vendors
- Maintain accurate records – Confirm your business information is current and accurate
Document Retrieval from the North Carolina Secretary of State
After conducting a business entity search, you may need to retrieve official documents:
- From the detailed business information page, locate the “Order Documents” option
- Select the specific documents you need (Articles of Organization, Annual Reports, etc.)
- Pay the document retrieval fee ($4 per document)
- Download or receive the certified documents via email
North Carolina Business Entity Search: Pro Tips
To get the most out of your North Carolina business entity search:
- Use partial name searches with the “Contains Words” option for broader results
- Check both active and inactive entities when researching name availability
- Look at similar names to avoid potential trademark issues
- Review the filing history to understand a company’s compliance track record
- Use the business entity search before meetings or negotiations for up-to-date information
Resources for North Carolina Business Owners
Beyond the business entity search, North Carolina offers resources for business owners:
- NC Business Link – Business resource center from Economic Development Partnership of NC
- NC Department of Revenue – Tax registration information
- Small Business and Technology Development Center – Free business consulting services
- NC Community College Small Business Center Network – Local business training and support
State Business Entity Search Resources
At BusinessAnywhere.io, we provide comprehensive guides for business entity searches across all 50 states. Check out our other state-specific guides:
- Florida Business Entity Search
- Texas Business Entity Search
- California Business Entity Search
- New York Business Entity Search
- Georgia Business Entity Search
- Pennsylvania Business Entity Search
- Ohio Business Entity Search
- Michigan Business Entity Search
- Virginia Business Entity Search
Whether you’re starting a new business, conducting research, or verifying information, our state-specific guides provide you with all the information you need to navigate each state’s unique business registration system.
Conclusion: Mastering the North Carolina Business Entity Search
The North Carolina Business Entity Search tool is an essential resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals in the state. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively search for business entities, check name availability, and understand the registration requirements specific to North Carolina.
Remember to conduct a thorough search before settling on a business name, and consider reserving your name if you’re not ready to complete the full registration process. With the right approach, you can navigate the North Carolina business landscape with confidence and ensure your business starts on solid legal footing.
