How to Get Certificate of Existence in North Carolina (2025)

Get North Carolina Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence in North Carolina is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in North Carolina, you must submit a handful of documents to the Secretary of State. In case you take your business beyond the state border, you need this additional document, commonly known as the Certificate of Good Standing.

In this article, LLCBuddy editors share the ins and outs of North Carolina Certificate of Existence. You’ll also learn what the uses of this document are other than having a foreign LLC out of state. We shared how to get the Certificate of Existence in North Carolina. The Certificate of Existence is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the LLC filing or a corporation filing in North Carolina or any other form of business, the Certificate of Existence must be obtained. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Existence in North Carolina

The Certificate of Existence is a document that every business in North Carolina requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation in North Carolina, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in North Carolina. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.

If you take your business to a different state, Certificate of Existence will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities. Besides, to restore or reinstate an LLC in North Carolina after dissolution, you must obtain this document.

What Information You Have in North Carolina Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Existence will have-

The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
The current name and address of the business entity
Whether the business entity exists today
Name and address of the Registered Agent
The State where the document is issued
A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements.
A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.

Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Existence

Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in North Carolina is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Existence. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Existence because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain North Carolina Certificate of Existence

The North Carolina Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Existence, you must fill out the form and send it to the North Carolina SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-

Step 1: Get the Form

In North Carolina, there are two methods to obtain the Certificate of Existence. Either by phone or online. Check Certificate of Existence Scheme to know more about the methods and fee.

The following points are required to be mentioned in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the details of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number.

Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended that you share the file number to get the process done quickly.

Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from North Carolina SOS. If you request the document in person, you can take the return in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it.

Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from SOS. There is a box in the form you need to check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended that more copies of the certificate be obtained for future use.

Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.

Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the North Carolina Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for corporations, LLC amendment, corporation amendment, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional, and you can avoid this. You must pay a stipulated fee for every copy you request.

Step 2: Submit the Form

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the The Secretary of State, Business Registration Division, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626 for offline filing. You must search the North Carolina SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $12 (online) OR $15 (offline) must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Existence. The amount might be more depending on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might have to pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Existence’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Existence in North Carolina.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Existence

Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the North Carolina SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In North Carolina, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Existence.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence in North Carolina is a character certificate of any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons,

To get business loans and advances or investors
To get business bank accounts
To purchase insurance for business coverage
To renew licenses & permits
To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC.
To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another.
To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.
If your LLC is dissolved for any administrative reasons and you want to restore it, you must obtain the Certificate of Existence for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the North Carolina Certificate of Existence is needed.

FAQs

What is a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

A North Carolina Certificate of Existence is a document that verifies that a business is registered and authorized to do business in the state of North Carolina.

How can I obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

You can obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence by submitting a request to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office.

Why do I need a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

You may need a North Carolina Certificate of Existence to renew contracts, obtain financing, or demonstrate to other organizations that your business is in good standing in the state of North Carolina.

How much does a North Carolina Certificate of Existence cost?

The cost of a North Carolina Certificate of Existence varies, but it is typically around $10-$40.

How long does it take to receive a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

The processing time for a North Carolina Certificate of Existence can vary, but it is usually processed within a few business days.

Can I request a rush delivery for a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

Yes, you can request expedited processing for a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for an additional fee.

Is a North Carolina Certificate of Existence the same as a Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, a North Carolina Certificate of Existence is also known as a Certificate of Good Standing and serves the same purpose.

What information is included on a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

A North Carolina Certificate of Existence typically includes the name of the business, the date of incorporation, and a statement verifying that the business is in good standing in the state.

Is a North Carolina Certificate of Existence required for all businesses in the state?

It is not required for all businesses in North Carolina, but it may be necessary for certain activities such as renewing contracts or obtaining financing.

Can I request a North Carolina Certificate of Existence online?

Yes, you can request a North Carolina Certificate of Existence online through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.

How long is a North Carolina Certificate of Existence valid for?

A North Carolina Certificate of Existence is typically valid for a certain period of time, such as 30-90 days, depending on the issuing agency.

Do I need to include any additional documentation when requesting a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

It may be necessary to provide additional documentation, such as proof of identity, proof of address, or payment confirmation, depending on the requirements of the issuing agency.

Can I get a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a sole proprietorship?

Yes, you can obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a sole proprietorship, as long as it is registered with the state.

Can I use a North Carolina Certificate of Existence as proof of ownership of my business?

A North Carolina Certificate of Existence primarily verifies that a business is in good standing, but it may also serve as a form of proof of ownership in certain situations.

Can I request a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a nonprofit organization?

Yes, nonprofit organizations can also obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence to demonstrate their compliance with state regulations.

Can a North Carolina Certificate of Existence be used in other states?

A North Carolina Certificate of Existence is typically only valid within the state of North Carolina, but it may be accepted by other states in certain circumstances.

What is the difference between a North Carolina Certificate of Existence and a business license?

A North Carolina Certificate of Existence verifies that a business is registered and in good standing, while a business license grants permission to operate in a specific municipality or jurisdiction.

Can I use a North Carolina Certificate of Existence to open a business bank account?

Yes, a North Carolina Certificate of Existence is often required when opening a business bank account to verify the legitimacy of the business.

Do I need a North Carolina Certificate of Existence if I am operating as a sole proprietor?

A North Carolina Certificate of Existence may not be required for a sole proprietor, but it can be beneficial for establishing credibility with clients or lenders.

Can I obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a foreign corporation?

Yes, foreign corporations can obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence to demonstrate their authorization to do business in the state.

Can I use a North Carolina Certificate of Existence in court as evidence of good standing?

A North Carolina Certificate of Existence may be submitted as evidence in court to demonstrate that a business is in compliance with state regulations.

Can I request a North Carolina Certificate of Existence by mail?

Yes, you can submit a request for a North Carolina Certificate of Existence by mail, but be sure to include all necessary information and payment.

Can I obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a partnership?

Yes, you can obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a partnership to demonstrate the partnership’s good standing in the state.

How can I verify the authenticity of a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

You can verify the authenticity of a North Carolina Certificate of Existence by checking with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office or the issuing agency.

Can I obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a limited liability company (LLC)?

Yes, LLCs can obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence to confirm their registration and compliance with state requirements.

Can I request a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a business that is not in good standing?

If a business is not in good standing in the state of North Carolina, it may not be eligible to receive a Certificate of Existence until it resolves any compliance issues.

Can I get a replacement North Carolina Certificate of Existence if I lose the original?

Yes, you can request a replacement North Carolina Certificate of Existence if the original is lost or damaged, but you may need to provide additional information or documentation.

Can I obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence for a corporation?

Yes, corporations can obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Existence to verify their registration and compliance with state regulations.

Can I request a North Carolina Certificate of Existence on behalf of another person or business?

Yes, you can request a North Carolina Certificate of Existence on behalf of another person or business, as long as you have the necessary authorization.

Why would I need a North Carolina Certificate of Existence?

You may need a North Carolina Certificate of Existence to apply for loans, renew licenses, or conduct business transactions in other states.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Existence is a vital document for any business entity in North Carolina, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Existence is necessary.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in North Carolina, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Existence is one of them. In some cases, if the business gets shut down or dissolved due to administrative reasons, this document helps the owners retrieve their business in the future. In this article, we shared DIY ways to get the document, but you can always hire a professional to get that for you.