How to Amend Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina (2025)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Amend North Carolina Articles of Incorporation

Amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina is required if you make any changes to your formed corporation. An amendment is a process through which you report the structural or any change in your corporation to the North Carolina Secretary of State. To do so, you are required to follow a few simple steps. You need to get the amendment form, enter the details of the changes, and submit it to the appropriate address along with the amendment fee.

In this article, we have shared the process in detail. You will learn how to amend North Carolina Articles of Incorporation in easy steps. It will be helpful for you if you read the article till the end. 

What is the North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?

The North Carolina Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that you need to file with the Secretary of State while registering your corporation in North Carolina. It is similar to the Articles of Organization you file while creating an LLC in North Carolina. If you already own a corporation in North Carolina, you must know what the Articles of Incorporation is. However, those who are not aware of this document can get all the required details from this page. The Articles of Incorporation is a set of papers that have all the information regarding your corporation and are filed with the Secretary of State. You must pay the filing fees to register your Articles of Incorporation.

This document has information related to your corporation. Details like the name of the corp, principal address, North Carolina Registered Agent details, corporation structure, directors, shareholders, and signature of the incorporators should be mentioned in the document. An online or offline form mentioning these details should be filed with the SOS at the time of forming your corporation. You must pay the filing fee to the state online or by check. 

Like forming an LLC, for the corporation, it takes some time to form your business in North Carolina after filing the documents. You can expedite the filing process by paying additional money over the filing fees. 

It is good to make changes in your Articles of Incorporation. When you change anything, specifcally the name, it brings good and bad effects to the company. Make sure the name change does not affect your revenue or status adversely.

– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Amend the North Carolina Articles of Incorporation

There are three main steps to file your amendment to the North Carolina Articles of Incorporation. Before you proceed with the steps of filing the form, you must know what changes you can make in your corporation and what changes you cannot. Let’s start with the first step and some related information, 

Step 1: Determine What Changes You Need in North Carolina Corporation

amend document

Updating your Articles of Incorporation periodically can be beneficial by making necessary changes. However, frequent alterations in structure or name may not be advisable. The first step involves determining which changes are needed and assessing their potential impact. Modifying aspects of your existing business can affect your revenue or client relationships, so it’s crucial to carefully consider whether the changes are truly necessary and what consequences they may bring.

An up-to-date Articles of Incorporation reflects the current status of a corporation in North Carolina. The key elements of your updated Articles of Incorporation may include the advantages of being a Registered Agent, the company’s contact information, and the process for receiving legal notices, among other details.

Step 2: Review the Changes You Made in the Articles of Incorporation

The subsequent step involves reviewing the changes. The North Carolina Secretary of State may request additional supporting documents based on the modifications made to your corporation. After finalizing the changes, you can proceed to draft the North Carolina corporate amendment. Consult with the SOS to determine if any other documents need to be submitted. For instance, if you are changing the business name, you might be required to submit a name change/reservation form along with the North Carolina Corporate Amendment form.

What Can Be Changed in Articles of Incorporation

It is not easy to change things in your business. Besides, there are some restrictions in changing things in your corporation in North Carolina. There are things you can change, but there are things that you cannot change. I have mentioned a few points in this article that you can change above, such as the name, statement of purpose, and the number of shares issued. Now, there are things that you cannot change in the Articles of Incorporation. 

What Can not Be Changed in North Carolina Corporate Amendment?

llc formation document

If you started a corporation in North Carolina, you must initially have appointed a Registered Agent. You cannot change the initial registered agent in the Articles of Incorporation Corporate Amendment. You can change it using other methods and forms available in the North Carolina SOS. 

Another point is the initial mailing address of your corporation cannot be changed in the North Carolina Corporate Amendment. In this case, you can change it through other methods requiring different forms. 

The third point is the initial directors who formed the corporation in North Carolina. The details of the initial directors cannot be changed in the North Carolina Corporate Amendment. There is no other way to change the directors’ details.

Step 3: File the North Carolina Corporate Amendment

Finally, file the North Carolina Corporate Amendment with the Secretary of State by the methods (online or offline) available. You must go through the filing process mentioned on the SOS official website before you start the filing process. You must pay the state fees for filing the North Carolina Corporate Amendment. 

If you are in North Carolina and have formed an LLC, you must file the Amended Certificate of Authority in North Carolina with the SOS if you make any changes to the limited liability company.

Why Amend Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina?

There can be several reasons why you make changes to your corporation. A business runs based on diverse components. From economic conditions to internal structures (shareholders and directors), the corporation can change many times in its life based on external or internal reasons.

llc

Change of North Carolina Corporation Name: The name of the corporation does not often change because it is the primary identity of any business. Sometimes, a spelling or the entire name requires to be changed for many reasons. In that case, the corporation has to file the amendment with the SOS mentioning the old and new names. They have to submit the business name change form with the amendment form. 

Change of Statement of Purpose: This is a document where you explain the purpose of your corporation. The purpose says that you are involved in legal and lawful activities through your business. If you are having a nonprofit, you must have a community purpose. If you change that purpose, you must file the amendment. If you change the nature of the business or the purpose of the corporation overall, then you must file an amendment.

Change in Numbers of Stocks and Shares: Finally, if you change the number of shares or stock issues in your company, then you must amend it. It can be reduced or increased if you decide to remove or add a shareholder/partner to the corporation. In that case, it must be amended with the SOS.

Penalties for Not Filing the Amendment in North Carolina

Now, one question arises when we talk about filing the amendment what happens if you don’t amend the North Carolina Articles of Incorporation? The answer is simple. You might have to pay heavy penalties if you do not file it. Besides, you may lose existing clients as they may not be interested in continuing to work with your company. 

They might cancel the existing contract; you might lose the bank loan or advance opportunities, or you may lose the business bank accounts for not complying with the amendment filing requirements. Hence, it is highly recommended to amend the North Carolina Articles of Incorporation. 

FAQs

How do I amend my North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
The Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina can be amended by filing Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to amend the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina?
Yes, there is a fee required for filing the Articles of Amendment in North Carolina.
Can I make changes to the purpose of my corporation in North Carolina?
Yes, you can make changes to the purpose of your corporation when amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina.
Do I need to notify the North Carolina Secretary of State if my corporation’s address changes?
Yes, it is important to notify the North Carolina Secretary of State of any changes to your corporation’s address.
What is the timeline for processing an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina?
The processing time for amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina can vary but typically takes a few weeks.
Can I amend the name of my corporation in North Carolina?
Yes, you can change the name of your corporation when amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina.
Are there any restrictions on what changes can be made when amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina?
There are certain restrictions on changes that can be made when amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina, such as changing to a name that is already in use.
Do I need to provide a reason for amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina?
You are not required to provide a reason for amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina.
Can I add new directors or officers when amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina?
Yes, you can make changes to the directors or officers of your corporation when amending the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina.
What is the process for amending the Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit corporation in North Carolina?
Nonprofit corporations in North Carolina can also amend their Articles of Incorporation by following a similar process as for-profit corporations.
How do I amend the articles of incorporation for my North Carolina corporation?
To amend the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation, you must file Articles of Amendment with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Can I amend the articles of incorporation for my North Carolina corporation online?
Yes, you can file Articles of Amendment online through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.
What information is required in the Articles of Amendment for a North Carolina corporation?
The Articles of Amendment must include the name of the corporation, the date the articles were originally filed, and the specific amendments being made.
Is there a fee for filing the Articles of Amendment for a North Carolina corporation?
Yes, there is a filing fee required to amend the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation.
How long does it take for the North Carolina Secretary of State to process an amendment to the articles of incorporation?
The processing time for an amendment to the articles of incorporation in North Carolina varies, but it typically takes a few weeks.
Can I make multiple amendments to the articles of incorporation in a single filing for a North Carolina corporation?
Yes, you can make multiple amendments to the articles of incorporation in a single filing for a North Carolina corporation.
What happens after the North Carolina Secretary of State approves the Articles of Amendment?
Once the Articles of Amendment are approved by the North Carolina Secretary of State, the amended articles become the official governing document of the corporation.
Do I need to notify anyone else of the changes to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation?
It is a good idea to inform all stakeholders, such as employees, shareholders, and stakeholders of the changes to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation.
Can I change the name of my North Carolina corporation through an amendment to the articles of incorporation?
Yes, you can change the name of your North Carolina corporation by amending the articles of incorporation.
Are there any restrictions on the types of changes that can be made through an amendment to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation?
North Carolina state law has specific requirements regarding what can and cannot be changed through an amendment to the articles of incorporation for a corporation.
Do I need to hold a board meeting to approve the amendments to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation?
It is typically required to have a board meeting to approve amendments to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation, but it ultimately depends on the corporation’s bylaws.
Can I draft the amended articles of incorporation myself for a North Carolina corporation?
It is recommended to consult with a legal professional or a corporate attorney to ensure that the amended articles of incorporation comply with North Carolina state law.
Will the amended articles of incorporation be available for public viewing in North Carolina?
Yes, the amended articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation will be available for public viewing through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office.
Can I revoke or undo the amendments made to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation?
In some cases, you may be able to revoke or undo the amendments made to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation, but it depends on the circumstances.
Can I amend the articles of incorporation for a foreign corporation doing business in North Carolina?
Yes, a foreign corporation doing business in North Carolina can file Articles of Amendment to make changes to its articles of incorporation.
Are there specific deadlines for filing amendments to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation?
While there are no specific deadlines for filing amendments to the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation, it is recommended to file the amendments promptly after the changes have been approved.
Can I amend the purpose or objectives of my North Carolina corporation through an amendment to the articles of incorporation?
Yes, you can amend the purpose or objectives of your North Carolina corporation through an amendment to the articles of incorporation.
Does amending the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation affect its tax status?
Amending the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation may have implications on the corporation’s tax status, so it is recommended to consult with a tax professional.
Can I amend the registered agent information for a North Carolina corporation through an amendment to the articles of incorporation?
No, to change the registered agent information for a North Carolina corporation, you will need to file a separate form with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Are there any provisions that cannot be amended in the articles of incorporation for a North Carolina corporation?
Yes, North Carolina law may place restrictions on certain provisions that cannot be amended in the articles of incorporation for a corporation.

Also Read

In Conclusion

Amending the North Carolina Articles of Incorporation may not involve numerous steps, but the process can be more complex than it appears. It’s crucial to carefully consider any changes to ensure they do not negatively impact your business or client relationships. Before proceeding with modifications and amendments, it is advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional for guidance.

Due to the complicated structure, forming a corporation in North Carolina might be difficult. However, after forming the corporation, managing it seems to be more difficult for many people. A frequent change may or may not occur. But, every time you make a change, you must file the amendment with North Carolina SOS. It is also suggested that you do not make changes frequently as it may affect your brand in a reverse way.

Leave a Comment