Run by the Secretary of State’s Business Registration Division. It covers corporations, LLCs, and nonprofits.
North Carolina Secretary of State | Business Entity Search
The North Carolina Secretary of State runs a free Business Registration search where you can look a company up by name, SOSID, official, or registered agent — and file its annual report from the same listing.
Business Name Availability Check
State of North Carolina
What the North Carolina Business Search Covers
Each record lists the SOSID, status, registration date, registered agent, principal office, and officials.
Searching is free, and you can file an annual report from the listing.
How to Search by Business Name
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1
Open the NC business registration search
Go to the Secretary of State's Business Registration Search by Name, or use the direct link below. It is free.
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2
Choose how to search
Search by company name, SOSID, officials, or registered agent. Skip the ending (Inc, LLC) and the "&" for cleaner results.
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3
Read the results
Results show matching entities with their SOSID and status. Click a name to open its record.
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4
Review the entity record
The record shows status, entity type, registration date, registered agent, principal office, and officials.
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5
File the annual report from the listing
Click File An Annual Report next to the listing and follow the step-by-step process.
Ready to try it? Open the official registration search and run your query.
Search North Carolina businesses ↗All the Ways to Search North Carolina Records
Company Name
Search by name; skip Inc/LLC and "&" for cleaner results. The most common starting point.
Open this search ↗SOSID
Go straight to one record using the entity's SOSID number.
Open this search ↗Officials
Search by the name of an official to find their associated entities.
Open this search ↗Registered Agent
Find the entities tied to a particular registered agent.
Open this search ↗Rules That Make Your Search Work
- Search by company name, SOSID, officials, or registered agent.
- Skip the entity ending (Inc, LLC) and "&" for cleaner name results.
- You can file an annual report straight from the entity listing.
- Searching is free.
- The North Carolina ID is called the SOSID.
- Corporations file an annual report ($25); LLCs file an annual report ($200) due April 15.
Reading the Entity Detail Page
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| SOSID | The identification number the Secretary of State assigned to the entity. |
| Entity Name | The registered legal name of the business. |
| Status | Whether the entity is Current-Active or in another condition. |
| Entity Type | The structure, such as a Domestic or Foreign LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit. |
| Registration Date | The date the entity was formed in North Carolina or registered as a foreign entity. |
| Registered Agent | The name and North Carolina address of the agent designated to receive legal documents. |
| Principal Office | The entity's principal business address as most recently reported. |
| Officials | The officers, managers, or members on file for the entity. |
| Filing History | The entity's filings, including annual reports and amendments. |
Two official references help you go further:
How to View and Download a Company's Filings
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1
Open the entity’s record
Search by name, SOSID, official, or agent and open the record.
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2
Open the filing history
Review the entity’s filings, including annual reports and amendments.
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3
View the documents
Open the filings directly from the record. Searching and viewing are free.
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4
File the annual report
Click File An Annual Report next to the listing and follow the steps.
Annual report: North Carolina corporations file an annual report ($25), and LLCs file one ($200) due April 15. You can file straight from the entity listing.
North Carolina Business Search - Common Questions
Is the North Carolina business search free?
Yes. The Business Registration Search is free to use.
What is the SOSID?
It is the identification number North Carolina assigns each entity. You can search directly by SOSID.
How should I type a name?
Skip the ending (Inc or LLC) and the "&" symbol for cleaner results.
Does North Carolina require an annual report?
Yes. Corporations file an annual report ($25), and LLCs file an annual report ($200) due April 15. You can file from the entity listing.
Can I search by an official's name?
Yes. You can search by officials and by registered agent, as well as by company name and SOSID.
A name is available in North Carolina. Does that mean I can use it?
Not necessarily. State availability does not clear a name against federal trademarks. Run a USPTO trademark screen and check domain and social-handle availability before committing.