Registering an out-of-state LLC in North Carolina
An LLC formed in another state pays $250 to register in North Carolina, then files the same recurring reports as a North Carolina LLC.
Foreign LLC in North Carolina
Source-linkedState fees only · retrieved 2026-10-20
Application for Certificate of Authoritysource$250
Annual Reportsource$200 / yr
Year one$250
Every year after (average)$200
5-year total$1,050
When you need to register
If your LLC was formed in another state but "transacts business" in North Carolina — an office, employees, or regular in-state operations — North Carolina generally requires you to register before you do business here. You file Application for Certificate of Authority with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Business Registration Division; see the official fee.
Your home state keeps charging its own fees too, so the true cost is both states added together.
Corporations
Foreign corporation registration in North Carolina: $250.
North Carolina corporation costs