How long does it take to register a business in North Carolina?

Processing times vary: 7-10 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in North Carolina?

Yes, most cities in North Carolina require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in North Carolina?

The LLC filing fee is $125. Annual fees are $200. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $450.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within North Carolina. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the North Carolina Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

North Carolina Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your North Carolina LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to North Carolina businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for North Carolina

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in North Carolina?

$125

Filing Fee

7-10

Processing (days)

1.0M

Total Businesses

120K/yr

New Businesses

Research Triangle - leading biotech and tech hub

Charlotte is a major financial center

Competitive tax rates and business incentives

High quality of life attracting skilled workers

Starting a Business in North Carolina

Top Cities for Business

Charlotte897,000
Raleigh469,000
Greensboro299,000
Durham283,000
Winston-Salem249,000

Popular Industries

Banking
Technology
Biotechnology
Agriculture
Manufacturing

Cost to Start a Business in North Carolina

LLC Filing Fee$125

Annual Report Fee$200/year

Name Reservation (optional)$30 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$450

Processing time: 7-10 business days

North Carolina Tax Overview

North Carolina has a flat 5.25% personal income tax and 2.5% corporate tax. Sales tax is 4.75% state plus up to 2.75% local.

North Carolina Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable from existing entities

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance, University

Business Name Ideas for North Carolina

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Carolina Kitchen
NC Fresh Cuisine
Charlotte Table
Southern Hospitality
Tar Heel Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

NC Barber Co.
Classic Cuts
Carolina Cuts
Premium Grooming
Charlotte Barbers
Expert Style

construction

NC Build Group
Quality Construction
Carolina Contractors
Building NC
Charlotte Builders
Trusted Partners

consulting

NC Strategy
Business Growth
Carolina Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Charlotte Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

NC Mercantile
Local Goods
Carolina Market
Quality Products
Charlotte Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

NC Home Care
Complete Solutions
Carolina Services
Professional Care
Charlotte Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

NC Tech Labs
Innovation Triangle
Carolina Digital
Tech Solutions
Charlotte Software
Custom Development

healthcare

NC Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Carolina Medical
Patient Care
Charlotte Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

NC Properties
Dream Homes
Carolina Realty
Expert Service
Charlotte Living
Premium Properties

fitness

NC Fitness
Peak Performance
Carolina Strong
Community Fitness
Charlotte Athletics
Elite Training

Official North Carolina Business Resources

NC Secretary of State

Business registration and filing services

NC Department of Revenue

Tax registration and compliance

NC Small Business Center

Free business counseling and training

How to Register a Business in North Carolina

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your North Carolina LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report by April 15 ($200)
Maintain registered agent in North Carolina
Pay state and federal taxes as required
Obtain local business licenses as needed

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for North Carolina Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your North Carolina Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the North Carolina Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.