Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
You can get an LLC in North Carolina in 2-5 business days if you file online (or 2-3 weeks if you file by mail). If you need your North Carolina LLC faster, you can pay for expedited processing.
North Carolina LLC Processing Times
| Normal LLC processing time: | Expedited LLC: | |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina LLC by mail: | 2-5 business days (plus mail time) | 24 hours* ($100 extra) Same-day* ($200 extra) |
| North Carolina LLC online: | 2-5 business days | 24 hours* ($100 extra) Same-day* ($200 extra) |
What is LLC processing time? This is the time it takes for the state of North Carolina to review your LLC filing and enter it in their system. After your LLC is approved, the state sends back your approved documents electronically or by mail.
North Carolina LLC Approval Times
Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for North Carolina LLCs take 2-3 weeks. This accounts for the 2-5 business day processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail.
Online filings: In total, online filing approvals for North Carolina LLCs take up to 2-5 business days. Since you can download your documents as soon as they’re approved by the Secretary of State, there is no extra transit time.
What is LLC approval time? This is the total turnaround time to get your LLC approved from start to finish. It includes the processing time plus any transit time to and from the state.
North Carolina expedited LLC
North Carolina has 2 expedited LLC options when you file online:
- 24-hour processing for $100 extra
- Same day processing for $200 extra (must be received by noon)
Source: North Carolina Secretary of State: Business Registration Fees
The same expedited options are available for mail filings. However, if you want to expedite a mail filing, it involves submitting a cover letter and overnighting your documents.
Note: Expedited fees are in addition to the LLC filing fee.
What’s the fastest way to get an LLC in North Carolina?
The fastest way to get an LLC in North Carolina is to file yourself online and pay for expedited processing. This option has the fastest approval time.
Should I hire an LLC filing service in North Carolina?
Hiring an LLC filing service isn’t going to get your LLC approved any faster. Filing companies still have to wait for the state to approve your LLC.
However, the benefit of hiring a filing company isn’t to reduce LLC approval time. It’s to have someone else take care of the paperwork for you (and make sure it’s filed correctly).
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
Why we recommend Northwest? Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for over 20 years and they have the best customer support. Our favorite thing about Northwest is that you can use their address throughout your LLC filing. This can provide you with additional privacy by keeping your address off public records. No other filing company offers this.
Even though Northwest is our favorite company, you may want to look at other companies and compare your options. Check out Best LLC Services in North Carolina for additional recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an LLC cost?
The one-time cost to start an LLC varies by state. There are also LLC Annual Fees to maintain your business that vary by state.
Here are the costs for a North Carolina LLC:
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Name | $0 |
| Registered Agent | $0 or $125 per year |
| Articles of Organization | $125 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
| EIN Number | $0 (free through IRS) |
| Annual Report | $200 |
| Taxes | varies (filed and/or paid every year) |
How to start an LLC in North Carolina?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in North Carolina:
- Search your North Carolina LLC name
- Choose your North Carolina Registered Agent
- File North Carolina Articles of Organization with the state
- Sign your North Carolina LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN for your North Carolina LLC
- Open an LLC bank account
How long does it take to get an LLC in every state?
Important: Just because one state is faster than another doesn’t mean you should form your LLC there. If you form your LLC out-of-state, you’ll need to register it as a foreign LLC in your home state. For more information, please see the best state to form an LLC.
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North Carolina LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See North Carolina LLC
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
We are waiting for a new LLC filing to be approved online. Currently status says Professional Review. Do you know how long this generally takes and what other statuses we would see in the online filing?
Hello I’m currently selling some land to a man who is a contractor and runs a concrete/grading business. He knows all the right people in his network to build a neighborhood as he did with the last land I sold him. However last time he just kind of middle maned the deal and connected me with a big builder, and he had a part in grading and doing water lines and all that. This deal he says he is personally buying it him and his brother. Signed sale agreement with 90 days due diligence period Dec. 3rd. Ever since that date it’s been one thing after the other and I think he’s jerking me around. We were apparently waiting on the lawyer to do title search and getting ready to close! 3 weeks later now he says the hold up is waiting for state to approve his LLC. I don’t know if he’s getting a loan or not since he’s a millionaire…but I know they wouldn’t approve a loan without already having established business license. So that wouldn’t make sense with the facts I have. I think he’s paying out of pocket but why would he wait till now to creat the business name? He’s had 4 months to do this. In In NC and reading it only takes about a week to get the LLC. I’m really feeling like he’s blowing smoke up my ass to buy time…for whatever reason. Think I’m gonna give him exactly a month and I’m walking. Thoughts?
Hi Eli, I’d say trust your gut on this one. Using the LLC as another excuse would be a red flag for me too. Hope that helps.
Hello Mike, I sent in my order for an LLC for NC on 3/6/25 and still have not received approval. If it takes 2-5 business days what could be the hold up do you think? Thank you.
Hi Sheryl, sometimes there can be small delays. Did you receive the approval yet?
What happens if an LLC name once filed, is denied on the grounds of having too similar a name to another existing entity? Do i have to refile and pay another filing fee altogether? I.e. Do i lose the initial $175 or do they let me refile for free?
Hi Mike, no, the state doesn’t take your money like that. You’ll either get a refund or a credit for the $125 for the NC Articles of Organization fee.