Registration of a Business Name in North Carolina
The registration of business names in the state of North Carolina is governed by the North Carolina General Statutes. Business names for North Carolina corporations and limited liability companies are registered at the time that the legal entity files its Articles of Incorporation or Organization with the state. Sole proprietorships, general partnerships and limited partnerships are not required to register business entities with the state; however, such business entities using a name other then their own to conduct business must register the name of the entity. Corporations and limited liability companies may operate under an assumed name, which is a name other than the one that was filed at the time of incorporation or organization, if they register the name.
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Name Availability
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North Carolina requires all new business entities to adopt a unique business name. A business name is unique if it is not currently in use by another registered business entity within the state or if it is not confusingly similar to a previously registered name. Businesses can look up name availability information on the North Carolina Secretary of State, Corporations Division.
Certificate of Assumed Name
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The Certificate of Assumed Name is the designated name registration form in North Carolina. There is one form for sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited partnerships. There are two additional and separate forms for corporations and limited liability companies. Business entities should select the form that corresponds to their legal structure. Certificate of Assumed Name forms can be accessed on the North Carolina Department of Commerce website.
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Notorization
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In order to complete the Certificate of Assumed Name form, you must take it to a notary for notarization. The process of notarization includes providing identification documents such as a driver's license, passport or photo I.D. to a North Carolina notary. The notary will verify your identity and instruct you to sign the Certificate of Assumed Name form. The notary will then place his notary seal on your document.
Filing With the Register of Deeds
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All Certificates for Assumed Name forms must be filed for registration with the Register of Deeds office in the county in which the business is located. Each county will charge a specified filing fee for registering your business name. You can locate the Register of Deeds office in your county by visiting the North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds.
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