How to Change North Carolina LLC Address | A Step-by-Step Guide

When you form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in North Carolina, you are required to provide a registered office address. This address is the official location where legal documents, such as the service of process, can be delivered. As your business grows, you may find it necessary to change your North Carolina LLC’s address for various reasons, such as moving to a larger space, expanding to multiple locations, or simply changing your Registered Agent.

Changing your LLC’s address in The Tar Heel State may seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a simple and straightforward process. In this article, we will walk you through the necessary steps to Change your North Carolina LLC’s Address, ensuring that you remain compliant with North Carolina regulations.

Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you easily change your North Carolina LLC Address. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change your North Carolina LLC Address

To change your North Carolina LLC address, you must follow the guidelines that include determining whether you need to change your LLC’s address, update your registered office address, update your principal place of business address, notify the IRS, and inform other relevant parties due to the amendment of your LLC address. 

Step 1: Determine Whether You Need to Change Your LLC’s Address

Before you begin the process of changing your North Carolina LLC’s address, it’s essential to determine whether a change is indeed necessary. In North Carolina, there are two primary addresses associated with your LLC:

Registered Office Address

This is the official address where legal documents and official correspondence will be delivered. If you are moving your North Carolina Business to a new location or changing your Registered Agent, you will need to update this address. Changing your Registered Agent is one of the reasons why you need to change your North Carolina LLC address because a Registered Agent should have a primary address in the state your LLC is registered. 

An example is having a Foreign LLC in North Carolina, a Registered Agent should have the same address as your registered Foreign LLC.

Principal Place of Business Address

This is where your North Carolina business operates. If you are moving your business, expanding to multiple locations, or changing your business structure, you must update this address. 

In some cases, you may need to update both addresses. Be sure to evaluate your specific situation to determine which (if not both) addresses need to be updated.

Step 2: Update Your Registered Office Address

If you need to change your registered office address in North Carolina, you will likely need to file an address change form with the North Carolina Secretary of State. Below is an outline of the steps:

Obtain the Appropriate Form

Visit the North Carolina Secretary of State‘s website to download the necessary form for changing your North Carolina registered office address. This form may be called “North Carolina Statement of Change of Registered Office” or something similar.

For you to update the registered office address, you need to have the following;

  • Your North Carolina LLC must obtain a Certificate of Existence from the North Carolina Secretary of State, confirming that it has complied with all filing and tax obligations in the state of North Carolina.
  • Your North Carolina LLC must conduct a name search on North Carolina Secretary of State Business Registration Search to ensure that its desired name is available for use in the state of North Carolina. However, if you do not wish to file your LLC right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 120 days. You must file a name reservation application in the North Carolina Secretary of State to keep the name. 

You can register your business under a different legal name if your preferred name isn’t available.  Once you have chosen a name, you can submit an application for a DBA (doing business as). In this manner, you can choose any name you desire for your business. A DBA allows a company to operate under the name of the person or entity who owns it. If you have decided to file for a DBA, you can file it in two methods, by mail and in person. for an easier way.

However, before filing a DBA, you should know that you need to renew your DBA up to Indefinite, which costs around $26.

  • Your North Carolina LLC should prepare and file the Articles of Domestication with the North Carolina Secretary of State, providing information about its existing North Carolina LLC, its desired North Carolina LLC name, and its new registered office address in North Carolina.
  • Your North Carolina LLC has designated a Registered Agent who has a physical address in North Carolina and is available during regular business hours to receive legal and official documents on behalf of the LLC.

In North Carolina, your Registered Agent must:

  • Be a resident of North Carolina or a business entity authorized to do business in North Carolina
  • Have a physical address in North Carolina (P.O. boxes are not acceptable)

Choosing a reliable and responsible Registered Agent is essential, as failure to receive and respond to legal documents can have serious consequences for your business. 

You can serve as your own Registered Agent or appoint a friend, family member, or professional North Carolina Registered Agent Services.

Complete the Form

Carefully fill out the form, providing all required information, including your North Carolina LLC’s name, current registered office address, and new registered office address. You may also be required to provide the name and address of your new Registered Agent if you are changing agents.

Submit the Form

Once the form is completed, please submit it to the North Carolina Secretary of State, along with any required filing fees. You can usually submit your form online, by mail, or in person.

The fees in North Carolina for this process are as follows:

  • Certificate of Existence: The fee for obtaining a Certificate of Existence from the North Carolina Secretary of State is $15.
  • Articles of Domestication: The filing fee for Articles of Domestication with the North Carolina Secretary of State is $100.00 for conversion.
  • Dissolving your North Carolina LLC: The fee for filing the North Carolina Articles of Dissolution with the North Carolina Secretary of State is $30.
Confirm the Change

After submitting your form and other required documents, you should receive a confirmation from the North Carolina Secretary of State that your address change has been processed. Keep this confirmation as proof that you have updated your registered office address.

Step 3: Update Your Principal Place of Business Address

If you need to change your North Carolina LLC’s principal place of business address in North Carolina, you may need to update your business license or other permits, depending on your specific situation. Here are some general steps to follow:

  • Contact Local Agencies: Contact the North Carolina Secretary of State that issued your business licenses or permits to determine their specific requirements for changing your address. Depending on your business type and location, this may include city, county, or state agencies.
  • Update your Licenses and Permits: Follow the instructions provided by the North Carolina Secretary of State to update your business licenses and permits with your new principal place of business address. 
  • Keep Records: Retain copies of any updated North Carolina licenses, permits, or other documents as proof that you have changed your principal place of business address. This may be necessary for future filings, audits, or compliance requirements.

Step 4: Notify the IRS of Your Address Change

In addition to updating your North Carolina LLC’s address with the North Carolina Secretary of State and local agencies, you should also notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your address change. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Complete Form 8822-B: Download and complete IRS Form 8822-B, “Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business.” This form informs the IRS of your LLC’s new address.
  • Mail the Form: Mail the completed Form 8822-B to the IRS at the address specified in the form’s instructions. There is no filing fee associated with this form.
  • Update your EIN: If your North Carolina LLC has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you should also update the address associated with your EIN by contacting the IRS via phone, mail, or fax. The specific contact information and instructions can be found on the IRS website.

Step 5: Inform Other Relevant Parties of Your Address Change

To ensure that your North Carolina LLC remains in good standing and that you continue to receive important correspondence, you should also inform the following parties of your address change:

  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Vendors and suppliers
  • Customers and clients
  • Utility providers
  • Insurance companies
  • Relevant industry associations or organizations

Can Form 882-B Be Used to Change the LLC Name? 

Form 8822-B, titled “Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business,” informs the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of an address change for a business or a change in the responsible party. It cannot be used to change the name of an LLC.

To change the name of North Carolina LLC, you must follow the appropriate process in the state where your LLC is registered. This typically involves filing Articles of Amendment or a similar document with the North Carolina Secretary of State or the relevant state agency. After the name change has been approved at the state level, you should inform the IRS by following the instructions on your tax return or by sending a signed letter to the IRS office where you filed your return.

What are the Best LLC Formation Services in North Carolina?

If you’re planning to find an LLC formation service to help you with changing your North Carolina LLC Address, you can look up the Best North Carolina LLC Formation Services on this site. 

FAQs

What is North Carolina’s LLC address change process?
In North Carolina, LLC address change process requires filing a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State.
What is a North Carolina LLC Certificate of Amendment?
It is a legal document needed for altering existing LLC business information, including business address details.
Where can I download the Certificate of Amendment for LLC address change in North Carolina?
You can download a fillable Certificate of Amendment form at the Secretary of State’s website in North Carolina.
Can I change my LLC address in North Carolina online?
Yes, it is possible to change LLC address in North Carolina online via the Secretary of State’s website.
What is the fee for changing an LLC’s address in North Carolina?
The filing fee for a Certificate of Amendment to change LLC address in North Carolina is $50.
Is there a processing time for obtaining a Certificate of Amendment in North Carolina?
Typically, North Carolina’s Secretary of State processes the Certificates of Amendment within three to five business days.
Can I expedite the LLC address change process in North Carolina?
Yes, the processing can be expedited at an additional fee of $200 for same-day processing, while expedited eight-hour processing costs $100.
What contact details should I include in the LLC Certificate of Amendment to change address in North Carolina?
You need to specify the names and addresses of all active LLC members, in addition to updated company addresses.
Does North Carolina allow changing LLC addresses to a PO Box?
Yes, you can change an LLC address to a PO Box if the North Carolina Postmaster or Courthouse authorizes it.
Can I change my registered agent address along with my LLC address in North Carolina?
Yes, an amended registered office/agent must be included whenever you are changing the LLC address in North Carolina.
What happens if I omit the old LLC address on Certificate of Amendment in North Carolina?
You won’t face any legal repercussions, but the state agency may not update your LLC record correctly.
What should I do if I also want to change my LLC name along with my address in North Carolina?
You will need to file an additional Certificate of Amendment form with the Secretary of State’s office and pay the associated fee.
How will I know if the Secretary of State’s office has accepted my LLC address change request in North Carolina?
Once your Certificate of Amendment is approved by the Secretary of State, they will send a confirmation certificate via email.
Does my LLC need a North Carolina attorney to change the address in the state?
No, North Carolina does not require an attorney to change LLC address, you can do it as a DIY task.
What is the penalty for not reporting changed LLC addresses in North Carolina?
Not reporting changed LLC addresses in North Carolina is subject to Late Fees
What type of paper should I use for the LLC Certificate of Amendment in North Carolina?
The Secretary of State only accepts legal paper, not letter or A4 paper, for the LLC Certificate of Amendment in North Carolina.
Do I need notary services for the LLC Certificate of Amendment to change my address in North Carolina?
No notary services are required for a Certified of Amendment to change an LLC address in North Carolina.
How soon do I need to report my LLC address change to the North Carolina Secretary of State?
North Carolina LLC owners need to update their new business address within sixty days from the date they have moved into a new address.
Can only North Carolina LLC managers alter the address of the LLC?
No, company members or managers who have authorization to institute internal modifications concerning addressing can send a Certificate of Amendment.
Do international American companies in North Carolina need to follow the same LLC address change process?
Yes, international American companies operating in North Carolina also need to follow the same LLC address change process.
How many copies of the Certificate of Amendment to Change LLC Address in North Carolina do I need to have?
Only 1 original copy is required to file out of North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, click ”Download a fill in the blank Amendment.”
Can a previous address still appear on North Carolina LLC’s record after a changed address is documented?
No, North Carolina law requires the Secretary of State to obstruct available other addresses to keep only the newest one.
Can I change the registered office address without filing the Certificate of Amendment in North Carolina?
No, LLCs’ registered offices and new business addresses in North Carolina can only be changed using a Certificate of Amendment.
Can I have multiple office addresses in North Carolina with the same LLC name?
Yes, it is possible to own or conduct business from numerous offices/locations in North Carolina under the same LLC name.
How do I obtain a copy of the original Certificate of Incorporation after modifying an LLC address in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s Secretary of State provides only an average file stamped duplicate of your Certificate of Amendment after submission.
Can out-of-state LLCs change their addresses in North Carolina?
Yes, an out-of-state LLC can independently modify their address in North Carolina utilizing a Certificate of Amendment.
Can the corporation’s Agent for Services of Process also be changed using the Certificate of Amendment filed with North Carolina Secretary of State?
Yes, LLC corporate agents appointed to receive summons and legal notifications can be modified along with changing the company’s North Carolina address.
Can I obtain tax documentation considering the new LLC address immediately after submitting my Certificate of Amendment to the North Carolina Secretary of State?
Local affairs or tax obligations North Carolina prompts companies to file tax returns or clarify LLC stand under their structures promptly before releasing sensitive information.
Is there any time limit and address requirements regarding Change of Address with a North Carolina registered agent?
Generally, serious negative legal repercussions could occur if changing address changes to a registered office or registered technician aren’t altered promptly or accurately, in the North Carolina LLC statutes specifies or requires a legal liability waived.
How do I change my LLC address in North Carolina?
You can change your LLC address in North Carolina by following the North Carolina Secretary of State’s instructions.
Can I change my LLC address online in NC?
Yes, you can change your LLC address online in NC through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.
What documents do I need to submit to change my LLC address in NC?
You only need to submit the North Carolina Secretary of State’s address change form to change your LLC address in NC.
How much does it cost to change my LLC address in NC?
The fee for changing your LLC address in NC is $5 as of 2021.
When do I need to change my LLC address in NC?
You need to change your LLC address in NC if you have moved or if your address has changed for any other reason.
How long does it take to change my LLC address in NC?
It usually takes up to two business days for the North Carolina Secretary of State to process LLC address change forms.
Can I change my LLC address to a PO Box in NC?
Yes, you can change your LLC address to a PO Box in NC.
What if I have more than one LLC in NC and want to change them all to the same address?
You will need to submit separate address change forms for each LLC you own in NC.
Do I need to notify anyone else about my LLC address change in NC?
You should notify the North Carolina Department of Revenue, as well as any banking institutions, suppliers, or vendors that you do business with about your LLC address change.
What happens if I don’t change my LLC address in NC?
If you don’t change your LLC address in NC, your mail, legal documents, and other important correspondence related to your LLC may be sent to the wrong address.
Can I change my registered agent and my LLC address at the same time in NC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent and your LLC address at the same time in NC.
Is there a deadline by which I need to change my LLC address in NC?
There is no specific deadline to change your LLC address in NC, but you should do it as soon as possible after it changes.
What if I want to change my LLC name and my address at the same time in NC?
You will need to file a new Articles of Organization with the North Carolina Secretary of State if you want to change both your LLC name and your address at the same time in NC.
Do I need to provide any proof of my new address when I change my LLC address in NC?
No, you do not need to provide any proof of your new address when you change your LLC address in NC.
Can I change my LLC address by phone in NC?
No, you cannot change your LLC address by phone in NC. You need to submit the North Carolina Secretary of State’s address change form to change your LLC address.
Can I change my LLC address by mail in NC?
Yes, you can change your LLC address by mail in NC. Just fill out the North Carolina Secretary of State’s address change form and mail it in.
Will I receive confirmation of my LLC address change in NC?
Yes, you will receive confirmation of your LLC address change in NC via email.
Do I need a physical address to change my LLC address in NC?
Yes, you do need a physical address to change your LLC address in NC. You cannot use a PO box as your LLC address.
Do I need to reapply for a business license when I change my LLC address in NC?
No, you do not need to reapply for a business license when you change your LLC address in NC.
Can I change the mailing address and physical address for my LLC separately in NC?
No, you cannot change the mailing address and physical address for your LLC separately on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s address change form. They must be the same.
Can I change my LLC address without my co-owners’ permission in NC?
No, you cannot change your LLC address without your co-owners’ permission in NC. You will need to get their consent before changing your LLC address.
Will I need to update my LLC operating agreement after changing my LLC address in NC?
It is a good idea to update your LLC operating agreement after changing your LLC address in NC, but it is not required.
Do I need a lawyer to change my LLC address in NC?
No, you do not need a lawyer to change your LLC address in NC. You can do it yourself using the North Carolina Secretary of State’s address change form.
How often can I change my LLC address in NC?
There is no limit on how often you can change your LLC address in NC, but it is recommended that you keep your address up to date.
How do I contact the North Carolina Secretary of State if I have questions about changing my LLC address?
You can contact the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office by phone, email, or mail if you have questions about changing your LLC address in NC.
What if I need to change my LLC address again after already changing it once in NC?
You will need to follow the same process to change your LLC address again in NC by submitting the North Carolina Secretary of State’s address change form.
Can I change my LLC address when renewing my NC business registration?
Yes, you can change your LLC address when renewing your NC business registration by including the North Carolina Secretary of State’s address change form with your renewal application.
Is my LLC dissolution affected by changing my address in NC?
No, your LLC dissolution is not affected by changing your address in NC.

Also Read

Conclusion

Changing your LLC’s address in North Carolina can be relatively simple if you follow the above steps. By updating your registered office and principal place of business addresses, notifying the IRS, and informing other relevant parties, you can ensure that your LLC remains compliant with North Carolina regulations and continues to operate smoothly.

Remember to keep records of all address changes and any updated licenses, permits, or other documents, as these may be necessary for future filings, audits, or other compliance requirements. And as always, consult with a legal or business professional if you have any questions or concerns about your situation.

Leave a Comment