# North Carolina business search

Source: https://joinopenfile.com/business-search/north-carolina
Index: https://joinopenfile.com/llms.txt

North Carolina's official business search is Business Registration Search, run by the North Carolina Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name, agent or officer.

[Search North Carolina records](https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/search/by_title/search_Business_Registration)

## How to check if a name is taken in North Carolina

1. Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
2. Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
3. If nothing close comes up, run a [free trademark search](https://joinopenfile.com/trademark-search). A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.

## LLC name endings in North Carolina

An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, Limited Liability Co, L.L.C., Ltd. Liability Company, Limited Liability Company.

## Once the name is clear

North Carolina charges $125 to form an LLC and $125 to form a corporation. See [how to start an LLC in North Carolina](https://joinopenfile.com/llc/north-carolina), or a [North Carolina DBA](https://joinopenfile.com/dba/north-carolina) if you only need a trade name.

## North Carolina business search questions

Is the North Carolina business search free?

Yes. The North Carolina Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.

Does searching reserve a name in North Carolina?

No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.

Can I see who owns a North Carolina LLC?

The record shows what North Carolina requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.

[Start my North Carolina LLC](https://joinopenfile.com/start?state=NC&entity=llc&pkg=basic)