Change of Principal Office in North Carolina: Understanding the Designation Statement Process

If you want to change the principal office address of a business entity in North Carolina, the process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure compliance with state law. The North Carolina Secretary of State oversees business entity filings, and any changes to a company’s principal office address must be appropriately documented. Typically, corporations, LLCs, and nonprofit organizations update this information by filing an amendment to their Articles of Incorporation/Organization or through their annual report—whichever is sooner. The process involves submitting a specific form (for example, for corporations: the “Corporation’s Statement of Change of Principal Office Address” form), along with the applicable fee if required. The new address must be a physical location, not just a PO Box.

As a designer, I see maintaining up-to-date and accurate records as essential to creating an organized and efficient business environment, much like the impact of a well-designed workspace. Just as clarity in office layout and spatial planning leads to better productivity, ensuring your legal documents are current supports smoother business operations and peace of mind.

Tips 1:

Double-check that the new principal office address is consistent across all internal and external business documents, including your website and business cards. Consistency—whether in design or in company records—is key to building trust and professionalism.

FAQ

Q: Who needs to approve the change of principal office in North Carolina?

A: The change typically requires authorization by the company’s governing body, such as the Board of Directors for a corporation or members/managers for an LLC.

Q: Is there a fee to change the principal office address in North Carolina?

A: Most address changes can be made without a fee if filed as part of the annual report. However, filing a separate amendment may incur a small fee.

Q: Can I use a PO Box for my principal office address?

A: No, North Carolina requires a physical street address for the principal office; a PO Box alone is not acceptable.

Q: How soon does the change take effect?

A: The change is effective upon filing with and approval by the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Q: Does changing my principal office affect my registered agent?

A: No, but both addresses must be kept current with the state. If your registered agent address is also changing, you must update it separately through the appropriate process.