We now offer online renewal for established PAs and PLLCs. To access the Licensure Gateway system, go to the License Renewal page. Refresh the page to get the link to the new system.

For information on forming a professional association or a professional limited liability company click on the appropriate link below.   View Rules regarding Professional Corporations (PDF).

Whether doing this on your own or hiring an attorney to help, the following steps will be helpful in incorporating your practice.

o Decide on the name you will use for the company.  Please note that the name must include your surname and may not include descriptive phrases.  (eg.  John Smith, D.D.S., P.L.L.C. can be used, while North Carolina Dental Associates, PLLC may not be used).

o Complete the online application.

o Once registered with The Secretary of State and the filed Articles of Organization have been returned, complete the online application for registration and pay the $50 fee. Upload the filed Articles.

o Once everything is approved, you may print a certificate of registration from the Licensure Gateway, which displays the corporation name and registration date.

For questions concerning filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State, please contact them at PO Box 29622  Raleigh, NC  27626-0622, Phone (919) 807-2000, or toll free at (888) 830-4989. Their website address is www.secstate.state.nc.us.

Can I receive a certificate of licensure to send to the Secretary of State if I am not sure of the corporation name I will be using?

No. The Secretary of State requires that the certificate you submit contains the exact name of the corporation before they will file Articles of Organization.

Is it necessary to use an attorney to form the corporation?

No.   You may form a professional association or professional limited liability company without the help of an attorney; however, many dentists choose to use an attorney to help determine which type of corporation best suits them.

My license is currently on a probationary status; can I still form a corporation?

Yes.   But please note that if your license is suspended or becomes inactive, you will no longer be able to keep the corporation in an active status.

What happens if I don’t submit the required information by the deadline?

If the registration is not completed by the deadline, the Secretary of State will be notified to suspend the professional association or professional limited liability company.

Are there fees that I must pay?

Yes, every year on the anniversary of the registration of the professional association or professional limited liability company, the corporation must be renewed and the $25 fee paid through the Licensure Gateway by the end of the renewal month. Failure to renew will result in suspension of the professional association or professional limited liability company with the Secretary of State.

What if I already have a professional association or professional limited liability company, but want to add a member or change the name?

In order to change the name of the professional association or professional limited liability company, you must contact our office via email.  There is no fee required.