As of 2026-07-23 · verified against primary sources
North Carolina charitable solicitation registration: requirements, fees, and deadlines
| Registration | Required |
| Agency | North Carolina Secretary of State — Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division |
| Initial fee | $0–$200, tiered on contributions |
| Renewal fee | $0–$200, tiered on contributions |
| Renewal / report due | 15th day of the 5th month after fiscal year end |
| Filing channel | Electronic filing available |
Who must register
North Carolina generally requires charitable organizations to register with the North Carolina Secretary of State — Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division before soliciting contributions there, unless an exemption applies. Requirements attach to out-of-state charities soliciting North Carolina residents as well as local ones.
N.C.G.S. § 131F-5(a) · official source
Exemptions we check for
Likely exempt if it solicits charitable contributions for a religious institution — such solicitation is exempt from North Carolina's licensing requirement (N.C.G.S. § 131F-3(1)); the exemption is self-executing (an optional no-fee request form exists but is not required).
N.C.G.S. § 131F-3(1) verbatim
The state, not Steadworthy, decides whether an exemption applies.
Is your charity registered in North Carolina? Check free.
Citations
- N.C.G.S. § 131F-5(a) · source · verified 2026-07-23
- Ch. 131F 'Department' licensing administered by the SOS Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division (sosnc.gov/divisions/charities; fee page cross-confirms § … · source · verified 2026-07-23
- N.C.G.S. § 131F-8 · source · verified 2026-07-23
- Same § 131F-8 schedule annually ('license shall be renewed on an annual basis', § 131F-5(c)). Late fee by rule, capped $25 per month or part-month (§ 131F-8(… · source · verified 2026-07-23
- N.C.G.S. § 131F-5(c) · source · verified 2026-07-23
- SOS · source · verified 2026-07-23
- N.C.G.S. § 131F-3(1) verbatim · source · verified 2026-07-23
Statuses and requirements reflect public records and cited sources as of the dates shown. Informational, not legal advice.