The Essential Guide To The NC Secretary Of State Phone Number: 7 Ways To Contact The Office (2025 Update)

Contents

Navigating the North Carolina Secretary of State (NCSOS) office can be a complex process, whether you are registering a new business, becoming a notary, or researching charitable organizations. As of December 20, 2025, the primary, all-encompassing phone number for the North Carolina Secretary of State’s main divisions—including Corporations, Notary, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)—is (919) 814-5400. This central number is your direct line to the office of Secretary Elaine F. Marshall and the most efficient way to get assistance with most administrative filings and inquiries. For those dealing specifically with charitable solicitation, a dedicated toll-free number is also available to streamline your experience, ensuring you connect with the right expert immediately.

The NCSOS office is a vital resource for the state's economic and legal infrastructure, managing everything from corporate filings to investor protection. To save you time, this comprehensive guide breaks down the specific contact numbers and email addresses for each major division, providing a clear path to the information you need. We've also included a profile of the current Secretary of State and the latest 2024-2025 updates to ensure your information is current and accurate.

Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall: Profile and Biography

The North Carolina Secretary of State is an elected constitutional officer in the executive branch, and the office is currently held by the Honorable Elaine F. Marshall. Her long tenure and historic achievements make her a key figure in North Carolina's political landscape.

  • Full Name: Elaine Folk Marshall
  • Date of Birth: November 18, 1945
  • Political Party: Democratic
  • Term Began: January 1997
  • Historic Achievement: In 1996, Secretary Marshall became the first woman ever elected to a statewide, executive branch office in North Carolina.
  • Education: She earned a B.A. from the University of Maryland, an M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a J.D. from the Campbell University School of Law.
  • Previous Roles: Prior to becoming Secretary of State, she served in the North Carolina Senate from 1993 to 1996.
  • Current Status: As of the 2024 election cycle, she is the incumbent running for re-election for the North Carolina Secretary of State position.

7 Key Contact Points for the NC Secretary of State’s Office

While the main line is (919) 814-5400, different divisions have dedicated staff and, in some cases, unique toll-free numbers. Utilizing the correct contact point ensures your inquiry is handled by the appropriate subject matter expert, drastically reducing wait times and improving the quality of service.

1. Corporations Division (Business Filings & LLCs)

This is the most frequently contacted division, responsible for registering new corporations, LLCs, and other business entities, as well as handling annual reports and dissolutions. If you are starting a business in North Carolina, this is your first stop.

  • Primary Phone Number: (919) 814-5400
  • Email: corpinfo@sosnc.gov
  • Common Inquiries: Business entity search, filing annual reports, registering an LLC or Corporation, assumed business name information.

2. Notary Public Section (Notary Commissions)

The Notary Public Section manages the commissioning, training, and enforcement for all notaries across the state. This division is critical for legal and real estate transactions.

  • Primary Phone Number: (919) 814-5400
  • Fax: (919) 807-2210
  • Email: notary@sosnc.gov
  • Common Inquiries: Becoming a notary public, renewing a notary commission, notary enforcement, name or address changes.

3. Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division (Toll-Free)

This division licenses and regulates charities and professional fundraisers that solicit donations in North Carolina. This is the only division with a widely published, dedicated toll-free number for public inquiries.

  • Toll-Free Phone Number: (888) 830-4989
  • Raleigh Local Phone: (919) 814-5400
  • Email: csl@sosnc.gov
  • Common Inquiries: Checking a charity's registration status, filing a charitable solicitation report, questions about the 2024-2025 Annual Report.

4. Securities Division (Investor Protection)

The Securities Division is tasked with protecting investors from fraud and regulating the sale of securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) and the registration of investment advisers and brokers within the state.

  • Primary Phone Number: (919) 814-5400 (Calls are typically routed through the main line)
  • Common Inquiries: Investment adviser registration, reporting securities fraud, general investor education, cybersecurity initiatives.

5. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Division

The UCC Division handles the filing of financial statements (UCC-1) and other documents related to secured transactions in personal property, which is vital for commercial lending.

  • Primary Phone Number: (919) 814-5400 (The main number is the most reliable contact)
  • Common Inquiries: UCC-1 financing statement filings, UCC search requests, lien information.

6. The Physical Address for Mail and In-Person Visits

For official documents, physical mail, or in-person service, knowing the correct address is essential. The NCSOS office is located in downtown Raleigh.

  • Physical Address: 2 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601-2903
  • Mailing Address (General): PO Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626-0622 [cite: 14 in Step 1]
  • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

7. Administrative/Other General Inquiries

For matters not directly related to a specific division's filing, such as press inquiries, legislative updates, or general administrative questions, the main office line should be used.

  • General Office Phone: (919) 814-5400
  • Alternative Phone Numbers (General Admin): (919) 807-2225 (often listed as an administrative line) [cite: 7 in Step 1]

Latest NCSOS Updates: What You Need to Know in 2025

To ensure your contact with the office is as productive as possible, be aware of the most recent developments and reports, which demonstrate the NCSOS’s current focus areas.

Charitable Donations Are Rebounding (2024-2025 Report)

A significant recent update from the office is the release of the 2024-2025 Annual Charitable Solicitation Report. This report indicates that charitable donations in North Carolina are showing a strong rebound following a previous slump. This is fresh, current information that highlights the importance of the Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division and their toll-free number (888-830-4989) for both charities and donors seeking transparency.

Increased Focus on Investor Cybersecurity

The Securities Division is placing a heightened emphasis on investor protection through cybersecurity initiatives. [cite: 24 in Step 2] This is a direct reflection of modern threats, and the office is actively working to educate state-registered investment advisers on their fiduciary obligation to safeguard client data. If you are an investment professional or an investor with cybersecurity concerns, be sure to mention this when calling the main number to ensure you are routed to the specialized team.

The Importance of Online Filing

While having the correct phone number is crucial, the NCSOS office strongly encourages the use of its online portal for most common transactions, including filing annual reports for corporations and LLCs, and certain notary services. Utilizing the online system for routine tasks can often be faster than calling, reserving phone support for complex or unique issues.

Tips for Calling the NC Secretary of State Office

To make your phone call as efficient as possible, follow these three expert tips:

  1. Identify Your Division: Before dialing, know if your question is about Corporations, Notary, Charities, UCC, or Securities. This helps the operator route your call correctly on the (919) 814-5400 line.
  2. Have Your Entity ID Ready: If you are calling about an existing business (LLC, Corporation), have your Entity ID number or the full, exact name of the business ready.
  3. Call During Off-Peak Hours: State offices are typically busiest right at 8:00 A.M. and during the lunch hour (12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.). Try calling mid-morning (9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.) or mid-afternoon (2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.) for shorter wait times.
The Essential Guide to the NC Secretary of State Phone Number: 7 Ways to Contact the Office (2025 Update)
nc secretary of state phone number
nc secretary of state phone number

Detail Author:

  • Name : Whitney Williamson
  • Username : virgil48
  • Email : hadley07@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1995-01-22
  • Address : 37574 Gutmann Mountains Jaunitatown, MO 76592-2077
  • Phone : +1.203.801.7407
  • Company : Stanton-Cremin
  • Job : Statistical Assistant
  • Bio : Doloribus voluptates voluptatum magnam labore. Veniam consequatur ratione quod nemo velit.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/carmelosawayn
  • username : carmelosawayn
  • bio : Sed cumque et iste quae enim vel. Dolorum quo sunt laborum voluptates at.
  • followers : 2703
  • following : 2365

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@sawaync
  • username : sawaync
  • bio : Molestiae itaque voluptatibus laboriosam.
  • followers : 3070
  • following : 2437

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/sawaync
  • username : sawaync
  • bio : Tempore blanditiis odit qui beatae et rerum. Temporibus dolor et numquam similique et. Doloremque et molestiae est quos officiis ut earum molestias.
  • followers : 4603
  • following : 187

linkedin:

facebook: