The North Carolina Office of the Secretary of State is a state government agency headed by the North Carolina Secretary of State, an elected constitutional officer serving a four-year term. Established by the North Carolina Constitution, the office maintains vital records and documents for the state of North Carolina. The agency’s primary responsibilities include business entity registration and filing, trademark and service mark registration, notary public commission management, and maintaining the state’s Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filing system. It also serves as the state’s securities regulator, overseeing securities registration and licensing of securities dealers and salespeople. The office maintains official records of legislative acts, executive orders, and administrative rules. It is responsible for authenticating official acts of the Governor and maintaining the Great Seal of North Carolina. Additionally, the agency oversees charitable solicitation licensing, lobbyist registration, and land records. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the office provides various online services through its website sosnc.gov, allowing businesses and citizens to access forms, file documents, and search public records electronically. The agency plays a crucial role in facilitating commerce and ensuring transparency in business and government operations within North Carolina.