North Carolina § 54-134 - Articles of incorporation.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 54-134 — Articles of incorporation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54-134. Articles of incorporation.
Each association formed under this Subchapter must prepare and file articles of incorporation, setting forth: The name of the association. The purposes for which it is formed. The place where its principal business will be transacted. The period of duration, which may be perpetual. When the articles of incorporation fail to state the period of duration, it shall be considered perpetual. Any association heretofore or hereafter organized for a period less than perpetual, may by amendment to its articles of incorporation, extend the period of its duration for a specified period or perpetually. The names and addresses of those who are to serve as directors for the first term or until the election of their successors. If organized without capital stock, whether the property rights and interest of each member shall be equal or unequal; and if unequal, the article shall set forth the general rule or rules applicable to all members by which the property rights and interests, respectively, of each member may and shall be determined and fixed; and this association shall have the power to admit new members who shall be entitled to share in the property of the association with the old members in accordance with such general rule or rules. This provision of the articles of incorporation shall not be altered, amended, or repealed except by the written consent or the vote of three-fourths of the members. If organized with capital stock, the amount of such stock and the number of such shares into which it is divided and the par value thereof. The capital stock may be divided into preferred and common stock. If so divided, the articles of incorporation must contain a statement of the number of shares of stock to which preference is granted and the number of shares of stock to which no preference is granted and the nature and extent of the preference and the privileges granted to each. In addition to the foregoing, the petition for articles of incorporation may contain any provision consistent with law with respect to management, regulation, government, financing, indebtedness, membership, the establishment of voting districts and the election of delegates for representative purposes, the issuance, retirement and transfer of its stock, if formed with capital stock, or any provisions relative to the way or manner in which it shall operate with respect to its members, officers, or directors, and any other provisions relating to its affairs; provided that nothing set forth in this paragraph shall be construed as limiting any of the rights or powers otherwise given to such associations. The articles must be subscribed by the incorporators and acknowledged by one of them before an officer authorized by the law of this State to take and certify acknowledgments of deeds and conveyances; and shall be filed as provided in G.S. 55A-4; and when so filed the said articles of incorporation, or certified copies thereof, shall be received in all the courts of this State, and other places, as prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein, and of the due incorporation of such association. A certified copy of the articles of incorporation shall also be filed with the Chief of the Division of Markets. History (1921, c. 87, s. 8; C.S., s. 5259(f); 1935, c. 230, ss. 3, 4; 1963, c. 1168, ss. 4, 5; 1979, c. 908, s. 2.)
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 54-134
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 54-134 cover?
Section 54-134 ("Articles of incorporation.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 54-134?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 54-134" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 54-134 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.