N.C. Gen. Stat. § 54-114
The original articles of incorporation of corporations organized under this Subchapter, or a true copy thereof, verified as such by the affidavits of two of the signers thereof, shall be filed with the Secretary of State. A like verified copy of such articles and certificate of the Secretary of State, showing the date when such articles were filed with and accepted by the Secretary of State, within 30 days of such filing and acceptance, shall be filed with and recorded by the register of deeds of the county in which the principal place of business of the corporation is to be located, and no corporation shall, until such articles be left for record, have legal existence. The register of deeds shall forthwith transmit to the Secretary of State a certificate stating the time when such copy was recorded. Upon a receipt of such certificate, the Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of incorporation.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 54-114