Last updated 2026-07-09
TL;DR
North Carolina runs its own Do Not Call Registry under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-102, separate from the federal FTC list. Telemarketers must scrub against both lists before calling NC residents. Violations can cost up to $5,000 per call under state law, on top of federal TCPA exposure up to $1,500 per call. Consumers register free at donotcall.gov or through the NC Attorney General.
What is the North Carolina do not call list?
North Carolina runs its own Do Not Call Registry under the Telephone Solicitation Act, codified at N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 75-100 through 75-105 [1]. This state law sits on top of the federal National Do Not Call Registry, which the FTC manages under 47 U.S.C. § 227 [2]. Telemarketers calling into North Carolina have to scrub against both.
The NC registry is administered by the North Carolina Department of Justice, the office of the Attorney General. Consumers in the state register a phone number to block commercial solicitation calls, and the law covers residential and, in some cases, wireless numbers.
This dual-registry setup is not unique to North Carolina. Plenty of states layered their own rules on the federal do not call list after Congress created the national program in 2003. What makes NC worth close attention is the penalty ceiling. State law caps a single violation at $5,000, while the base federal private right of action under the TCPA runs $500 per call (or $1,500 for willful violations) [2]. One bad dialing session across a list with NC numbers can compound fast.
The short version for compliance teams: if you run outbound calls into North Carolina, check the FTC's national list and the NC-specific list. Checking one does not satisfy your obligation under the other.
How does the NC do not call list differ from the federal list?
The federal National Do Not Call Registry, operated by the FTC through donotcall.gov, covers the whole country [3]. Telemarketers register with the FTC, pay an annual access fee (currently $75 per area code, capped at $18,538 per year for organizations pulling all area codes), and scrub their lists at least every 31 days [3]. Numbers stay on the federal list indefinitely unless the consumer removes them.
North Carolina's state list fills some gaps the federal list leaves open, and it layers its own registration and fee structure on top. Here are the differences that matter:
| Feature | Federal (FTC) Registry | NC State Registry |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | 47 U.S.C. § 227; 16 C.F.R. Part 310 | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-102 |
| Who administers it | FTC | NC Attorney General |
| Consumer registration | donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222 | donotcall.gov or NC AG office |
| Effective date after registration | 31 days | Varies; check current AG guidance |
| Max civil penalty per violation | $51,744 (FTC enforcement) / $1,500 TCPA private suit [2][3] | $5,000 per violation [1] |
| Annual telemarketer fee | $75/area code, capped ~$18,538 | Separate NC fee applies [1] |
| Required scrub frequency | Every 31 days | At least every 90 days under NC rules [1] |
The scrub frequency gap matters in practice. The federal floor is every 31 days. North Carolina sets a 90-day floor, so meeting the tighter federal standard keeps you compliant with the NC timing rule automatically. Most compliance teams scrub monthly across all lists and stop thinking about it.
One more difference: North Carolina has rules on charitable solicitations and caller ID spoofing that go past the federal baseline. The Telephone Solicitation Act defines "telephone solicitation" broadly, and it includes calls made on behalf of a charitable organization by a paid fundraiser [1].
Who is exempt from the North Carolina do not call rules?
Exemptions under the federal and NC rules follow similar logic, but they are not identical. Knowing exactly where the lines fall matters. Assuming an exemption applies when it does not is the most common way companies land in enforcement actions.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-104 and the federal rules, these callers generally do not have to honor do not call registrations [1][2]:
- Calls to businesses (B2B calls). The NC registry, like the federal one, targets consumer solicitations. Calling a business number registered under a business name sits outside the consumer protection framework.
- Calls with an established business relationship (EBR). If a consumer bought something from you, made an inquiry, or submitted an application within the past 18 months (federal standard), you may have an EBR exemption. NC follows a similar approach, but verify the specific window under current NC AG guidance.
- Political calls. Calls on behalf of political organizations or candidates are exempt from the federal registry and generally from state registries, though robocall rules under the TCPA still apply on their own track.
- Surveys and research. Non-commercial surveys are typically exempt, but the call cannot include any solicitation.
- Nonprofits calling directly. A 501(c)(3) calling its own donors directly is generally exempt. Use a paid commercial telemarketer to make those calls and the exemption may not hold in North Carolina.
- Calls to consumers who gave prior express written consent. A signed (including electronic) consent to receive telemarketing calls is a complete defense under both federal and state rules.
The EBR exemption trips up small outbound teams more than any other. The clock starts from the most recent transaction or inquiry, and the federal rule sets the window at 18 months. Keep dated records of every transaction that creates an EBR. No proof of the date means no exemption.
For how these exemptions play out with mobile numbers specifically, see our piece on the mobile phone do not call list.
How do North Carolina residents register for the do not call list?
Consumers in North Carolina have two options.
First, the federal route: register at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you want to protect [3]. That puts the number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Federal registration is free and permanent. The FTC says numbers stay on the list unless the consumer removes them or the number is disconnected and reassigned.
Second, the state route: the NC Attorney General's office points consumers to donotcall.gov as the main registration mechanism, because North Carolina participates in the unified national system [4]. The NC AG handles complaints and state-level enforcement for violations of the Telephone Solicitation Act.
Registration takes effect for federal purposes 31 days after the consumer signs up. Register on July 1 and telemarketers must stop calling that number by August 1. Calling during the 31-day window is allowed under federal rules, but it is still a bad idea for the relationship.
Consumers who think their registered number got called illegally can file at the FTC's complaint portal (reportfraud.ftc.gov) or directly with the NC Attorney General's consumer protection division [4]. A complaint filed with the NC AG can trigger state enforcement under the $5,000 per-violation authority.
What does compliance actually require for telemarketers calling NC numbers?
Here is what your process needs to cover, step by step, if you make outbound sales calls into North Carolina.
First, register with the FTC's National Do Not Call Registry as a telemarketer [3]. You pay per area code accessed. Most small teams calling nationwide hit the annual cap of roughly $18,538. There is no separate paid registration with the NC AG's office to reach the state list, because NC runs through the national system.
Second, pull the updated registry files at least monthly. The FTC lets you download by state and area code. Filter for North Carolina (area codes 252, 336, 704, 828, 910, 919, 980, 984) and load those numbers into your suppression file.
Third, scrub your calling list against that suppression file before every campaign. A scrub you ran six weeks ago is not good enough, especially if the list came from outside. List providers do not always flag newly registered numbers in real time.
Fourth, keep a company-specific internal do not call list. This is a separate federal requirement under 47 U.S.C. § 227(d)(3)(C) [9]. Any consumer who asks to go on your internal DNC list must be honored within 30 days and kept for at least five years.
Fifth, keep records. Document every scrub: when you pulled the data, which list version you used, and what calling list you ran it against. If an enforcement action lands, that paper trail is your first defense.
Sixth, train anyone who dials. Agents need to know how to handle a real-time do not call request during the call, because a verbal request on the line triggers your internal DNC obligation right away.
If your team is still fuzzy on how to access the national list, how do I get the do not call list walks through the FTC's download process. LeadCompliant's free number checker and one-time compliance kit help you verify specific numbers and build a policy document fast.
One thing people miss: the do not call rules bind the entity on whose behalf the call is made, more than the dialer. If you are an agency making calls for a client, both you and the client can be liable. Make sure your contract spells out who owns list scrubbing.
What are the penalties for violating the NC do not call law?
North Carolina's Telephone Solicitation Act lets the Attorney General seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation [1]. Each illegal call is a separate violation. A campaign that dials 200 NC residents on the do not call list in one afternoon carries theoretical state exposure of $1 million, before any federal liability.
On the federal side, a private individual can sue under 47 U.S.C. § 227(c)(5) for $500 per violation, or up to $1,500 if the court finds the violation was willful or knowing [2]. The FTC can seek civil penalties in federal court of up to $51,744 per violation (this figure is adjusted for inflation; the FTC updated it in 2024) [3][5].
These penalties stack. A consumer can bring a private TCPA suit and the NC AG can bring a state enforcement action for the same call. That is not hypothetical. NC AG enforcement actions have historically included restitution, injunctive relief, and civil penalties paid to the state.
For how enforcement plays out in practice, see our piece on do not call list violations.
The TCPA's private right of action drives most litigation, because consumers and their attorneys do not have to wait for a government agency. TCPA class actions are common. A single company calling even a small share of registered numbers across a large purchased list has anchored multi-million dollar settlements. The statute says callers must "institute procedures for maintaining a list of persons who request not to receive telemarketing calls" [2], and courts read that requirement strictly.
Nobody has clean public data on what share of TCPA cases settle versus go to trial. Published court records suggest the vast majority settle, and the plaintiffs' bar has gotten sharp at spotting high-volume violators through call records.
Does the NC do not call list apply to text messages?
Yes, with nuance. The TCPA covers voice calls and text messages sent using an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) or a pre-recorded voice [2]. The FCC has consistently held that a text message is a "call" for TCPA purposes [6]. So federal DNC protections reach commercial text solicitations, and texting a number on the national registry without consent is a federal violation.
North Carolina's Telephone Solicitation Act focuses on telephone solicitations, and the definition is broad enough that texts from telemarketers to NC residents are generally covered [1]. The NC AG's enforcement position has lined up with the federal reading.
DNC registration is not the only compliance hook for SMS, and it is not even the main one. TCPA requires prior express written consent for marketing texts sent via an ATDS, no matter whether the number sits on a do not call list. So even for a number that is not on any DNC list, you still need documented consent before you send a commercial text.
For a full treatment of how SMS meets these rules, the mobile phone do not call list article covers ATDS definitions, consent standards, and where the law sits after the FCC's 2024 one-to-one consent rule.
How does NC compare to other states with their own do not call laws?
North Carolina is one of roughly 30 states with their own state-level DNC laws layered on the federal regime. The specifics vary a lot. Some states have stronger registration requirements, some set different penalty ceilings, and a few carry exemption rules that break from the federal standard in ways that matter.
Florida is probably the most aggressive state for DNC enforcement. Florida has its own Telemarketing Act and its own statewide registry, and the Florida AG has brought more enforcement actions over the past decade than most states. See our piece on the Florida do not call list for how that regime works.
Pennsylvania and Indiana also run their own registries with separate registration and fee requirements. The Pennsylvania and Indiana rules each have quirks worth knowing if you call into those states often.
The practical takeaway: if your team calls into multiple states, you need a state-by-state compliance map. The federal registry is a floor, not a ceiling. Some states set the ceiling much higher.
If you want the broader national picture of how the federal and state systems fit together, the government do not call list article covers the full architecture.
How do I file a do not call complaint against a telemarketer in NC?
North Carolina residents who get illegal telemarketing calls have two avenues.
The first is the FTC's federal complaint system at reportfraud.ftc.gov [8]. Complaints feed a national database that the FTC, FCC, and state attorneys general all access. The FTC does not resolve individual complaints, but it uses the data to spot patterns for enforcement.
The second is the NC Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, reachable at ncdoj.gov [4]. Filing with the NC AG is the better path if you want state-level action, since the AG can pursue civil penalties under the Telephone Solicitation Act. The AG's office publishes guidance on what to include: the calling number, the time and date, what was solicited, and whether you had any prior relationship with the company.
Consumers who want to sue under the TCPA can file in federal district court without waiting for any agency [2]. The private right of action at $500 to $1,500 per call is self-executing. Plenty of consumers have brought small claims actions for modest numbers of calls. The TCPA does not require you to hire an attorney, though an attorney who knows the statute helps in larger cases.
For building a violation report for agency submission, the do not call list report article walks through what the FTC and state agencies most want to see.
What should small outbound teams do right now to stay compliant in NC?
The honest answer: most TCPA and state DNC violations by small teams come from skipped steps in an ad hoc process, not bad intent. Here is what works in practice.
Get your FTC account set up if you do not have one. You register at telemarketing.donotcall.gov, pay for the area code access you need, and download the suppression list [3]. This is not optional if you make telemarketing calls into NC.
Build a suppression list process with a written schedule. Monthly scrubs against the national registry, applied to every calling list before it reaches the dialers. Write it down. Assign an owner.
Create or update your written do not call policy. The FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule requires every company doing telemarketing to have a written policy and to disclose it on request [5]. If you do not have one, a one-page document covering how you handle DNC requests, how long you keep people on your internal list (five years minimum), and who owns list maintenance is a good start. LeadCompliant's compliance kit includes a template you can adapt.
For teams on purchased or rented lists, vet the vendor. Ask flat out: how recently was this list scrubbed against the national registry? What is your guarantee if numbers on this list turn out to be registered? A vendor who cannot answer those clearly is a liability.
For verifying specific numbers before dialing, the do not call list number article covers how to look up individual numbers against the registry.
The ftc do not call list article is worth reading if your team is newer to the national registry mechanics. It covers access tiers, data formats, and update schedules in more depth than most compliance guides.
This article is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. If you are facing active enforcement or litigation, talk to a licensed attorney who handles TCPA and state consumer protection matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the North Carolina do not call list the same as the national do not call list?
No. North Carolina has its own Telephone Solicitation Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-102) that creates a state-level do not call obligation separate from the FTC's national registry. Telemarketers calling NC residents must comply with both. Registering only on the national list does not satisfy NC state law, and violating the state law can cost up to $5,000 per call.
How does a North Carolina resident sign up for the do not call list?
NC residents register for free at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the number they want to protect. The number is added to the National Do Not Call Registry, which North Carolina participates in. Registration is permanent and free. Telemarketers must stop calling within 31 days of registration under federal rules.
Can I call a NC cell phone number on the do not call list?
No. Cell phone numbers can be registered, and once registered they carry the same protections as landlines. Separately, the TCPA restricts autodialed calls to cell phones regardless of DNC registration, requiring prior express consent. Calling a registered cell number in NC without an exemption or consent violates both state and federal law.
What is the penalty for violating the NC do not call law?
North Carolina's Telephone Solicitation Act allows the AG to seek up to $5,000 per violation. Each illegal call is a separate violation. On top of that, consumers can sue under the federal TCPA for $500 to $1,500 per call. Both penalties can apply to the same call, and neither requires the consumer to prove actual damages.
How often do telemarketers have to scrub against the NC do not call list?
North Carolina's rules set a 90-day minimum scrub interval, but the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule requires scrubbing every 31 days. Meeting the federal 31-day standard automatically satisfies the NC timing requirement. In practice, most compliance programs scrub monthly. Using a list older than 31 days puts you out of compliance with federal rules regardless of the state standard.
Does the NC do not call list apply to political calls?
Political solicitation calls are generally exempt from both the federal and NC do not call rules. But political robocalls to cell phones still require prior express consent under the TCPA's autodialer provisions, which are separate from the DNC framework. Calls by commercial telemarketers on behalf of political campaigns are not always clearly exempt, so check the specific NC AG guidance before assuming immunity.
Does the NC do not call law apply to text messages?
Yes, in general. The FCC has held that a text message is a 'call' for TCPA purposes, and the NC Telephone Solicitation Act's definition of telephone solicitation is broad enough to cover commercial texts. But even if a number is not on the DNC list, you still need prior express written consent to send marketing texts via an autodialer under the TCPA, separate from DNC rules.
What is an established business relationship (EBR) and does it override the NC do not call list?
An EBR exists when a consumer has purchased, inquired about, or applied for a product or service from your company within the past 18 months (federal standard). It is a recognized exemption that allows calling a registered number. You must document the date the relationship was created, because if you cannot prove the EBR exists and is current, the exemption does not protect you.
Do B2B callers have to follow the North Carolina do not call rules?
Generally no. The NC Telephone Solicitation Act, like the federal DNC rules, targets consumer telephone solicitations. Calls to a business number for a business purpose fall outside the consumer protection framework. But if you call a cell phone that belongs to an individual, even for B2B purposes, TCPA autodialer restrictions still apply independently of the DNC framework.
How do I report an illegal telemarketing call I received in North Carolina?
File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and separately with the NC Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at ncdoj.gov. Include the calling number, date and time of the call, what was solicited, and whether you had any prior relationship with the caller. Consumers can also sue directly under the TCPA without agency involvement for $500 to $1,500 per call.
Is there a fee for telemarketers to access the NC do not call list?
North Carolina participates in the national registry system. Telemarketers pay the FTC for access to national registry data, currently $75 per area code per year with an annual cap near $18,538 for full national access. The first five area codes are free. There is no separate paid subscription to a standalone NC state list database outside the federal system.
How long does a number stay on the NC do not call list?
Numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry stay permanently unless the consumer removes them or the number is disconnected and reassigned to a new subscriber. When a number is reassigned, the new subscriber bears some responsibility for re-registering if they want protection. The FCC has issued guidance on reassigned number liability for callers, and the FTC maintains a reassigned number database to help identify such numbers.
Do nonprofits calling North Carolina residents have to follow the do not call rules?
Nonprofits calling their own donors or members directly are generally exempt. But if a nonprofit hires a paid commercial telemarketer to make calls on its behalf, that telemarketer may have to comply with the NC Telephone Solicitation Act and DNC rules. The exemption follows who is making the call and in what capacity, more than the cause being supported.
Where can I check if a specific phone number is on the national do not call list?
The FTC's donotcall.gov site lets consumers verify whether their number is registered. Telemarketers access the full registry data through the FTC's download portal after registering and paying applicable fees. For individual number lookups before dialing, some third-party compliance tools offer real-time registry checks, though the official FTC source is the authoritative record.
Sources
- North Carolina General Assembly, N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 75-100 through 75-105 (Telephone Solicitation Act): NC state do not call law, $5,000 per violation penalty, definitions, and exemptions for commercial telephone solicitations
- U.S. Code, 47 U.S.C. § 227 (Telephone Consumer Protection Act): Federal TCPA private right of action at $500 per violation up to $1,500 for willful violations; requirement to maintain internal do not call list; text messages treated as calls
- Federal Trade Commission, National Do Not Call Registry: National registry access fees ($75/area code, ~$18,538 annual cap), 31-day scrub requirement, consumer registration at donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222
- North Carolina Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Division: NC AG administers state-level DNC enforcement and accepts consumer complaints under the Telephone Solicitation Act
- Federal Trade Commission, Telemarketing Sales Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 310): FTC civil penalty up to $51,744 per violation (inflation-adjusted); written DNC policy requirement for telemarketers; TSR provisions on established business relationship
- FTC, donotcall.gov consumer registration portal: Free permanent consumer registration for phone numbers; NC residents use this same national portal; numbers remain until removed or reassigned
- FTC, reportfraud.ftc.gov consumer complaint portal: Federal complaint filing system for illegal telemarketing calls, feeds data to FTC, FCC, and state AG enforcement offices
- U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Law Revision Counsel, 47 U.S.C. § 227(d)(3)(C): Requirement for telemarketers to maintain internal company-specific do not call list; must honor requests within 30 days; retain for five years
- Federal Register, FTC annual civil penalty inflation adjustments: FTC civil penalty per TSR violation adjusted to $51,744 under the 2024 inflation adjustment