(a)        A foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this State must obtain an amended certificate of authority from the Secretary of State if it changes:

(1)        Its corporate name;

(2)        The period of its duration; or

(3)        The state or country of its incorporation.

     (b)? A foreign corporation may apply for an amended certificate of authority by delivering an application to the Secretary of State for filing that sets forth:

(1)        The name of the foreign corporation and the name in which the corporation is authorized to transact business in North Carolina if different;

(2)        The name of the state or country under whose law it is incorporated;

(3)        The date it was originally authorized to transact business in this State;

(4)        A statement of the change or changes being made.

Except for the content of the application, the requirements of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 55-15-03 for obtaining an original certificate of authority apply to obtaining an amended certificate under this section. (1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1024, s. 12.22.)