Filing a DBA in Dallas County, Texas

Texas law decides whether you will file your assumed name certificate with the state or county you operate in based on the type of business.

The following entities must file an assumed name certificate with the Dallas County clerk and not the Texas Secretary of State:

• Sole proprietorship
• General partnership or joint venture
• Estates
• Real Estate Investment Trusts

• Corporations (for-profit, nonprofit and professional) or other incorporated entities
• Limited liability companies (including professional limited liability companies)
• Limited partnerships
• Professional associations
• Limited liability partnerships
• Foreign filing entities

Registering a DBA does not excuse you from forming a legal business entity. In fact, if you don't form a legal business entity and simply register a DBA with your state, the law assumes you're operating your business as a sole proprietorship.

While many business operate this way, there are significant disadvantages to operating as a sole proprietorship. For example, you will not have any limited liability protection from lawsuits when you operate your business as a sole proprietorship. And you'll be directly responsible for your business's debts and obligations.

An LLC, limited partnership (LP), limited liability partnership (LLP), or corporation grants the owner or owners important limited liability protections and insulates owners from the debts and liabilities of the business.

The filing fee to register an Assumed Name (DBA) for sole proprietorships and partnerships in Texas varies by county. Usually, the fee is about $15 per county.

Corporations & LLCs will pay $25 to register with the Texas Secretary of State. The registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed. But, remember, you'll need to file a separate DBA registration for each name you intend to use.

Here are important things you should consider when filing a DBA in Texas:

• Your legal business entity must be in good standing (you can get a certificate from your state or registration showing this).


• You may need to get a money order or cashier's check to register a DBA. Not all states accept credit cards.


• Your DBA cannot claim you have a corporation or LLC unless you actual business entity is a corporation or LLC.


• Many states require that you notify people that you've registered a DBA by posting a notice with a local newspaper or publication.


• Although you can identify your business in your registration documents under your Social Security Number, you should get an EIN (Employer Identification Number, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number) instead and use the EIN instead of your Social Security Number.


• You may not operate under an assumed name unless you've registered that name as a DBA name in the state in which you're operating.


• DBA registrations don't last forever. Check the specific state requirements carefully.


• Most states require that you amend your DBA filing if your legal business information changes. This includes your business address, legal name, change in officers, etc.

The process for filing a DBA is specific to each state.

Most states require the DBA name to be registered unless you are doing business under your personal name. Many states will allow you to register online.

Find your location below for specific instructions.