A business can operate under a name different from its legal name by filing a DBA, also called an assumed name in Texas. An assumed name gives a business flexibility when presenting its services, products, or brand to customers while keeping its existing legal structure. To know how to file a DBA in Texas, start by identifying your business structure, choosing an appropriate name, preparing the required information, and submitting the filing to the correct office.
What Is a DBA in Texas?
A DBA, or Doing Business As name, allows a business to conduct business under a name other than its legal name. Texas uses the term assumed name for this type of business name registration.
For example, an LLC legally registered as “Lone Star Ventures LLC” could use “Lone Star Home Services” as its assumed business name. You can use the assumed name on business materials and in customer-facing activities.
Who Needs to File a DBA in Texas?
The filing requirements depend on the business structure.
- Sole proprietors: A sole proprietor generally files an assumed name certificate with the county clerk when operating under a name other than the owner’s legal name.
- General partnerships: A general partnership generally files an assumed name certificate with the appropriate county clerk when operating under a name different from the partners’ names.
- LLCs and corporations: An LLC or corporation using an assumed name files with the Texas Secretary of State.
Knowing which filing office applies to your business structure can help you complete the DBA registration correctly.
Texas DBA Requirements
Before you file a DBA, gather the information needed for the applicable assumed name certificate.
For an LLC or corporation filing with the Texas Secretary of State, Form 503 requires information such as:
- The assumed business name
- The legal name of the entity
- Entity type
- Secretary of State file number, when applicable
- State or jurisdiction of formation
- Principal office address
- Period of duration
- Counties where the assumed name will be used
Each assumed name requires its own certificate. An assumed name certificate filed with the Texas Secretary of State can remain effective for up to 10 years, depending on the duration selected when you file.
How to File a DBA in Texas
Follow these steps to file a DBA in Texas:
Step 1: Choose Your Assumed Name
- Select the name your business plans to use.
- Consider how the name will appear on marketing materials, invoices, contracts, and other business communications.
- Search existing business records to review names already registered in Texas before submitting your filing.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Filing Office
- Determine the appropriate filing office based on your business structure.
- LLCs and corporations: File with the Texas Secretary of State.
- Sole proprietors and general partnerships: Generally file with the appropriate county clerk.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Information
- Complete the applicable assumed name certificate with accurate business information.
- LLCs and corporations: Use Form 503 for filing with the Texas Secretary of State.
- Review the information before submission to ensure the certificate is complete.
Step 4: Submit the Filing and Fee
- Pay the applicable filing fee when submitting your assumed name certificate.
- Texas Secretary of State: The filing fee is $25.
- You can submit state-level filings through SOSDirect or other methods accepted by the Secretary of State.
- County-level filings follow the procedures and fee requirements established by the applicable county clerk.
How Much Does It Cost to File a DBA in Texas?
The cost of filing a DBA in Texas depends on your business structure and where you submit the assumed name certificate. Here are the main costs to consider:
- Texas Secretary of State: The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is $25.
- County clerk: Fees vary by county, so sole proprietors and general partnerships should check with the appropriate county clerk for the current filing fee.
- Professional filing assistance: Additional costs may apply if you use a service to prepare and submit the filing.
Services like those MyCorporation provides can help business owners manage the filing process and keep their business records organized.
Conclusion
Knowing how to file a DBA in Texas can make the process easier to navigate and help you establish an assumed name for your business. Start by choosing your business name, identifying the correct filing office based on your business structure, preparing the required information, submitting the certificate and applicable fee, and keeping the approved filing with your business records.