Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in North Carolina
Where and how to file a DBA, trade name or assumed name in North Carolina, and the fee.
Short answer: Before doing business in North Carolina under an assumed business name, a person (including an LLC) must file an assumed business name certificate with the register of deeds in the county where it is or will be doing business; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-71.4; N.C. Secretary of State, Assumed Business Names
| DBA / assumed name | Before doing business in North Carolina under an assumed business name, a person (including an LLC) must file an assumed business name certificate with the register of deeds in the county where it is or will be doing business; if it does business in several counties, filing in one of them is enough. Up to five assumed names can be listed in one certificate. Filings made on or after December 1, 2017 appear in a statewide database at the Secretary of State, notarization is no longer required, and filers must update the information within 60 days of a change. Ask the county register of deeds for the filing fee. |
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| Name rules and reservation | An LLC's name must contain the words "limited liability company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC", or the combination "ltd. liability co.", "limited liability co.", or "ltd. liability company". The name may not imply a purpose other than one permitted by law and the articles. A name can be reserved for a nonrenewable 120-day period by filing an application with the Secretary of State; the fee is $10.00. |
Where to get help in North Carolina
More North Carolina starting an llc & small business
- What an LLC Costs in North Carolina
- LLC Annual Report in North Carolina
- All North Carolina starting an llc & small business rules
FAQ
How do you register a DBA in North Carolina?
Before doing business in North Carolina under an assumed business name, a person (including an LLC) must file an assumed business name certificate with the register of deeds in the county where it is or will be doing business; if it does business in several counties, filing in one of them is enough. Up to five assumed names can be listed in one certificate. Filings made on or after December 1, 2017 appear in a statewide database at the Secretary of State, notarization is no longer required, and filers must update the information within 60 days of a change.
What are the LLC name requirements in North Carolina?
An LLC's name must contain the words "limited liability company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC", or the combination "ltd. liability co.", "limited liability co.", or "ltd. liability company". The name may not imply a purpose other than one permitted by law and the articles. A name can be reserved for a nonrenewable 120-day period by filing an application with the Secretary of State; the fee is $10.00.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.