Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in Texas
Where and how to file a DBA, trade name or assumed name in Texas, and the fee.
Short answer: LLCs (and other entities that file with the Secretary of State) file an Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) with the Secretary of State; the fee is $25, and they are not required to also file with a county clerk. Texas Secretary of State, Name Filings FAQs; Fee Schedule (Form 806)
| DBA / assumed name | LLCs (and other entities that file with the Secretary of State) file an Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) with the Secretary of State; the fee is $25, and they are not required to also file with a county clerk. The certificate must state a term of no more than 10 years, after which a new certificate is needed. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships file with the county clerk instead. Abandonment of an assumed name (Form 504) costs $10. |
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| Name rules and reservation | The name of an LLC must contain the phrase "limited liability company" or "limited company," or an abbreviation of one of those phrases, and must be distinguishable in the Secretary of State's records from other names. A name may not contain "lotto" or "lottery." A name reservation (Form 501) lasts 120 days and costs $40 (renewal also $40). |
Where to get help in Texas
More Texas starting an llc & small business
- What an LLC Costs in Texas
- LLC Annual Report in Texas
- All Texas starting an llc & small business rules
FAQ
How do you register a DBA in Texas?
LLCs (and other entities that file with the Secretary of State) file an Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) with the Secretary of State; the fee is $25, and they are not required to also file with a county clerk. The certificate must state a term of no more than 10 years, after which a new certificate is needed. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships file with the county clerk instead.
What are the LLC name requirements in Texas?
The name of an LLC must contain the phrase "limited liability company" or "limited company," or an abbreviation of one of those phrases, and must be distinguishable in the Secretary of State's records from other names. A name may not contain "lotto" or "lottery." A name reservation (Form 501) lasts 120 days and costs $40 (renewal also $40).
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.