In Texas, a “Doing Business As” (DBA) is officially referred to as an “Assumed Name.” Registering an Assumed Name allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal name. This can be beneficial for branding purposes or when expanding into new business areas.
For example, if you have an LLC called “Lone Star Enterprises LLC” that you use for your general contracting business, but you want to start a separate home renovation service, you could register an Assumed Name like “Austin Home Makeovers” without forming a new LLC.
Filing for an Assumed Name provides business owners with flexibility in branding without the need to create separate legal entities for each business venture.
Note that while an Assumed Name allows you to do business under a different name, it doesn’t provide the legal protections that come with forming an LLC or corporation.
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Do You Need a Texas DBA for Your Business Entity?
Before proceeding with the steps to get a DBA in Texas, determine if it’s necessary for your business type:
Sole Proprietors and Partnerships: If you’re operating under a name other than your legal name, you need to register an Assumed Name. For example, if John Smith wants to operate as “Houston Auto Repair,” he needs to register this as an Assumed Name.
LLCs and Corporations: If these entities want to do business under a name different from their registered name, they need an Assumed Name. For instance, if “Lone Star Enterprises LLC” wants to operate as “Austin Home Makeovers,” they would need to register this Assumed Name.
How to Get a DBA in Texas
Follow these steps to get a DBA in Texas:
- Search the Texas Secretary of State’s database to ensure your desired name is available.
- Check if your DBA is available as a domain name (optional).
- File your Assumed Name Certificate.
- Pay the filing fee.
Step 1: Do a DBA Search in Texas
Your Assumed Name must be unique and comply with Texas’s business name requirements. To check availability, use the Texas Secretary of State’s Business Name Search:
https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/acct/acct-login.asp
Ensure your chosen name isn’t already in use and meets state requirements.
Step 2: Check if your name is available as a web domain
While not legally required, it’s wise to check if your Assumed Name is available as a domain name for your future website. You can check domain availability at: godaddy.com/domains
Tips for choosing a domain:
- Aim for a .com domain if possible
- Avoid using hyphens between words
- Sometimes a quirky word (“guru”, “school” or “base”) makes for a good brand/domain.
Step 3: Register your Texas DBA
In Texas, you need to file an Assumed Name Certificate. The filing process differs depending on your business structure:
For Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships: File with the county clerk’s office in each county where you have a business or professional presence.
For Corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs: File with both the Texas Secretary of State and the county clerk’s office in the county where you have a business presence.
You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your desired Assumed Name
- Your business’s legal name and address
- A brief description of the nature of your business
- The names and addresses of the business owners
Step 4: Pay the filing fee
The filing fee for registering an Assumed Name in Texas varies:
- For filing with the Secretary of State: $25
- For filing with county clerk’s offices: Fees vary by county, typically ranging from $10 to $50
Texas Assumed Name registrations are valid for 10 years. You must file a renewal before the expiration date to maintain your registration.
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After You Get a DBA For Your Limited Liability Company or Other Entity
Once you’ve secured your Assumed Name, consider these next steps:
• Create a website: Establish an online presence for your business to reach more customers.
• Set up a business bank account: Keep your personal and business finances separate. We recommend Mercury Bank for online banking, but traditional banks are also an option.
• Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Ensure you have all required licenses and permits to operate legally in Texas.
• Consider business insurance: Protect your business with appropriate insurance coverage.
By following these steps, you’ll have successfully registered your Assumed Name (DBA) in Texas and be well on your way to operating your business under your chosen name.