How to File a DBA (Assumed Name) in Texas

Sometimes you want to run your business under a brand name that’s different from your own legal name or the official name of your company. In Texas, this is done by filing an Assumed Name Certificate, commonly called a “DBA” (Doing Business As). Here’s a friendly guide to help you get your DBA set up in Texas:

1. Understand What a DBA Is: A DBA doesn’t create a new business entity – it’s just a legal way to publicly register a different name for your existing business. For example, if Jane Doe owns a sole proprietorship called “Doe Consulting” or XYZ Enterprises LLC wants to operate as “XYZ Marketing Solutions,” a DBA makes that possible. It’s required by law in Texas to file an assumed name if you’re operating under any name other than the legal name of your person or entity.

2. Decide Where to File: In Texas, assumed name certificates are generally handled at the county level for unincorporated businesses, and at both the state and county level for registered entities:

• If you are a sole proprietor or a general partnership using a business name that doesn’t include the owners’ surnames, you must file a DBA with the county clerk in each county where you do business.
• If you have a Texas LLC, corporation, or other formal entity and want to use a name other than the one on your formation documents, you need to file an assumed name certificate with the Texas Secretary of State and with the appropriate county clerk(s). (The state filing puts the record on file statewide, but Texas law also requires a county-level filing for public notice.)

3. Prepare the Assumed Name Certificate: Obtain the correct form. For a state-level filing, use Form 503 (Assumed Name Certificate) from the Texas Secretary of State’s website. For a county filing, check the county clerk’s office; most counties have a simple one-page form. You’ll typically need to provide:

• The exact assumed name you wish to use.
• The legal name of the owner (your personal name or business entity name) and relevant address.
• The period of duration for the assumed name (in Texas, a DBA can be filed for up to 10 years and can be renewed).
• The counties in which you intend to use the name (for the state form).

4. Submit the Form and Pay the Fee: Sign the assumed name certificate and submit it to the appropriate office(s) along with the required filing fee. For a state-level filing, you can mail the form to the Secretary of State or file it online via SOSDirect. For county filings, you may need to submit in person or by mail to the county clerk’s office (some counties also offer online filing). Fees vary by county and the state, but they are generally modest (for example, $25 for the state filing at SOS).

5. Start Using Your New Name: Once you’ve filed, you can start doing business under the assumed name. Make sure to use the exact name as filed. It’s a good practice to hang the assumed name certificate or have a copy available at your business location, in case someone asks to see proof of your DBA.

6. Remember to Renew: An assumed name certificate in Texas is not perpetual. It will expire after the period you listed (not more than 10 years). Mark your calendar to renew the DBA before it lapses if you intend to keep using it. Also, if any information in the certificate changes (like your business address), you should file a new certificate or an amendment as required.

Filing a DBA in Texas is a relatively easy process that lets you operate under a business name that fits your brand. Just keep in mind that a DBA doesn’t protect your personal assets (that’s what LLCs and corporations are for), and it doesn’t give you exclusive rights to the name the way a trademark would. It simply meets the legal requirement to register the name.

Ready to get your business name out there? Filing a DBA is one of those small but important steps. If you need any guidance along the way, our team is happy to help. Start here to let TexasRelocate assist you with your Texas business filings.