Q: How do I file a DBA for my LLC?
Thank you to a customer from New York for that great question! A DBA (doing business as) name is a name under which your business operates that is not your business’s legal name. To use a DBA in New York, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the New York Department of State. Here’s how to do it.
1. Choose a DBA name
Before you file your DBA, you should make sure the name you want to use conforms with New York’s laws. Your DBA name must:
- Be unique among business names in New York
- Not contain words that refer to specific entity types, such as “incorporated,” “limited liability company,” or “LLC”
- Not contain words restricted by New York law, unless you have prior approval (Consult the New York Department of Financial Services list of words that require approval)
We recommend doing a quick business search to make sure the name you want to use is not already taken.
2. File your Certificate of Assumed Name
To register a DBA (also called “assumed name”) in New York, you need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Department of State. Here is the information you should include in your certificate:
- Legal business name
- Fictitious business name (Only for businesses formed outside of New York State)
- Entity type
- Assumed name you want to use
- Principal address
- NY county/counties in which you’ll do business
- Address of each business location in New York
- Signature of authorized person (Doesn’t need to be a member of your business)
- Filer’s name and address (Where the proof of filing will be mailed)
How much does it cost to file the Certificate of Assumed Name?
LLCs and Limited Partnerships: $25
Corporations: $25, plus a fee for each county in which you’ll do business. The fee is $100 for counties within New York City and $25 for counties outside of New York City
New York also offers expedited filing:
24 hours—extra $25
Same day—extra $75
2 hours—extra $150
How do I file the Certificate of Assumed Name?
Your Certificate of Assumed Name must be delivered by mail or in person to:
New York Department of State, Division of Corporations
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231
Does the New York Certificate of Assumed Name need to be renewed?
Nope! Once you file your assumed name, it’s yours to keep. However, if you stop using your assumed name, you must file a Certificate of Discontinuance of Assumed Name with the NY Department of State, which costs $25.
Do sole proprietors and general partners file DBAs with the Department of State?
No. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships don’t file DBAs at the state level. Instead, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name with your local county clerk. You can find the contact information for your county clerk from the New York State Association of Counties website.
Want to know more about DBAs? Check out Northwest’s guide on How to Get a DBA for Your Business.