File a DBA in New York

The expedited fee is non-refundable and must be paid by a separate check or money order. It cannot be combined with the base filing fee. Mark the envelope "Expedited Processing" so the Division routes your documents correctly.

The fees above are government filing fees paid directly to the New York Department of State. Any filing service fee is separate and will be disclosed before you pay.

How to file a DBA in New York: step by step

The process differs depending on your entity type, but the core steps are the same: confirm name availability, choose the right form, submit your filing, and keep your confirmation receipt.

Step 1: Check DBA name availability in New York

Search your proposed assumed name before filling out any forms. No business in New York can operate under an assumed name that's already taken or too similar to an existing one.

The New York Department of State's Corporation and Business Entity Database covers corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and their assumed name filings. You can search by entity name or assumed name specifically.

One caveat: the Division of Corporations must reject any name that is not "distinguishable" from existing names on file, and the DOS cautions that search results should not be interpreted as confirmation that a name is available. Use the database as a first filter, not a final answer.

Assumed names filed at the county clerk level are not in the DOS database. Sole proprietors and general partnerships should contact their county clerk directly to check for name conflicts.

New York also restricts certain words. An assumed name cannot contain "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited," "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Partnership," or their abbreviations, per the filing instructions for the Certificate of Assumed Name. Names that could be confused with a government agency, or that include restricted words such as "Bank," "Attorney," or "University," may require additional paperwork or a licensed individual associated with your business.

Run a trademark check before you finalize your name. LegalZoom's free trademark search is a good starting point; you can also search the USPTO's Trademark Search database. Finding a conflict after filing is an expensive problem to fix.

Step 2: Choose the right form for your entity type

Once you have confirmed your DBA name availability, you must select the appropriate form based on your specific business entity type, as the filing requirements and office locations vary between sole proprietorships and formal business entities.

• LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and nonprofits: Use the Certificate of Assumed Name and file with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. Enter your entity's exact name as it appears on the filing receipt from formation or authorization. Do not abbreviate or alter it.
• Sole proprietors and general partnerships: Use the Business Certificate form available from your county clerk's office. Each county provides its own version; obtain it directly from the clerk where you transact business. You must file within 40 days of first using the assumed name, per Section 130 of New York's General Business Law.

The Certificate of Assumed Name must be signed by the appropriate party: an officer of a corporation, a general partner of a limited partnership, or a member or manager of an LLC. If you're an LLC owner looking to add a DBA to an existing entity, see how to add a DBA to an LLC.

Step 3: Complete and submit your filing

Once you have gathered the necessary documents for your specific entity type, you are ready to formally register your assumed name with the appropriate state or county office.

• For LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and nonprofits: The Certificate of Assumed Name must be typed or printed in black ink. Submit with the appropriate fee to: New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. The Division accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, money orders, personal and business checks for $500 and under, and certified checks for amounts over $500. Cash is not recommended when mailing.
• For sole proprietors and general partnerships: Submit your Business Certificate to each county clerk's office in every county where you conduct business under the assumed name, within the 40-day window. Check with your county clerk for accepted payment methods.

Step 4: Receive your confirmation

After processing, you'll receive a filing receipt. It reflects the filing date, entity name, assumed name, and fees paid. Keep it; the Department of State does not issue duplicates for lost receipts.

Your assumed name is legally effective as of the filing date on the receipt, not the date you receive it. Standard delivery is first class mail; include a prepaid overnight shipping label if you need documents faster.

Review the receipt carefully. If the assumed name is misspelled, a county is missing, or the entity name doesn't match, address it promptly. Uncorrected errors create problems when opening a bank account or signing contracts under the assumed name.

After you file: next steps

With your assumed name on the record, a few practical steps will set you up to actually use it.

Open a business bank account

Opening a dedicated bank account in the assumed name is usually the first priority. Banks typically require your filed certificate or filing receipt as proof of registration.

Update your business materials

Update your marketing materials, including your website, business cards, invoices, and signage, to reflect the assumed name consistently.

Understand what filing doesn't change

Filing an assumed name doesn't change your taxes. A sole proprietor continues to report business income under their own SSN or existing EIN. An LLC or corporation keeps its existing EIN. The DBA creates no new tax identity. Keep in mind that filing an assumed name does not satisfy any business license or permit obligations; check your local requirements separately.

Store your filing receipt somewhere you can find it. You may need it to amend or cancel the assumed name later.

Ready to get your DBA filed? LegalZoom's DBA service handles the name search, paperwork, and submission on your behalf.

How long does a New York DBA last, and how do you amend or cancel it?

New York DBAs do not expire. Once your assumed name is on file, it remains valid as long as your business continues operating under it.

To amend your assumed name, file an Amended Certificate of Assumed Name with the Department of State. This covers changes to your business name, operating counties, or address. The fee is $25 to the Department of State, plus $25 per county outside New York City and $100 per county for the five New York City counties.

Sole proprietors and general partnerships file amendments with the county clerk to update the original certificate.

To cancel your assumed name, file a Certificate of Discontinuance of Assumed Name with the New York Secretary of State under Section 130 of the General Business Law. The fee is $25. If you originally filed at the county level, contact the county clerk for withdrawal instructions.

Canceling isn't strictly required if your business simply closes, but leaving an active assumed name on the public record when you're no longer using it can create confusion if someone later tries to register a similar name.