File a DBA in North Carolina

A DBA makes sense when you want a recognizable brand name without the cost or formality of a new legal structure. If personal liability protection, a more credible business structure, or statewide name rights matter to you, start an LLC in North Carolina instead.

The two options aren't mutually exclusive: an existing LLC can file an assumed business name certificate to operate under a separate brand. That's precisely the scenario the county-level filing process is designed to accommodate.

How to file a DBA in North Carolina: Step by step

Filing an assumed business name certificate is a county-level process handled entirely by the Register of Deeds. The full process runs four steps: search the name, complete the certificate, submit it to the right office, and pay the fee.

Step 1: Search your assumed business name

Before you settle on a name, check two things: whether the name is already in use in North Carolina's records, and whether it conflicts with a federally registered trademark.

• Search the NC assumed business name database. Go to the NC Secretary of State's assumed business name database at sosnc.gov and run both an exact-match search and a partial search. A name like "Claire's Pro Painting" won't surface "Claire's Professional Painting" in an exact-match search, so partial searches matter.
• Search the NC business entity database. A name can be free in the assumed business name database but still conflict with a registered LLC or corporation. Run a separate search on the NC Secretary of State's business registration portal. You can also use LegalZoom’s business name search tool to see if your preferred name is available in North Carolina. 
• Check for federal trademark conflicts. Even if a name clears both NC databases, it may conflict with a federally registered trademark. Run a search on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's trademark database at uspto.gov. A name that's available in North Carolina's records isn't automatically safe if a federal trademark holder has prior rights to it.
• Make sure your name follows the rules. An assumed business name may not include entity designations such as "corporation," "incorporated," "LLC," or "limited partnership" unless an entity is actually registered under that name.

If your preferred name is already taken, you'll need to choose a different one. North Carolina has no reservation process for assumed business names.

Step 2: Complete the assumed business name certificate

The form is available from your county Register of Deeds office, either as a downloadable PDF or in person. The current form does not require notarization.

The certificate must include:

• The assumed business name itself
• The real name of the person or entity engaging in business under that name (for partnerships, the names of up to five general partners)
• Each county where the business uses or will use the assumed name
• The type of business entity
• The principal place of business address
• The signature of the owner or authorized representative

Fill out every field accurately. If any of this information changes after you file, you must submit an amendment within sixty days.

Step 3: File with your county Register of Deeds

File the certificate with the Register of Deeds in any county where you are or will be engaged in business.

Important change from prior law. Under current law, a single filing can cover multiple counties. You no longer need to file separately in each county—simply list every county where you conduct business on the certificate itself.

Most counties accept the certificate in person, by mail, or online where available. Mail-in requests are generally processed within one business day of receipt. After recording, the filing is updated to the statewide assumed business name database maintained by the NC Secretary of State.

Step 4: Pay the filing fee

The standard recording fee is $26 for the first 15 pages and $4 for each additional page. In practice, most filings cost $26. Some online submission portals charge an additional convenience fee; check with your specific county office before submitting electronically. Most county offices accept cash, certified or business checks, money orders, and debit or credit cards.

How much does a DBA cost in North Carolina?

Filing an assumed business name costs approximately $26 at the county Register of Deeds. There is no separate state-level fee. Because current law allows a single filing to cover multiple counties, most businesses pay the $26 fee once regardless of how many counties they operate in. If you submit online, your county may charge a small additional convenience fee.

If you use a filing service, that fee is separate from and in addition to the county recording fee. LegalZoom's DBA filing service discloses the county fee and any service fee upfront so you know your total cost before you proceed.

What does a DBA allow you to do?

A North Carolina assumed business name lets you operate, market, and enter contracts under a name that differs from your legal name. Once your certificate is filed and recorded, you can open a business bank account, accept payments, and sign agreements under your chosen assumed name.

A filed assumed business name specifically allows you to:

• Operate under a trade name. Conduct business under the assumed name in every county listed on your certificate.
• Open a business bank account. Most banks require a certified copy of your recorded certificate. Request it when you file.
• Sign contracts and accept payments. Enter legally binding agreements and receive checks or payments made out to the assumed business name.
• Market and advertise. Use the name on your website, signage, invoices, and promotional materials.

A DBA does not:

• Create a separate legal entity. You and your business remain legally the same.
• Provide liability protection. Your personal assets stay exposed to business debts and claims.
• Register a trademark. An assumed business name certificate is a public notice filing, not intellectual property protection. Someone else can use the same name in a different county.
• Replace business licenses or an EIN. Filing the certificate fulfills the assumed name requirement only. It does not substitute for industry-specific licenses, local permits, or a federal Employer Identification Number.

What to do after filing your North Carolina DBA

After filing your North Carolina DBA, there are a few other things you’ll need to do to set your business up right from the start. 

Open a business bank account

Most banks require a certified copy of your recorded assumed business name certificate to open an account in the DBA name. Request that certified copy from the Register of Deeds when you file—it typically costs a small additional fee. Beyond the certified copy, your bank may also require business formation documents, a federal Employer Identification Number, or your Social Security Number if you're a sole proprietor. Keep the original filed certificate in your business records; you'll need it for banking, contracts, and other business activities.

Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS. If you already have an EIN, a new DBA does not require a new one—a DBA doesn't change your legal structure or tax status. Sole proprietors without employees may use their Social Security Number, but many banks and vendors prefer or require an EIN. An EIN is free and available directly through the IRS website at irs.gov.

Apply for business licenses and permits

Filing your assumed business name certificate satisfies the NC assumed name requirement only. North Carolina has no single generic business license, and your obligations depend on what you do and where you operate. Check with the NC Department of Revenue, your county offices, and your local municipality before operating under the new name. For a detailed breakdown, review North Carolina business licenses and permits.

How to amend or withdraw an assumed business name in North Carolina

Two situations require a follow-up filing with the same county Register of Deeds: a change to your business information, or a decision to stop using the assumed name.

• Amending your certificate. File an Amendment of Assumed Name Certificate form with the same county Register of Deeds where you filed originally. Include the SOS ID number assigned to your initial filing, which you can find by searching the NC Secretary of State's database. The amendment fee is $26.
• Withdrawing your certificate. File a Withdrawal of Assumed Name Certificate in the same county as your initial filing, referencing the SOS ID number assigned when the name was first recorded.

A note on older filings. Certificates filed under the old system prior to December 1, 2017, expired on December 1, 2022. To continue using the assumed business name, you needed to file a new certificate on the current revised form. If you're unsure whether your existing filing is still valid, check with your county Register of Deeds.

Start your North Carolina DBA with LegalZoom

LegalZoom has helped millions of small business owners complete DBA filings and business formations across all 50 states. Our DBA filing service handles the county-level paperwork for you, so you can focus on running your business. The county recording fee and any applicable service fee are disclosed upfront—no hidden costs. LegalZoom submits your certificate to the correct county office, confirms the filing is recorded, and provides the documentation you need to open a bank account and begin operating under your new name.

Ready to get started? File your North Carolina assumed business name through LegalZoom today.