DBA filing · Texas

How to File a DBA in Texas

In Texas, a DBA is filed locally — usually with the county clerk. Register with the County Clerk (unincorporated) / SoS (entities) for $25.

A DBA — short for “doing business as,” also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name — lets you legally operate under a name that isn't your own legal name or your company's exact registered name. In Texas, a DBA is filed locally — usually with the county clerk.

Here's exactly where and how to register your DBA in Texas — and what it costs — so your filing is accepted the first time.

How to file a DBA in Texas

  1. Confirm your name is available. Run a quick pre-check on our name-search tool, then verify it against the official Texas records so you don't pay to file a name that's taken.
  2. Complete the Texas filing. Register with the County Clerk (unincorporated) / SoS (entities). The filing fee is $25.
  3. Handle any extra steps. Sole proprietors/partnerships file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk; entities file Form 503 with the SoS.
  4. Keep it active. Your registration lasts 10 yrs before it needs renewing — we'll remind you before it lapses.
Where it's filed: County filing — County Clerk (unincorporated) / SoS (entities).

Two ways to file in Texas

DBAform is a resource either way — do it yourself with the official link, or let us handle it.

Do it yourself — free

Use the official Texas link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.

Open the official Texas filing page →

Done for you — via LegalZoom

Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the $25 state fee).

File through LegalZoom →

Rather have it done for you?

Don't want to navigate the County Clerk (unincorporated) / SoS (entities) yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the $25 state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.

Texas DBA — frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in Texas? +

In Texas, a DBA is filed with the County Clerk (unincorporated) / SoS (entities). This is handled at the county level.

How much does a DBA cost in Texas? +

Texas's government filing fee is $25. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).

Does a DBA in Texas expire or need to be renewed? +

A Texas DBA must be renewed every 10 years.

Does Texas require newspaper publication for a DBA? +

No. Texas does not require you to publish a notice of your DBA in a newspaper.

Do I have to file a DBA in Texas? +

If you operate under any name other than your own legal name (as a sole proprietor) or your business's exact registered name (as an LLC or corporation), Texas requires you to register it. If you use only your legal name, you generally don't need one.

Is a DBA the same as an LLC in Texas? +

No. A DBA is only a registered trade name -- it doesn't create a legal entity or protect your personal assets. An LLC does both. Many owners form an LLC and then file a DBA under it.

Other states

Filing in more than one state, or not sure this is the right one? Browse every jurisdiction or jump to a popular state:

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