Assumed Name Certificate
What is this form?
The Assumed Name Certificate is a legal document used to officially register a business's assumed name, also known as a "DBA" (Doing Business As). This form clarifies the relationship between the business and its assumed name, distinguishing it from other legal entities. By filing this certificate, businesses can operate under a name different from the owner's personal name or the registered business name, ensuring legal recognition and compliance.
Form components explained
- Name of the business entity or individual adopting the assumed name.
- The assumed name under which the business will conduct its activities.
- Jurisdiction details, including state and registered office address.
- The validity period for the assumed name, typically not exceeding ten years.
- Classification of the entity (e.g., corporation, LLC, partnership).
- Address of the registered office and the registered agent, if applicable.
- Address of the principal place of business and counties where operations will occur.
When this form is needed
This form should be used when a business owner wants to operate under an assumed name that is different from the entity's legal name. It is often applicable for marketing purposes to create a more distinctive brand identity or to better reflect the nature of the business. Examples include farms, ranches, retail stores, service providers, and professional entities looking to attract customers under a recognizable name.
Who needs this form
- Individual business owners who want to use a name different from their personal name.
- Corporations looking to establish a brand identity distinct from their registered legal name.
- Limited liability companies (LLCs) seeking to operate under an assumed name.
- Partnerships or registered partnerships wanting to promote their services with an alternative name.
How to prepare this document
- Identify the name of the individual or business entity adopting the assumed name.
- Fill in the assumed name under which the business will operate.
- Specify the state or jurisdiction where the business is incorporated or registered.
- Determine and enter the duration for which the assumed name will be valid.
- Indicate the type of entity (corporation, LLC, etc.) and provide relevant addresses.
- List the counties where the business will be conducted under the assumed name.
Does this document require notarization?
In most cases, this form does not require notarization. However, some jurisdictions or signing circumstances might. US Legal Forms offers online notarization powered by Notarize, accessible 24/7 for a quick, remote process.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Avoid these common issues
- Failing to accurately specify the assumed name, leading to potential legal issues.
- Not consulting local laws regarding the name's uniqueness or availability.
- Omitting required jurisdiction information or contact details for the registered agent.
- Misunderstanding the duration for which the assumed name is valid and failing to renew it.
Why use this form online
- Convenience of accessing and completing the form from any location.
- Editability allows for easy corrections and updates to information.
- Reliability, ensuring that the form meets legal standards and requirements.
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FAQ
The proper way to write your Legal name for DBA is to write your doing business as name exactly the way you register it. For example, if John H. Doe is a sole proprietor and he wants to open a barber shop under the name Precision Barber Shop, he can register the name with her State.
Lack of tax benefits: A DBA is not a corporation, so merely filing a DBA that is not part of a corporate umbrella like an LLC will not give you any special tax benefits. If you are only doing business as a DBA, any money your business makes passes through to your individual tax return and is taxed accordingly.
For example, business owner John Smith might file the Doing Business As name "Smith Roofing." Corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) may register DBA names for specific lines of business. For example, Helen's Food Service Inc. might register the DBA "Helen's Catering."
To start the DBA process, you need to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the state of Texas. This is also called Form 503, and you can fill it out online or manually.
The filing fee to register an Assumed Name (DBA) for sole proprietorships and partnerships in Texas varies by county. Usually, the fee is about $15 per county. Corporations & LLCs will pay $25 to register with the Texas Secretary of State. The registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
Assumed Name Certificates in Texas An assumed business name is a name for your business that is different than its legal registered name. An assumed business name certificate is the document that serves as proof that your company has the legal right to use a specific name.
To do business under a DBA, you must complete and file the appropriate DBA forms and pay a filing fee, after which point you receive a DBA certificate. Depending on the state you may be able to file with a local or county clerk's office, with a state agency, or both.
The proper way to write your Legal name for DBA is to write your doing business as name exactly the way you register it. For example, if John H. Doe is a sole proprietor and he wants to open a barber shop under the name Precision Barber Shop, he can register the name with her State.
Obtain the appropriate forms. First, acquire the appropriate forms for registering a DBA in your jurisdiction. Complete the forms. Provide all required information on the DBA forms. Provide your business entity type. Provide any other information. Sign the forms. Pay the fee and file the forms.
