File a DBA in North Carolina

What is an NC DBA?

A DBA, or “doing business as,” is a name a business uses that’s different from its legal name. If a North Carolina business wants to use a name that is different from the name on the legal paperwork filed with the Secretary of State, it must register the new name as a DBA. A DBA is also known as a fictitious business name, assumed business name, or trade name. It can also be used by a sole proprietorship or general partnership who doesn’t have to file paperwork with the Secretary of State, but is using a business name.

For example, if “Frank’s Hot Dogs LLC” wants to do business as “Best Hot Dogs in Town,” the owners have to file a DBA. Without filing a DBA, your business can’t use that trade name in public or on official documents.

Who needs to file a DBA in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina law, any business that seeks to use a name other than the name of its owners, or other than the name under which it was formed, must file for a DBA. Specifically, such businesses will need to file an Assumed Business Name Certificate with the Register of Deeds Office in its local county. This applies to different types of businesses, including: 

• Sole proprietors, who usually operate under their personal names, need a DBA to use any other name.
• North Carolina partnerships that want to use a brand name rather than just the partners’ names must register a DBA.
• A limited liability company must file a DBA if it wants to run different businesses or brand names under the same legal company.
• Corporations that plan to launch a product line or service under an assumed business name also need to file.

The benefits of having a DBA in North Carolina

North Carolina requires a DBA if your business operates under a name different from its legal one. Beyond that, there are a number of additional reasons to register an NC DBA formally. 

• Avoid legal trouble. A DBA can help you avoid allegations of fraudulent or deceptive trade practices.
• Open a bank account. You need a registered DBA to open a bank account under your business’s trade name.
• Build trust with customers. Consistently using your DBA that reflects your brand and services instills a degree of trust in those with whom the business transacts.
• Use different brand names. You can run multiple brands or services under the same legal company by filing different DBAs.

NC DBA requirements

In North Carolina, certain information is required on any Assumed Business Name Certificate, regardless of county. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) provides a certificate online that includes all of the required assumed business name information. In addition, it’s important to know that under the Assumed Business Name Act of 2017, you can file DBAs for multiple counties with one application.

In general, North Carolina law requires you provide:

• Your assumed business name
• Your legal business name
• The real name of the person engaging in business
• The nature of the business
• The street address of your principal place of business
• The mailing address, if different
• The counties where you want to do business

There are also some common best practices for selecting a DBA name that filers should keep in mind: 

• Avoid names that are misleading or that appear to pose as the name of an altogether different business.
• Make sure your DBA name does not appear to be the name of a governmental authority.
• Don’t choose a name that implies your business is a kind of entity that it isn’t. For example, don’t use "Inc." when the entity is not a corporation.

How to file a doing business as in NC

Filing a North Carolina DBA is a simple process, but it’s important to stay organized and make sure everything you submit is accurate. Mistakes can slow down your approval or cause problems for your business down the line, so take the time to follow each step carefully. 

1. Search the business name. Setting up a DBA begins with a North Carolina name search to see if the assumed business name you want is available within the state. You can do a name search on the North Carolina Secretary of State website.
2. Download the form. Download an Assumed Business Name Certificate from the EDPNC website or pick it up in person from your county Register of Deeds.
3. Complete the form. Fill out all the required information. You can file for up to five assumed business names per form. You can also register the name in multiple counties—up to all 100 North Carolina counties if desired.
4. File the form. Submit the completed Assumed Business Name Certificate to the county Register of Deeds where your business operates and pay the filing fee. Not all counties have online filing, so you may need to file by mail or in person—check with the deeds office to confirm how to file.

With the passage of the Assumed Business Name Act, certificates no longer need to be notarized. Once filed, your DBA will be added to the statewide database, which was also created under the same legislation.

How much does a North Carolina assumed business name cost?

Filing for an assumed business name in North Carolina costs $26. You’ll file the Assumed Business Name Certificate with your county Register of Deeds, but the fee won’t change by county. You can also register the name in multiple counties—as many as you want—without paying any additional fees.

Why you should register a doing business as name with LegalZoom

LegalZoom has helped thousands of people in North Carolina get a doing business as name without the hassle of confusing paperwork. You don’t need to guess which form to use or where to file—we take care of the details so you don’t miss a step.

Our process is fast, easy, and backed by reliable customer support that’s ready to help when you need it. If you want to get your DBA filed the right way, LegalZoom makes it simple.

NC DBA FAQs

How long does it take to register a DBA in North Carolina?

Processing times vary depending on the county. If your local county has online filing, it could take a day or less to register your DBA. It usually takes a few business days if you file in person at your county Register of Deeds office. If you mail in your form, processing can take up to one to two weeks.

Do you need to renew an NC DBA?

No, your assumed business name won’t expire or require renewal. However, if any of the information you provided changes, you’ll need to file an Amendment of Assumed

Business Name Certificate within 60 days. This includes if you want to register in new counties not listed on the original certificate. 

Can you trademark a DBA name in North Carolina?

Yes, but you’ll need to file a separate trademark application at the state or federal level.

Simply registering a DBA does not give you trademark protection in North Carolina or anywhere else.

Does registering a doing business as name in North Carolina change your taxes?

No, getting a trade name registered by filing a DBA doesn’t change how your company is taxed. Your taxes will still be based on your legal business structure, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation.

Can you change a DBA name in North Carolina?

Yes, you can change your DBA by filing a new Assumed Name Certificate with the updated name in your county. Make sure you cancel or withdraw the old name if you’re no longer using it.

Can you have multiple doing business as names?

Yes, you can register more than one DBA if your business operates under different names for different products, services, or locations. You can register up to five DBA names on a single application.

What is the difference between a DBA and an LLC?

A DBA is a registered name that your business uses, while an LLC is a legal business structure that separates your personal and business assets. A DBA doesn’t provide liability protection, but an LLC does.

How can I check if my DBA name is taken?

You can do a name search for your proposed business name with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office. The Assumed Business Name Act set up a statewide online database. You can also use an online name search service like LegalZoom.

Essential resources for registering a North Carolina doing business as name

North Carolina Secretary of State

Use the Secretary of State's website to find helpful resources about business formation, licenses, and compliance in North Carolina.

North Carolina Business Name Search

Look up business names registered with the state so you don’t choose a name that’s already taken.

County Register of Deeds Offices

Use this tool to find your local Register of Deeds office where you will file your assumed name certificate.

IRS EIN Information

If you want to open a bank account under your DBA, you may also need an EIN. You can apply here or use a service like LegalZoom to simplify the process.

Sam Eichner contributed to this article.