How to Register a DBA in North Carolina
In North Carolina, you register your DBA with the Register of Deeds office in your business’ home county. You can enter multiple counties on the form if you do business in more than one county, and it does not need to be notarized.
Registering a DBA Name in North Carolina
You can apply for a DBA name by submitting the application to the North Carolina Secretary of State along with the application fee. It costs $26 to file for a DBA name in North Carolina. The processing time for a DBA filing in North Carolina is usually only a few days.
Requirements for NC DBA Application
- Verify name availability through the statewide database.
- Fill out the Assumed Business Name Certificate form.
- File with the Register of Deeds in your county.
- Process takes 10-15 days.
- Cost varies but typically $26.
FAQs for Registering a DBA
- What is DBA? A DBA allows operating under a different business name.
- Do I need a DBA? For marketing, brands, systems, bank accounts.
- How long does it take? 10-15 days.
- Can I change my DBA? No.
- What’s the cost? Typically $26.
You will need to register the business name as doing business as "DBA". All businesses need a business license by law.
If you want to conduct business under any name other than your own, state law requires you to register the new name as a "doing business as" (DBA). NC law requires all sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs and corporations to register a DBA if they want to conduct business under any name other than their own.