Is a DBA Required in Texas If You Have a Registered LLC?

The state of Texas refers to "Doing Business As," or DBA, as "Assumed Name Certificate." This form is required any time you conduct business in Texas under a fictitious name, which is any name other than your given legal name.

County Clerk Registration

• All business entities, including registered LLCs, must file an assumed name certificate at the county clerk's office of the county where the business is located. Locate the county clerk information from the Texas website and contact the office for more information. Rules and filing fees vary by county.

Secretary of State Registration

• All registered LLCs must also file an assumed name certificate with the Texas secretary of state. This process can be completed online via the SOSDirect portal or by using a paper form and costs $25.00.

Information Needed

• The applications for filing with the secretary of state and county clerk offices are different but ask for much of the same information. Applications at the county level are shorter and include the name you are using to conduct business, address information and the type of business structure. The secretary of state form also asks for specific information about the county you are filing in and any other counties where you plan to conduct business. Both applications must be refiled every 10 years.