DBA filing · New Jersey

How to File a DBA in New Jersey

In New Jersey, a DBA is filed locally — usually with the county clerk. Register with the County Clerk (sole props) / Division of Revenue (entities) for $50.

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 New Jersey, a DBA is filed locally — usually with the county clerk.

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

How to file a DBA in New Jersey

  1. Confirm your name is available. Run a quick pre-check on our name-search tool, then verify it against the official New Jersey records so you don't pay to file a name that's taken.
  2. Complete the New Jersey filing. Register with the County Clerk (sole props) / Division of Revenue (entities). The filing fee is $50.
  3. Handle any extra steps. Sole proprietors file a trade name with the county clerk; entities register an alternate name with the state.
  4. Keep it active. Your registration lasts 5 yrs before it needs renewing — we'll remind you before it lapses.
Where it's filed: County filing — County Clerk (sole props) / Division of Revenue (entities).

Two ways to file in New Jersey

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 New Jersey link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.

Open the official New Jersey filing page →

Done for you — via LegalZoom

Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the $50 state fee).

File through LegalZoom →

Rather have it done for you?

Don't want to navigate the County Clerk (sole props) / Division of Revenue (entities) yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the $50 state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.

New Jersey DBA — frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in New Jersey? +

In New Jersey, a DBA is filed with the County Clerk (sole props) / Division of Revenue (entities). This is handled at the county level.

How much does a DBA cost in New Jersey? +

New Jersey's government filing fee is $50. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).

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

A New Jersey DBA must be renewed every 5 years.

Does New Jersey require newspaper publication for a DBA? +

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

Do I have to file a DBA in New Jersey? +

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), New Jersey 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 New Jersey? +

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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