DBA filing · North Carolina

How to File a DBA in North Carolina

In North Carolina, a DBA is filed locally — usually with the county clerk. Register with the County Register of Deeds for $26.

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 North Carolina, a DBA is filed locally — usually with the county clerk.

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

How to file a DBA in North Carolina

  1. Confirm your name is available. Run a quick pre-check on our name-search tool, then verify it against the official North Carolina records so you don't pay to file a name that's taken.
  2. Complete the North Carolina filing. Register with the County Register of Deeds. The filing fee is $26.
  3. Handle any extra steps. Assumed Business Name certificate filed with the county Register of Deeds; SoS keeps the statewide database.
  4. Keep it active. Your registration lasts None — we'll remind you before it lapses.
Where it's filed: County filing — County Register of Deeds.

Two ways to file in North Carolina

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 North Carolina link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.

Open the official North Carolina filing page →

Done for you — via LegalZoom

Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the $26 state fee).

File through LegalZoom →

Rather have it done for you?

Don't want to navigate the County Register of Deeds yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the $26 state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.

North Carolina DBA — frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in North Carolina? +

In North Carolina, a DBA is filed with the County Register of Deeds. This is handled at the county level.

How much does a DBA cost in North Carolina? +

North Carolina's government filing fee is $26. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).

Does a DBA in North Carolina expire or need to be renewed? +

A North Carolina DBA does not expire and needs no renewal.

Does North Carolina require newspaper publication for a DBA? +

No. North Carolina does not require you to publish a notice of your DBA in a newspaper.

Do I have to file a DBA in North Carolina? +

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), North Carolina 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 North Carolina? +

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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