Company filings

How to file an assumed name (DBA) in Texas

By the Fair Permits licensing team · Updated November 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Short answer

A Texas business that operates under any name other than its exact legal name needs an assumed name certificate (a DBA). LLCs, corporations and limited partnerships file Form 503 with the Texas Secretary of State for $25. Sole owners and general partnerships file with the county clerk where they do business (about $25 in Harris County, about $15 in Fort Bend). A certificate lasts up to 10 years.

At a glance

Assumed name certificate (DBA)

Issued by: Texas Secretary of State (companies) or county clerk (sole owners)
Government fee: $25 at the Secretary of State for companies. Sole owners file with the county clerk (Harris about $25, Fort Bend about $15).
Typical time: Usually a few business days.
Renewal: Up to 10 years.

Fees and times as published by each agency (checked November 10, 2026). We confirm them again when we file.

When you need one

If the name on the sign, the receipts or the bank account is not the company's exact legal name, Texas requires an assumed name certificate. "ABC Ventures LLC" operating a store called "Quick Stop Food Mart" needs one for "Quick Stop Food Mart". If you are unsure whether a shortened version of the legal name counts, file the certificate; it costs $25 and removes the question.

Getting the name right matters for the other permits. The sales tax permit, TABC permit, lottery license and SNAP authorization each show a business name, and agencies compare them. A mismatch between the sign, the DBA and the permits is a common reason for a TABC deficiency notice.

Where to file

Who	Where	Fee
LLC, corporation, limited partnership, LLP	Texas Secretary of State, Form 503	$25
Sole owner or general partnership	County clerk of each county where the business operates	Set by the county (Harris about $25, Fort Bend about $15)

Companies used to file in both places. Since September 1, 2019 (House Bill 3609), an entity files only with the Secretary of State; county clerks no longer take entity filings.

How to file

Check the name. Search for conflicts and decide on the exact spelling and punctuation you will use on every permit.
Complete the certificate. For an entity, Form 503 lists the assumed name, the company's legal name, file number, registered agent, the counties where it uses the name, and how long the name will be used. An officer, manager or other authorized person signs.
File. Online through the Secretary of State's portal or by mail, with the $25 fee. Sole owners take the county form to the county clerk, often signed before a notary.
Keep the certificate with the company records. Banks ask for it to open an account in the business name.

Filing usually takes a few business days.

How long it lasts

An assumed name certificate is effective for the period stated on it, up to 10 years. Renew it before it expires if you still use the name, and file an abandonment if you stop. If the company's details change (a new registered agent or address), file an amendment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a DBA cost in Texas?

$25 at the Texas Secretary of State for LLCs and corporations. Sole owners file with the county clerk, where the fee is set by the county (about $25 in Harris County and about $15 in Fort Bend County).

Does a Texas LLC need to file its DBA with the county too?

No. Since September 1, 2019 (House Bill 3609), entities file their assumed name certificate only with the Texas Secretary of State.

How long is a Texas assumed name certificate good for?

Up to 10 years from filing, for the period stated on the certificate.

Does a DBA protect my business name in Texas?

No. An assumed name certificate is a public notice of who is behind a name. It is not a trademark and does not stop someone else from using the same name. A Texas or federal trademark registration is a separate filing.

Sources

This guide is general information about Texas government filings, not legal advice. Agencies change fees and rules; check the official source or ask us before you rely on a figure.

What permits do you need to open a convenience store in Texas?Every permit a new Texas convenience store files, which agency issues each one, the government fees, and the order to file them in so nothing stalls.
Texas franchise tax and the Public Information Report: who files and whenEvery Texas LLC and corporation files with the Comptroller by May 15. The $2.65 million no-tax-due threshold, the PIR, the first report, penalties and forfeiture.