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New York DBA / Assumed Name Registration In 5 Easy Steps

By: Startup 101
Last Updated: November 15, 2024

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If you’re planning to start a business in New York using a specific name, you may need to register for a business name. Business name registration is commonly referred to as a New York DBA or “Doing Business As,” but is officially called an Assumed Name.

To see if you need to register for a New York Assumed Name and steps on how to register, check out our guide.

Related: Starting A Business In New York Checklist

Who needs to register for a New York Assumed Name?

The requirements and need to register for an Assumed Name in New York vary depending on the type of business structure.

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the most common business structures to register for a New York DBA. By default, the name of a sole proprietorship and general partnership is the owner(s) legal name. If the small business owner wants to operate under a specific name, they will need to complete the Assumed Name registration.

For example, if Bob Smith starts a personal training business but doesn’t use a specific business name, he doesn’t have to register. However, if Bob decides to name his business Bob’s Fitness, then he will need to register.

Related: How To Start A Sole Proprietorship In New York

A corporation and Limited Liability Company won’t typically register for a New York DBA since a unique entity name is created during the entity formation process. However, some will want to register for a DBA if they have another business or brand name they want to operate in addition to the legal name of the business. This can allow multiple businesses to operate with the liability protection of a New York corporation or Limited Liability Company without forming another entity. 

Steps to Register New York Assumed Name

Sole Proprietorships & Partnerships

Step 1: Verify Name Availability

Before filing a DBA, county records need to be searched to be sure no other business in the county uses the same name. Most of the counties have an online database to quickly search through.

Step 2: Obtain the Assumed Name Form

A form must be obtained from the County Clerk’s office in every county where the business will operate. Some counties have the form online, while others require it to be picked up at the office.

Step 3: Fill out the Certificate of Assumed Name Form

Information requested on the form includes:

  • Name and address of the owner
  • Age certification
  • Business address
  • Mailing address
  • Assumed name

Step 4: Notarize the Form

Before filing the form, it needs to be notarized.  Most County Clerks’ offices have a notary available to notarize the document at no cost.

Step 5: Submit the Form

Submit the filing fee and form to the County Clerk.

If you would prefer to have a someone else research DBA name availability and file the required forms, Bizee and LegalZoom offer a DBA registration service for $99, plus state fees.


Corporations & LLCs

Step 1: Verify Name Availability

Every corporation and LLC name registration must be different from the other names on record. To see if the name you want to use is available, do a New York business name search on the New York Department of State’s Business Entity Database.

Step 2: Fill out the Form

Download the Assumed Name form from the New York Department of State Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code’s website

Information requested on the form includes:

  • Legal name registered with the Department of State
  • Type of business entity
  • Assumed name
  • Mailing address
  • Principal place of business (A post office box isn’t allowed)
  • Counties where the business operates
  • Name of signer
  • Capacity of signer (officer, partner, member, manager)

Step 3: Submit the Certificate of Assumed Name Form

The Assumed Name form can be submitted in person or by mail:
New York Department of State
Division of Corporations
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231-0001

The form can also be sent by fax to 518-474-1418.

New York DBA FAQs

Are there any naming restrictions when filing a New York DBA?

In addition to having a unique name, DBAs can’t be registered using words related to banking or too close to other names on record.

How much does an Assumed Name cost in New York?

Sole Proprietorships u0026amp; Partnerships:
The filing fee for the Assumed Name Certificate varies by county, but it is usually between $25 and $35.

Corporations u0026amp; LLCs:
$25 for LLCs and limited partnerships. Corporation filing fees are $25 + $100 for each county within New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond Counties) and $25 for each county outside New York City.

How long does a DBA last in New York State?

There are no renewal requirements for DBAs in New York.

Does an Assumed Name need an EIN?

An EIN or Employer Identification Number (sometimes informally referred to as a business tax ID number) is a unique nine-digit number that some businesses will register for through the Internal Revenue Department (IRS). An EIN is required for partnerships, corporations, multi-member LLCs, or any business with employees.

Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs without employees can use the owner’s social security number to identify the business.

There is no cost to get an EIN when registering directly from the IRS.

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