If you’re planning to start a business in North Carolina under a specific name, you may need to register for a business name. Business name registration is commonly referred to as a North Carolina DBA or “Doing Business As,” but is officially called an Assumed Business Name.
Check out our guide to see if you need to register for a North Carolina Assumed Business Name and to learn how to register.
Related: Starting A Business In North Carolina Checklist
Who needs to register for a North Carolina Assumed Name?
The requirements and need to register for a Trade Name are established under NC General Statute § 66-68 and vary depending on the type of business structure.1
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the most common business structures for registering for a North Carolina DBA. By default, the name of a sole proprietorship and general partnership is the owner(s) legal name, but if the small business owner wants to operate under a specific name, they will need to complete the Assumed Business Name registration.
For example, if Fred Smith starts a business providing fishing charters but doesn’t use a business name, he doesn’t have to register. However, if Fred decides to name his business Fred’s Fishing Guide, he will need to register.
Related: How To Start A North Carolina Sole Proprietorship
A corporation and Limited Liability Company won’t typically register for a North Carolina 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 North Carolina corporation or Limited Liability Company without forming another entity.
Steps to Register a North Carolina Assumed Business Name?
Step 1: Verify Name Availability
Before registering a Certificate of Assumed Name, a name search is to be completed to verify that another business is not using the name you want. Search North Carolina business names on the Secretary of State website to find out if the name you want to use is available.
Step 2: Fill out the Assumed Business Name Form
The Assumed Business Name Certificate form (ABN) is available from the North Carolina Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Information requested on the form includes:
- Assumed business name
- Legal name of the business
- What the business does
- Physical and mailing address of the business
- List of counties where the assumed name will be used in North Carolina
Step 3: Submit the Form
Submit the form and filing fee with the Register of Deeds in the county where the company’s principal office is located.
North Carolina DBA FAQs
How much does a North Carolina Assumed Business Name cost?
The filing fee to register an Assumed Name in North Carolina varies by county but is typically $26.
Are there any naming restrictions when filing a North Carolina Assumed Business Name?
DBAs can’t be registered in North Carolina using words related to banking, insurance, or farming unless the business is licensed to provide those services.
After registering the Assumed Business Name, can someone use my business name?
While registering your Trade Name will keep someone else from registering the exact same name in the state of North Carolina, it does very little to stop someone else from operating that business name in other states. If stopping others from using your business name is important, you can protect it through a trademark.
Related: How to trademark a business name
Does a DBA need an EIN?
An EIN or Employer Identification Number (sometimes called a business tax ID number) is a unique nine-digit number for which some businesses will register 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.
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