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Assumed Names (DBA)
To File an Assumed Business Name
If you need to file an Assumed Business Name form, you can come in to our office with a completed and signed form (~$26 fee) or electronically through our partner's website (~$41 fee)
Statewide Changes to Filing Assumed Business Names Forms Effective 12/1/17
North Carolina law requires individuals, limited and general partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, and other persons that engage in business in this state under an assumed name to file a certificate with a register of deeds in a county in which the person or entity will be engaging in business.
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2017, certificates must comply with content and execution requirements specified in the statutes for a certificate of assumed business name. The requirements are different than they were for a certificate of assumed name recorded under prior law.
Amendments to and withdrawals of certificates of assumed business names also must comply with new content and execution requirements.
Certificates of assumed business names and amendments to and withdrawals of them will be transmitted into a statewide, central database maintained by the N.C. Secretary of State, which will be available for searches by the public. A single registration can be effective for multiple counties. The Secretary will maintain a website for this purpose at www.sosnc.gov/abn/search
The Secretary will assign an identification number (SOS ID) to each assumed business name that is recorded, to which amendments and withdrawals must refer.
Certificates of assumed names filed under the prior law expired DECEMBER 1, 2022.
Register of Deeds Office Role
The Register of Deeds office cannot provide legal advice such as what structure your business should take, what forms may need to be filed or how to complete each form.
Helpful Links
When you are starting your own business or need to file an Assumed Name, please visit the following links for more information as well as forms.
- Rural Rise - free/low-cost business resources
- Business Link - North Carolina
- North Carolina Department of Commerce
- North Carolina Secretary of State
You may also be interested in the following.
Incorporate Your Business
If you wish to incorporate your business, please visit the Secretary of State's website for more information or call 919-807-2225.