How to Get a DBA in New York


Filing a New York DBA (doing business as), also known as an assumed name, is a simple process and it’s done at the county level or with the New York Department of State depending on your business structure.

Learn How to Get a DBA in New York yourself. Choose your business structure to get started:

You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).

Image of a man searching how to file a D B A online.

Filing a DBA in NY for Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships

Sole proprietors and partnerships are required to file their NYS DBA with the County Clerk where their business is located. Estates and real estate investment companies are also required to file with the county.

A sole proprietorship is a business owned by a single individual that isn't formally organized. If you run a business and file taxes under your own name, you are a sole proprietor.

A DBA doesn't offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up an LLC (limited liability company), visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.

SKIP AHEAD

If you need to create a DBA for an LLC or Corporation, you can click here to skip ahead.

Step 1: Start With a New York Assumed Name Search

If you haven't already, head over to the New York Department of State website to make sure your name isn't taken by— or too similar to— another registered New York business.

TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address. You can also use our free logo generator tool to make a logo yourself! No design experience necessary!

Next, make sure your name complies with New York naming rules:

  • Your name cannot include words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.)
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business.
  • Learn more about NY naming guidelines here.

Next, a quick online search of the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.

Now would be the perfect time to get a web domain for your DBA.

Find a Domain Now

Once you reserve a domain name for your DBA, consider setting up a business phone system to help strengthen your customer service and boost credibility. We recommend Phone.com because of its affordable pricing and variety of useful features. Start calling with Phone.com.

Step 2: Filing a DBA in NY with the County Clerk

If your business is a sole proprietorship or partnership, then you are required to file a business certificate with the appropriate county clerk’s office(s) in order to operate under a DBA.

Knowing which county to file in is simple: you must file in any county where your business conducts or transacts business.

In New York State, ALL PARTNERSHIPS, whether operating under an assumed name or not, must register a “Business Certificate for Partnerships” with the appropriate county clerk’s office(s). Continue reading this section for instructions on completing this step.

We will give you step-by-step directions to get a New York County DBA (Manhattan). If you need to register your DBA in a different county than New York County, you’ll need to get in touch with the county clerk for the registration requirements.

You can find your counties' contact information here.

Filing a DBA in NYC Contact Information:

Kings County- (347) 404-9750
Bronx County- (718) 590-3648
Richmond County- (718) 675-8910
Queens County- (718) 298-0601
New York County- (646) 386-5955

How to File a New York County DBA (Manhattan)

At this point, you should’ve already chosen a name for your business and completed the name searches in Step 1 above.

New York County suggests searching their assumed name records before you start the DBA filing process. Those records can be found at the New York County courthouse basement at 60 Centre Street in Manhattan.

Forms

  • X-74 Business Certificate form for Partnerships
  • X-201 Business Certificate form for Sole Proprietorships

The county does not provide these forms. Business owners are advised to purchase them at the courthouse candy shop/newsstand at 60 Centre Street in Manhattan or at a legal stationery store. The forms are also available online for a fee.

You Must Submit Your Business Certificate In Person

Walk In Location

60 Centre Street
Room 161
New York, New York 10007

Payment

  • $100, certified copies are an additional $10
  • The County Clerk accepts cash, or Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
  • No personal or company checks are accepted.

Manage Your NY County DBA

DBA Questions

Call (646) 386-5955 for general questions about business certificates, assumed names, and DBA requirements.

Renew Your DBA

Your business certificate does not expire.

Change Your DBA

To make changes to your business certificate, visit the County Clerk’s office to complete an amendment document. The New York County Clerk will supply the document and the fee to register is $121. Before heading to the County Clerk’s office, call (646) 386-5955 to confirm the process and requirements for the type of change needed.

Withdraw Your DBA

Register the Certificate of Discontinuance of Assumed Name Form with the New York County Clerk. For directions on how to get this form, call the county clerk at (646) 386-5955.

Filing a DBA in NY for LLCs, Corporations, and LLPs

Incorporated businesses must file their certificate of assumed name with the New York Department of State. The following business types are considered incorporated:

  • For-profit Corporations, Non-Profit Corporations
  • Professional Corporations, Professional Associations
  • Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Any Foreign Filing Entities

If you need to know how to file a NY DBA for a sole proprietorship or partnership, go back to those requirements.

Step 1: Start With a New York Assumed Name Search

If you haven't already, head over to the New York Department of State website to make sure your name isn't taken by— or too similar to— another registered New York business.

TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address.

Next, make sure your name complies with New York naming rules:

  • Your name cannot include words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.)
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business.
  • Learn more about NY naming guidelines here.

Next, a quick online search of the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.

Now would be the perfect time to get a web domain for your DBA.

Find a Domain Now

Step 2: Filing Your Certificate of Assumed Name NY

If your business is incorporated, you are required to set up your DBA with the New York Department of State.

First, print a copy of the certificate of assumed name form. The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:

  • Line 2: Your business entity type, ie. corporation, LLC, a general partnership.
  • Line 4: Number and street of your principal New York business location or out of state address for foreign entities.
  • Line 5: All counties where you do business or intend to do business.
  • Line 6: Number and street of all of your New York business locations where you transact business.

A DBA does not offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up an LLC (limited liability company), visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.

Submit Your Certificate of Assumed Name Form

Walk In

New York State Department of State
Division of Corporations
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231

Mail

New York State Department of State
Division of Corporations
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231

Fax

(518) 474-1418

Include the Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form and your written request for a certified copy, if required.

Payment and Fees

Fees

  • $25 for the Certificate of Assumed Name
  • $10 Certified Copy of Certificate of Assumed Name
  • $150 2-hour processing, $75 Same day, $25 within 24 hours

Additional Fees For Corporations Only

  • $100 for each NYC county where the business is or will be conducted within New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond Counties)
  • $25 for each county where the business is or will be conducted outside New York City
  • $1,950 to include every New York State county and the Certificate of Assumed Name combined

Payment

Fees must be paid by cash, check, money order, MasterCard, Visa or American Express. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the “Department of State.”

When using a credit card by mail or fax, you must complete and sign the Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form and submit it to the Division of Corporations with your Certificate of Assumed Name.

Do not send cash through the mail and all checks over $500 must be certified.

Manage Your NYS DBA

DBA Questions

Call the New York Department of State to learn more about DBA requirements: (518) 473-2492

Renew Your DBA with the State

Your certificate of assumed name does not expire.

Change Your DBA

To make changes to your certificate of assumed name, you must complete and submit the Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Assumed Name form.

Withdraw Your DBA

You can find the Certificate of Discontinuance of Assumed Name form here.

Need Help Filing Your New York Assumed Name?

Have a Professional Service File Your New York DBA For You

A professional service will handle filing your DBA on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the other needs of your new business.

We recommend using LegalZoom ($99 + state fee) for a personalized DBA service.

DBA New York FAQ

Can I file a DBA online in New York?

You cannot register a DBA online in New York at this time.

How Do I Change My DBA in New York?

To make changes to your certificate of assumed name, you must complete and submit the Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Assumed Name form.

For most changes, visit the County Clerk’s office to complete an amendment form and pay a filing fee. Contact your county clerk for county-specific instructions for changing your DBA at the county level.

How can I insure my New York DBA?

DBAs don’t require insurance because DBAs aren't a business entity. However, the business entity that the DBA is under will need protection from losses that can happen naturally in the course of business, such as property damage or lawsuits.

We recommend Tivly because they provide coverage for a large variety of businesses. Get a free quote from Tivly or call 855-965-3168 to learn more.

How Can I Withdraw my NYS DBA?

Contact your county clerk for county-specific instructions for withdrawing your DBA for your unincorporated business.

For incorporated businesses, you will need to file for discontinuance of your assumed name with the NY Department of State. You can find the Certificate of Discontinuance of Assumed Name form here.

How Often Should I Renew My New York DBA?

Your New York DBA doesn’t have to be renewed.

When is filing a DBA required in New York?

A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name. In the case of a sole proprietorship, you will need a DBA if you are operating under a name other than your own personal name. Partnerships in NY must always file a DBA in all counties where they transact business.

How Do I Transfer my NYS DBA?

Most transfers can be completed by filing an amendment to change the owner’s name.

How many NYS DBAs can I have?

You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Each one will come with additional incremental expense and paperwork, so you will want to make sure you have a good reason for each one you have.

Can a NYS DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?

DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN from the IRS if an EIN is required.

To learn more about EINs and when you would need one for your business, read What is An EIN from our friends at TRUiC.

Can a NYS DBA become an LLC?

Your DBA is just a name. A DBA is often confused with a sole proprietorship. If you mean “can my sole proprietorship become an LLC?” then the answer is “Yes. Absolutely.”

To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.

Can a NYS DBA have "Inc." in the name?

A DBA can only have "Inc." in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.

How do I set up a NYS DBA for a rental property?

It’s always best to consult an attorney. Usually, the best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. Holding the rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection.

Is my NYS DBA protected from being used in other places?

There are some state-level laws that prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible to trademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.

How much does a DBA cost in NY?

DBA filing fees vary depending on the location of the business and the business type.

Sole proprietor and partnership DBA fees are assessed by the county where the business is located. You must access your county directly for specific fee information. You can do this online or by calling the county clerk. You can find your counties' contact information on the NYSAC.org website.

Fees for incorporated businesses like LLCs and corporations are as follows:

$25 for the Certificate of Assumed Name
$10 Certified Copy of Certificate of Assumed Name
$150 2-hour processing, $75 Same day, $25 within 24 hours

Additional Fees For Corporations Only

$100 for each NYC county where the business is or will be conducted within New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond Counties)
$25 for each county where the business is or will be conducted outside New York City
$1,950 to include every New York State county and the Certificate of Assumed Name combined