What Is a DBA in Texas and Do You Need One?
May 24, 2026
A DBA — short for "Doing Business As" — is officially called an "assumed name certificate" in Texas. It lets you operate your business under a name different from your legal name or your company's registered name.
When Do You Need a DBA?
- Sole proprietors: If you want to operate under any name other than your personal legal name (e.g., "John Smith" doing business as "Smith Consulting").
- LLCs and corporations: If you want to use a name different from your registered entity name (e.g., "Smith Holdings LLC" doing business as "Smith Consulting").
- Opening a business bank account: Many banks require a DBA to open an account under your business name.
Where Do You File?
It depends on your business type:
- Sole proprietors and general partnerships: File with the county clerk in the county where your business is located. Fee is typically $20-25.
- LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities: File with the Texas Secretary of State. Fee is $25.
What a DBA Does NOT Do
A DBA does not:
- Create a separate legal entity (that's what an LLC does)
- Provide liability protection
- Give you exclusive rights to the name (that requires a trademark)
How Long Is It Valid?
In Texas, a DBA is valid for 10 years from the date of filing. After that, you'll need to renew it.