How to set up a DBA in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a DBA, officially called an Assumed Business Name, allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal entity name. Registering a DBA is essential down the line for slick branding efforts and staying on the right side of regulatory requirements.

Here’s how to set up a DBA in North Carolina:

1. Choose Your Business Name

• Your chosen name must comply with North Carolina laws and must not be misleading or already in use.

2. Search the Name Database

• You should check the North Carolina Secretary of State’s database for business entity names to avoid conflicts, but for DBAs, you must also check the Assumed Business Name records at the Register of Deeds in the counties where you plan to operate.

3. Complete the Assumed Business Name Certificate

• Fill out the Assumed Business Name Certificate form, which requires:
• The legal name of your business entity
• The DBA name you wish to use
• The nature of the business
• The business’s principal office address
• The counties where you intend to conduct business

4. File with the Register of Deeds

• Submit the completed form at the Register of Deeds office located in the county where your principal office resides.

5. Pay the Filing Fee

• Filing fees will typically set you back about $26 per county by 2025, but vary somewhat depending on county rules.

6. Update as Needed

• If your business information changes, you must file an amendment within 60 days.

Proper DBA registration helps protect your brand and ensures legal compliance. Many businesses rely on professionals like One IBC USA to handle filings accurately and efficiently, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.