Prepare your documents for Assumed Business Names in Texas

This website helps prepare the forms required for DBA in Texas.

An overview of DBA at is here

Start

HOW IT WORKS

1. Take Screening

Start with an online screening tool to help you determine which DBA related legal option best fits your situation.

2. Prepare Documents

Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you complete your filing documents by having you answer all of the necessary information by topic. We will ask you questions in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate your response anywhere it is needed on the forms.

3. Consult Advocate (Optional)

You can consult a housing advocate to get guidance on DBA related matters. If you’re facing eviction from a rental property, an advocate can help you understand your rights and options. They can review your case documents, speak with you directly about your situation, and assist with developing a plan to maintain housing stability.

4. File with the Clerk

You can formally begin the Assumed Business Name (DBA) process by filing your completed Assumed Name Certificate with the Bexar County Clerk’s Office (or the County Clerk in the county where your business operates). Filing may be done in person at the courthouse, by mail, or in some counties through an online system. You must submit the notarized certificate along with the required filing fee. Once accepted, the Clerk will record the assumed name in the county’s official public records, and you may request certified copies for your business records.

Process

Step 1

You: Take Online Screening

Begin your DBA filing process by taking the screening on LegalAtoms. Just enter your zip code in the top right corner of the homepage, then answer a few simple questions about your business, ownership type, and the name you wish to register. This screening is designed to confirm whether filing an Assumed Business Name (DBA) case is appropriate for your situation and to determine which specific forms and steps you will need. Based on your answers, LegalAtoms customizes the process to fit your county’s local rules and filing requirements. Before starting, gather all relevant information such as your proposed business name, business address, and owner details.

Step 2

You: Gather Business Information and Prepare the Assumed Name Certificate

Start by collecting all important details needed to complete your Assumed Business Name (DBA) filing, including:

The business name you wish to register
The physical business address where operations will take place
The ownership type (sole proprietor, partnership, or other unincorporated entity)
The full legal name and residence address of each owner

Next, obtain the official Assumed Name Certificate form from the Bexar County Clerk’s Office (or your local County Clerk if outside Bexar). You can download the form from the Clerk’s website or pick it up in person. Complete the certificate carefully, making sure all required fields are filled out correctly.

The certificate must be notarized before submission. You may sign it before a notary public or in front of a deputy clerk at the County Clerk’s office. Always keep a copy of the completed and notarized certificate for your records, as you may need it when opening a business bank account or applying for licenses.

Step 3

You: Wait for the Clerk to Record Your Assumed Name Certificate

After submitting your completed and notarized Assumed Name Certificate with the County Clerk, you must wait for the Clerk’s office to process and record it in the county’s official public records. Processing times vary, but in most cases, it is completed within a few business days.

If the Clerk accepts your filing, the assumed business name becomes officially recorded, and you may request plain or certified copies of the certificate for your records. These copies are often required to open a business bank account, apply for permits, or prove your legal use of the business name. However, if your filing is rejected due to missing information or improper notarization, you must correct the errors and resubmit the form before the name can be recorded.

Step 4

You: Create Your Assumed Business Name (DBA) Case on LegalAtoms

Log in to your LegalAtoms account, or create a new one if you don’t already have an account. From your dashboard, click “Start New Case” and select “Assumed Business Name (Texas)” as the case type. The platform will guide you step by step through entering all required information, including:

The assumed business name you want to register
The physical business address where your operations will take place
The type of ownership (sole proprietor, partnership, or other)
The full legal name, residence address, and signature of each registrant/owner

You will also be able to upload any supporting documents, such as identification or previously prepared forms, if applicable. LegalAtoms helps ensure that your filing is complete, properly notarized, and in compliance with Texas county requirements before you submit it to the Clerk’s Office.

Step 5

You: Receive Your Recorded Certificate and Certified Copies

Once your Assumed Business Name (DBA) filing is accepted by the County Clerk, the Clerk will record your certificate in the county’s official public records. You may then obtain a certified copy of the recorded certificate, which serves as official proof that your business is legally registered under the assumed name.

Using Your DBA:
A certified copy is often required to:

Open a business bank account under your DBA
Apply for state or local business licenses and permits
Enter into contracts or agreements under the business name

Certified copies can be requested from the Clerk’s office at the time of filing or later as needed. Keeping at least one certified copy on hand is strongly recommended, as plain photocopies may not be accepted for official purposes.

Step 6

Wait for the Clerk’s Confirmation

After submitting your Assumed Business Name (DBA) certificate, you must wait for the County Clerk to officially record the filing. Processing times can vary by county but are typically completed within a few business days.

During this waiting period, monitor your LegalAtoms dashboard and any notifications from the Clerk’s Office for updates. Once the certificate is recorded, the Clerk will return the original and make certified copies available upon request.

If your filing is complete and properly notarized, it will be approved without issue. However, if the certificate is missing required information or notarization, the Clerk may reject the filing, and you will need to correct and resubmit before your DBA is legally recognized.

Step 7

Receive Your Recorded DBA and Begin Using It

Once the County Clerk records your Assumed Business Name (DBA), the certificate becomes official and you may immediately begin using the name for your business. LegalAtoms will guide you through requesting certified copies of your DBA, which are often required for important business activities such as:

Opening a business bank account under your assumed name
Applying for local or state licenses and permits
Entering into contracts or other legal agreements under the DBA

If your filing was rejected, LegalAtoms will help you identify the issue (such as missing notarization or incomplete information), correct it, and resubmit quickly.

From this point, you can legally operate under your new assumed business name. Remember that your DBA is valid for the term you selected (up to 10 years), and you will need to renew it before it expires to continue using the name.

Step 8

Maintain and Renew Your DBA

Once your Assumed Business Name (DBA) is officially recorded, you may operate your business under that name for the duration you selected on the certificate (up to 10 years). To keep your DBA active beyond that period, you must file a renewal before it expires.

LegalAtoms will notify you when your renewal date is approaching and guide you through the process of completing and submitting a new Assumed Name Certificate. If you fail to renew on time, your DBA will expire, and you will no longer have the legal right to use that name for your business.

By keeping your DBA current, you protect your ability to open and maintain bank accounts, apply for licenses, and enter into contracts under your assumed name without interruption.

FAQs

What is an assumed business name?

What are valid reasons for DBA in Texas?

What is the DBA process in Texas?

How long does the DBA process take?

The DBA process in Texas is usually quick, but the exact timing depends on the county and the filing method. If you file your Assumed Name Certificate in person at the County Clerk’s Office, the certificate is often recorded the same day and you can request certified copies immediately.

If you submit the filing by mail, it typically takes 5 to 10 business days for processing, plus mailing time. Some counties also offer e-filing or online submission, which can speed things up, with approval often happening within 1 to 3 business days.

What happens if my filing is rejected?

If your DBA (Assumed Business Name) filing in Texas is rejected, it usually means the County Clerk found an issue with your application that prevents it from being recorded in the official public records. Common reasons for rejection include missing information on the Assumed Name Certificate, failure to have the document properly notarized, submitting incorrect fees, or attempting to register a name that is already in use or contains restricted terms.

When will I hear back about my filing?

When you’ll hear back about your DBA (Assumed Business Name) filing in Texas depends on how you submit it and the county’s processing times. If you file in person at the County Clerk’s Office, the certificate is often reviewed and recorded on the spot, and you can get certified copies the same day. If you file by mail, it typically takes about 5 to 10 business days, plus mailing time, before you receive confirmation. Some counties also offer e-filing or online submission, where you may hear back within 1 to 3 business days once the Clerk processes it.

Are there fees associated with filing an DBA?

Where can I get help with DBA issues?

If you need help with DBA (Assumed Business Name) issues in Texas, there are several reliable resources available. Locally, the Bexar County Clerk’s Office is the primary authority for DBA filings. The Assumed Names/DBA Department, located at the Paul Elizondo Tower in downtown San Antonio, can answer questions about forms, fees, notarization, and filing procedures.

You can also visit the Clerk’s main office at the Bexar County Courthouse on Dolorosa Street for assistance with records and certified copies. In addition, the Clerk’s Office operates mobile units, known as “Records on the Run,” which provide DBA services in different precincts for convenience.

Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your Assumed Business Name (DBA) documents and file your case.

Core Forms

Assumed Business Name Certificate