How to File a DBA in New York

A DBA (Doing Business As) lets you operate a business under a name different from your legal name. In New York, this filing is officially called a DBA registration.

What Is A DBA?

When you start a business as a sole proprietor or partnership, your business legally operates under your personal name (or the names of all partners). A DBA filing registers an alternate business name with the county, allowing you to:

• Operate under a professional business name
• Open a business bank account in your business name
• Accept payments under your business name
• Build brand recognition separate from your personal name

If you form an LLC or corporation and want to operate under a different name than your entity's registered name, you also need a DBA filing.

Where to File in New York

In New York, DBA filings are handled at the county level. You file with the county clerk's office in the county where your business operates. New York has 62 counties, each with its own clerk's office and filing fee.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your New York DBA

1. Choose your business name — Pick a name that isn't already in use in your county. You can search the New York Secretary of State database for existing business names.
2. Determine your filing county — File in the county where your principal place of business is located.
3. Prepare your DBA application — You'll need your legal name, business name, business address, and type of business.
4. File with the county clerk — Submit your DBA application to the county clerk's office. Each county has its own filing fee.
5. Pay the fees — County filing fees vary across New York's 62 counties. Our service fee is a flat $99.
6. Receive your certificate — Once approved, you'll receive a DBA certificate from the county clerk.
7. Open a business bank account — Use your DBA certificate to open a bank account under your business name.

Costs

Our service fee is $99. This covers preparation and filing of your DBA paperwork, plus coordination with your county clerk's office. County filing fees are separate and vary by location.

Timeline

Most DBA filings in New York are processed within 5-10 business days after submission to the county clerk's office. Processing times can vary depending on the county and their current backlog.

What You Need

• Your full legal name (individual or entity name)
• The business name you want to register
• Business address in New York
• Type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation)
• Filing fee payment

After You File

Once your DBA is approved, keep your certificate in a safe place. You'll need it to:

• Open a business bank account
• Apply for business licenses and permits
• Enter into contracts under your business name
• Build credit under your business name

New York DBA registrations typically need to be renewed periodically. See our renewal guide for details on keeping your filing current.

File Your New York DBA — $99