The Assumed Business Name Act (NCGS § 66-71.x) requires that most types of businesses file with the Register of Deeds in the county where they will operate. The document that puts on record a business name of an individual, partnership, or corporation other than the real name of the owner(s) is referred to as Doing Business As, DBA, or Assumed Name.

There is a $26 fee to Record, Amend or Withdraw an Assumed Name (DBA).

N.C.G.S § 66-71.4(a) requires that any person engaging in business in this State under an assumed business name, the person must file an assumed business name certificate in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the person is or will be engaged in business. If the person is or will be engaged in business in multiple counties, filing is required in only one of those counties.

The Wake County Register of Deeds can handle filings for sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) doing business under an assumed name. If you do business in Wake County, a Wake County filing can cover any other counties as well. It is no longer necessary to file with the register of deeds in each county where you will be doing business.

Note: The North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State Corporations Division handles initial filings for corporations, limited partnerships and LLCs. Please visit the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State's website for more information or call 919-814-5400. The Corporate Division of the Office of North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State is located at 2 S. Salisbury St. at Salisbury and Morgan Streets.

Before filing (recording) the 'Doing Business As' (DBA) or Assumed Name certificate, the business owner should perform a name search to determine whether the proposed business name has already been filed. It is the customer's responsibility to search our database before filing the document.

Note: The Wake County Register of Deeds Office is only a recording agency. You should consult with an attorney for legal advice for questions that pertain to registering your business name. If you have any questions please contact the Information Center at 919-856-5476 or rodinfo@wake.gov.