How to Open a DBA in NC: A Comprehensive Guide

How do I open a DBA in NC?
In North Carolina, you register your DBA with the Register of Deeds office in your business’ home county. You must complete the Assumed Business Name Certificate form and return it to your local office.
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If you want to conduct business in North Carolina under a name other than your legal name, you must file a DBA (Doing Business As) statement. A DBA is a fictional name that enables you to conduct business using a name other than your given one. This post will outline the process for setting up a DBA in North Carolina step-by-step.

Should I Register a DBA in North Carolina?

Yes, a DBA must be registered if you intend to conduct business in North Carolina under a false name. All business structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, must comply with this. If you use a nickname or a variation of your name while doing business under your own name, you might still need to register a DBA. How Do I Acquire a DBA?

The actions to take in order to get a DBA in North Carolina are as follows:

1. Choose a Name: The first step is to give your company a name. Verify that no other company in North Carolina is already using the name. On the website of the North Carolina Secretary of State, you can look up existing business names.

2. Submit the Application: After deciding on a name, you must submit an application to the North Carolina Secretary of State. The application can be submitted online or by mail. Your name, address, and contact information, as well as some basic information about your company, must be entered into the application.

3. Pay the Fee: In North Carolina, a DBA registration costs money. Depending on the county in where your company is located, there are different fees. On the website of the NC Secretary of State, you may see the fee schedule. When your DBA application is accepted, you must print a notice in a neighborhood newspaper.

4. For three weeks in a row, this notice must be published once each week. You will receive an affidavit of publication from the newspaper, which you must submit to the NC Secretary of State.

A DBA may be applied for online.

Yes, you can submit an online DBA application through the website of the NC Secretary of State. The quickest and most practical way to apply for a DBA is online. You can monitor the progress of your application and pay the money online. However, you can download the form from the internet and mail it to the NC Secretary of State if you’d rather submit your application by mail.

What Distinguishes an LLC from a DBA?

A DBA is not a limited liability company, which is a type of legal entity. A DBA is only a name you employ when doing business. An LLC is a type of business entity that shields its owners from liabilities. In other words, if you run your company as an LLC, your personal and commercial assets are segregated. In the event that your company is sued, the plaintiff cannot seize your home or vehicle as personal property. You are personally responsible for any debts or legal problems that your business may encounter since there is no distinction between your personal and business assets when using a DBA.

Lastly, establishing a DBA in North Carolina is a simple procedure that includes picking a name, submitting an application, paying a fee, and printing a notice in a neighborhood newspaper. You can get assistance from a business formation agency or an attorney if you need it. A DBA is not the same as an LLC, so be sure you are aware of the distinctions before deciding which is best for your company.

FAQ
You can also ask what is a dba in nc?

In North Carolina, the term “Doing Business As” (abbreviated DBA) refers to a business or person that conducts business under a name other than their legal name. A trade name or fictional name are other names for it. The article “How to Open a DBA in NC: A Comprehensive Guide” offers thorough information and direction on the procedure for setting up and running a DBA in North Carolina.