DBA / Assumed Name Certificate Information

Thinking of opening a new business? Here are some simple steps to help aid you in getting your business going in no time:

1. Research the name of your business by visiting our Public Records database to determine the availability of the name of the business.  Please note that the Assumed Name record is valid for up to ten (10) years.
2. Decide which Assume Name Certificate is suitable for your business.  There are two (2) options available for you.

Unincorporated Assumed Name Certificate

The Nueces County Clerk's Office is the only filing authority for Unincorporated Assumed Name Certificates/DBA for registering the business name.

The following types of persons are required to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the County Clerk in each County in which a business office is or will be maintained.

• Sole Proprietorship
• General Partnership or Joint Venture
• Estates
• Real Estate Investment Trusts

 The filing fee for an Assumed Name Certificate is $18.00 for one owner.  If there is more than one owner, add $.50 for each additional name listed.  Filing fee is waived for Veterans.

For legal advice on starting a business the owner(s) may need to contact an attorney.

Incorporated Assumed Name Certificate

The following types of Texas or foreign business entities are required to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Secretary of State.

• Corporations (for-profit, nonprofit and professional) or other incorporated entities
• Limited Liability Companies (including professional limited liability companies)
• Limited Partnerships
• Professional Associations
• Limited Liability Partnerships
• Foreign Filing Entities

Business entities that file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Secretary of State are not required to file with the County Clerk.

• Corporations and Incorporation documents are filed with the Texas Secretary of State in Austin at (512) 463-5555. 

 If the business closes, it is necessary to file an Abandonment of Assumed Name Certificate.  The filing fee is $18.00.  Filing fee is waived for Veterans.

Resources

The following is a list of resources for starting a new business:

Del Mar College Small Business Development Center

(361) 698-1021

• Business in Texas offers steps on starting a business, growing a business as well as many other valuable resources.
•  To obtain a State Sales Tax ID #, contact the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at (800) 252-8880, (800) 252-5555
• IRS - Small Business and Self - Employed Tax Center, is full of helpful information and resources.
• Federal Tax Identification Number also known as an Employer ID Number (EIN) can be obtained through the IRS, apply online.
• Worker's Compensation Information--visit the web page for the Texas Department of Insurance.
• Patents and Trademarks - visit the web page for The United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• Licenses and Regulations - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• If the business is operated in home, review the deed restrictions and contact the homeowners association.
• If the business is located in a city or its jurisdiction, contact the city for possible permit requirements.
• Contact the Environmental Health Department for a business involved in food preparation at:  (361) 826-7222/7223