How To Register New Business Name In Texas Dallas

Step ane: Choose a Concern Construction

Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for near entrepreneurs considering this structure comes with personal asset protection, has no double tax, and is pretty easy to maintain.

If y'all would similar to use a service, read our guide on the all-time LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and Full general Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate as the same proper name as the owner while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

To use a different name to conduct business, the business organization owner(due south) must file for a Texas assumed name — also ordinarily referred to as a doing business organization equally (DBA) name.

Step 2: Cheque Proper name Availability

When registering a concern name, information technology'due south important to brand certain it'south unique and no one else in your state formed a company with it or has control of it online as a domain name.

Domain Name Search

Nosotros strongly recommend that you also check to run into if your business proper noun is bachelor every bit a web domain (URL). Fifty-fifty if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may desire to buy the spider web address to prevent others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is available then it'south likely the name will also be available in a business search.

Detect a Domain Now

Texas Business Name Search

Next, search the Texas taxable entity search tool. This is an important step in the process because your filing volition be denied if you attempt to file for a name already in use.

Search requirements can vary depending on your concern needs. For example, a unique and available name is required to:

File for formal concern structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA name for any business structure.

A state-level name search isn't required for informal business organization structures like sole proprietorships or full general partnerships in Texas. But, if you decide to register a trade name or DBA name, yous'll need to search the database to see if your desired name is unique and bachelor.

Step 3: Class Your Business With the State of Texas

Once yous accept selected your business structure and proper name, you will need to file your germination documents with the state, which will register your concern with the Land of Texas.

To annals your Texas LLC, yous'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Texas Secretarial assistant of Country. You can use online or by mail. Read our Class an LLC in Texas guide for details.

Or utilise a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to form your LLC for y'all.

To register your Texas corporation, y'all'll need to file the Certificate of Incorporation with the Texas Secretarial assistant of Land. Read our Grade a Texas Corporation guide to learn more than.

Additional Considerations

Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)

In one case you ostend the availability of your business name and secure it, you tin choose to apply for a trademark for your business organisation. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus whatever attorney fees every bit well every bit a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this cost tin be high for a start-up or fledgling business, information technology will requite your company make nationwide protection backed by federal law. That means if others effort to do business with the same — or a similar — name as yours, yous'll take legal precedent on your side. For near minor businesses, this actually isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Modify the Name of a Texas Business

Changing the name of a business in Texas can be done in two ways: past filing for an causeless name or by submitting an amendment to the legal name of an existing business organisation.

The get-go method, filing for an causeless proper name (too known equally a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different name without needing to alter its legal name.

A DBA name is the just way for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a different business proper name. It's likewise the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avert filing an amendment or complicating their concern operations while enabling them to operate with brand names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If you lot desire to change the legal name of your LLC or corporation, yet, filing an amendment to the legal name of an existing business is your all-time pick. Here are links to forms for both options:

Certificate of Amendment for LLCs and corporations

You can submit your completed form past mail, fax, or in-person along with the $150 filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license in Texas?

Texas doesn't offering a full general, statewide business license. But, depending on your business blazon, you may need to obtain specific licensing in order to operate.

Do I demand a business concern license to sell online in Texas?

Depending on where you're located in Texas, yous may need a sales taxation license or an occupational license as well every bit additional licensing from your city or canton.

How much does information technology cost to start an LLC in Texas?

Starting an LLC in Texas costs $300 to file your Certificate of Formation.

How do I get a Texas revenue enhancement ID number?

You can obtain your Texas revenue enhancement ID number by registering your business with the Texas Comptroller.