How do I register a business name?

How to Register a Business Name in North Carolina

Registering your business name in North Carolina is a key step to legally operate and protect your brand. Follow these practical steps to complete the process efficiently.

Step 1: Choose a Business Name

• Uniqueness: Ensure your desired business name is unique and not already in use by another entity in North Carolina.
• Check Availability: Use the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Name Search tool to verify name availability.
• Compliance: Avoid restricted words unless you have proper licensing (e.g., “bank” or “insurance”).

Step 2: Register the Name Based on Business Structure

• Corporations, LLCs, and Limited Partnerships: Register your business name by filing formation documents with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
• Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships: Register a “Doing Business As” (DBA) or Assumed Business Name with the county clerk’s office where your business operates.

Step 3: File the Required Forms

• Online or Mail: Submit your formation documents or DBA registration online or by mail following the instructions on the Secretary of State or county website.
• Fees: Pay the applicable filing fees. As of 2026, fees vary depending on the form and county.

Additional Operational Considerations

• Business Registration: After registering your name, complete any necessary business registration with state and local tax authorities.
• Licensing and Permits: Depending on your industry, obtain required licenses or permits linked to your registered business name.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain copies of your registration documents for compliance and bookkeeping purposes.
• Trademark Protection: Consider federal trademark registration if you want to protect your business name nationwide.