How to Register Your Business Name in New York State
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Ready to launch your venture? Make sure you register business name correctly in New York State today for a smooth start.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding “register business name” in New York State
2. Check Name Availability & Legal Requirements
3. County‑Level Registration (DBA) Process
4. State‑Level Registration for LLCs & Corporations
5. Fees, Timelines & Expedited Options
1. Understanding “register business name” in New York State
First things first: to register business name in New York State means choosing a unique, compliant name and filing appropriate forms—either locally (DBA) or with the state—for different business entities. Whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation, each path ensures your business name is legally recognized and protected.
2. Check Name Availability & Legal Requirements
Key steps:
Search state database to ensure name isn’t already in use
Check county records for trade name overlaps .
Avoid restricted words (e.g., “bank,” “trust”) or governmental connotations without special approval .
Optionally, reserve the name for 60 days via Certificate of Reservation ($20)
3. County‑Level Registration (DBA) Process
Steps:
Choose correct form: X‑201 for sole proprietor, X‑74 for partnerships
Complete form: include business name, owner name, address, and county details .
Pay county-specific fee ($100–$120) plus optional copies (~$10)
File in person or by mail to county clerk where business operates
No renewal required; to stop using it, file a discontinuance
4. State‑Level Registration for LLCs & Corporations
LLCs and corporations register assumed names with the NY Department of State:
Verify name availability on the state database
File Certificate of Assumed Name, $25 state fee
NYC county fees for corporations: $100 per county; LLCs, limited partnerships pay no county fee
Expedited processing: 24‑hour ($25), same‑day ($75), 2‑hour ($150)
Completed filing is effective upon DOS recording
5. Fees, Timelines & Expedited Options
Filing Type | Fee | Timeline |
Sole Proprietor/Partnership DBA | $100–$120 + $10 per certified copy (chamberofcommerce.org, portal.311.nyc.gov) | ~7 business days locally |
Certificate (LLC/Corp) statewide | $25 + $100 per NYC county (corp only) | ~3 business days, expedited available |
Name Reservation | $20 | Holds name 60 days |
6. Post-Registration Steps
Next steps to solidify your register business name process:
Open bank account under your new name.
Apply for EIN via IRS.
Register for NY sales tax Certificate of Authority if selling goods
Optional: Trademark federally for broader protection.
Secure a matching domain name and website.
Get insured and maintain compliance—especially for registered entities.
7. Summary & Next Actions
Decide your path: Whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, or formal legal entity, the right registration ensures your name is legally recognized.
Follow the appropriate process: county-level DBA for smaller businesses, state-level for corporations and LLCs.
Don’t stop at filing: secure your EIN, sales tax status, domain, trademark, insurance, and compliance.
Taking the step to register business name in New York State protects your brand, opens doors to banking and contracts, and lays the groundwork for future growth. Begin today, stay legal, and build with confidence!
Need help filing? Contact your county clerk’s office or the NYS Small Business Development Center for personalized guidance.
