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Assumed Name Certificate Form

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Assumed Name Certificate Form

This Assumed Name Certificate is executed by Registrant Name: and Co-Registrant Name: for the purpose of registering and certifying an assumed name under applicable law.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Registrant conducts or intends to conduct business under the assumed name Assumed Business Name: ; and

WHEREAS, Registrant and Co-Registrant desire to provide the facts required to be submitted to the appropriate registering authority and to make the certifications herein contained; and

WHEREAS, the statements made in this Certificate are made for the purpose of compliance with statutes and local regulations governing the registration and public notice of assumed or fictitious business names.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the foregoing recitals and intending to be legally bound, Registrant and Co-Registrant hereby certify and declare under penalty of perjury as follows:

1. NAME AND ENTITY TYPE

1.1 The assumed name to be registered is: .





2. PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS

3. ENTITY INFORMATION AND OWNERS

3.1 State or jurisdiction of formation (for entity): . Registration or file number (if applicable):

4. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND TERM

4.1 Date on which Registrant first used the assumed name in this jurisdiction: .

4.2 This assumed name registration shall remain in effect until terminated in accordance with law or until the registrant files a cancellation:

5. STATEMENT, CERTIFICATION AND OATH

5.1 Registrant and Co-Registrant hereby declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information contained in this Certificate is true and correct to the best of their knowledge and that the assumed name is not used for any fraudulent purpose and does not infringe any existing protected name or trademark.

5.2 Registrant acknowledges that making a false statement on this Certificate may subject the registrant to civil or criminal penalties as provided by law, including but not limited to fines and injunctive relief.

6. NOTICES

All notices, process, and official communications required or permitted under this Certificate shall be sent to the address of the principal place of business set forth above or to the mailing address provided herein.

7. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Governing Law: This Certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is filed. Any dispute concerning the construction or enforcement of this Certificate shall be determined by the courts of that jurisdiction.

Entire Agreement: This Certificate, together with any attachments, constitutes the entire statement of facts and agreement concerning the registration of the assumed name and supersedes all prior statements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.

Severability: If any provision of this Certificate is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Amendments and Waiver: No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Certificate shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party or parties to be charged. The waiver by any party of a breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

SIGNATURES

The undersigned declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the jurisdiction in which this Certificate is filed that they are authorized to execute this Certificate and that the information contained herein is true and correct.

Registrant:

By:

Date:

Co-Registrant:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Assumed Name Certificate Form Is

The Assumed Name Certificate Form, often called a doing business as (DBA) filing, is a state-level document used to register a trade name that differs from an individual's or business's legal name. It publicly notifies local authorities and third parties of the connection between the legal owner and the assumed name, enabling the owner to open bank accounts, enter contracts, and receive payments under the trade name. Requirements, fees, and filing offices vary by state; check the relevant Secretary of State or county clerk for the specific form and submission process.

Why Register an Assumed Name

Registering an assumed name creates a public record that helps banks, vendors, and customers identify the legal owner of a business name, facilitates banking and contracts, and supports compliance with state trade-name laws while reducing the risk of name disputes.

Why Register an Assumed Name

Who Typically Files This Form

Typical users who file an Assumed Name Certificate include sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs operating under a trade name.

  • Independent contractors and sole proprietors using a business name different from their legal name.
  • Small business owners forming a DBA to accept payments, advertise, or open a bank account.
  • Partnerships or LLCs adopting a public-facing brand distinct from the legal entity name.

Filing clarifies public ownership of the name and aligns business operations with local registration requirements.

Typical Signers and Their Roles

Business Owner

Individuals who legally own the business filing an Assumed Name Certificate; they must provide identifying information, confirm the trade name's use in commerce, and accept responsibility for obligations incurred under the assumed name. Banks and vendors typically require registration before opening accounts.

Authorized Signer

Persons authorized by the legal owner or governing documents to sign and file the certificate; may be managing members, officers, or designated agents. The signer must provide accurate identity details and may need notarization depending on state rules.

Step-by-Step: Completing and Filing the Certificate

Follow these steps to complete an Assumed Name Certificate accurately and reduce filing delays; follow county or Secretary of State instructions.

  • 01
    Prepare: Gather legal name, trade name, address, and ownership details.
  • 02
    Complete Form: Enter required fields using MM/DD/YYYY where applicable.
  • 03
    Notarize: Obtain notarization if state law requires it.
  • 04
    File: Submit to county clerk or Secretary of State with fee.

How Filing Becomes Public Record

After filing, the office records the certificate and issues confirmation; public records list the assumed name and owner for searching.

  • File: Submit form with fee to county or state office.
  • Record: Clerk records the certificate into public files.
  • Banking: Bank uses recorded certificate to open accounts under DBA.
  • Renewal: Some states require periodic renewal or re-filing.

Digital Filing and Submission Options

You can file in person, by mail, or online where supported; digital submission workflows may vary by state agency.

  • Formats: PDF or agency online form accepted.
  • Authentication: State may require notarization or ID verification.
  • Integrations: Integrates with county e-filing portals where available.

Typical Timelines and Processing Expectations

Timelines depend on jurisdiction and method; typical actions include filing, recording, bank acceptance, and any renewal deadlines.

Filing Effective Date:

Effective upon acceptance by filing office or on a specified effective date.

Processing Time:

County or state offices usually process filings within 3–10 business days.

Bank Acceptance:

Banks may request a certified copy and identification before opening accounts.

Renewal Requirement:

Some jurisdictions require renewal every 1–5 years.

Record Retention:

Keep originals per federal and state retention rules; see retention timeline.

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Using inconsistent trade names or abbreviations across filings can lead to rejection or difficulty enforcing contracts under the assumed name.
  • Entering an incorrect legal owner name or misspelled personal name often triggers bank account denials and tax reporting mismatches.
  • Failing to notarize or provide required witness signatures when state law requires them invalidates the certificate for some transactions.
  • Neglecting to renew or refile the assumed name where required exposes the owner to penalties and prevents continued use of the name.

Consequences of Incorrect or Missing Filings

Bank Rejection: Account denial
Tax Issues: Backup withholding risk
Legal Disputes: Name ownership conflict
Fines: State civil penalties
Contract Risk: Unenforceable agreements
Record Errors: Mismatched filings

Pricing and Feature Comparison for eSignature Providers

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HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions about the Assumed Name Certificate

Answers to frequent questions about completing, filing, and correcting an Assumed Name Certificate across U.S. jurisdictions and online workflows.


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