Bexar County DBA: How to File an Assumed Name Certificate With the County Clerk

If you're starting a sole proprietorship or general partnership in San Antonio and plan to operate under a name other than your legal name, you'll need to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Bexar County Clerk. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to do, where to file, what it costs, and how long it takes.

A DBA ("doing business as") certificate, officially called an Assumed Name Certificate in Texas, establishes a public record that your business name is associated with you as the owner. It's required if you're a sole proprietor or general partnership doing business under any name other than your legal name. If you're forming an LLC or corporation, you'll file with the Texas Secretary of State instead.

Who Needs to File a Bexar County Assumed Name Certificate

The Bexar County Clerk requires an Assumed Name Certificate if you meet these conditions:

• You are a sole proprietor operating under a name that is not your legal name
• You are a general partnership operating under a name that is not the full names of all partners
• You maintain a business office in Bexar County or conduct business activities there

You do not need to file an assumed name certificate with the county clerk if you own an LLC or corporation. Those business structures file their formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State, not with the county. If your LLC or corporation wants to use an assumed name (a name other than the one registered with the state), you would file a separate assumed name filing with the Secretary of State, not the county clerk.

If you're filing a multi-owner sole proprietorship or a partnership, each additional owner adds a small fee to your filing. Sole proprietorships with one owner have a different fee structure than those with multiple owners.

Where to File in Bexar County

The Bexar County Clerk's office maintains two locations where you can file your Assumed Name Certificate:

• Main Office (Downtown): Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W. Nueva, Suite 112, San Antonio, TX 78205
• Southside Annex: Contact the clerk's office for the current address and hours

You can file your assumed name certificate in person at either location during business hours. Online submission can be completed and paid for in person at the clerk's office; call the clerk to confirm how to file. Check the Bexar County Clerk's official website for current hours and any changes to filing procedures.

San Antonio is the county seat of Bexar County, so all Bexar County business filings go through the county clerk's office. If you do business in other Texas counties, you may also need to file in those counties, but the primary filing happens where your business is based.

What You'll Need to File

Before you go to the Bexar County Clerk's office or submit your filing online, gather the following information:

• The assumed name (your business name) exactly as you want it registered
• Your legal name (the owner's full legal name)
• Your home address or business address in Bexar County
• If you have a business address different from your home address, that address
• A description of the type of business you will operate
• The start date of your business (or the date you want the certificate to be effective)
• If it is a multi-owner sole proprietorship or general partnership, the legal names and addresses of all owners
• Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID)

You do not need to submit a business plan, proof of financing, or documentation of business experience. The Bexar County Clerk is only recording your name and ownership information in the county records.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Step 1: Check Name Availability

Before you file, search the Bexar County Clerk's online records to verify that the assumed name you want is not already registered. You can perform this search free on the county clerk's website. While a local search does not guarantee that your name is available statewide or that it doesn't infringe on trademarked names, it shows whether the same name is already on file in Bexar County.

Look for exact matches and names that are confusingly similar. If the name is available, you can proceed with filing.

Step 2: Obtain and Complete the Form

The Bexar County Clerk provides a standard assumed name certificate form. You can download it from the county clerk's website or request it in person at either office. Fill out the form completely and legibly with your legal name, the assumed name, your address, the type of business, and the effective date.

If you are filing on behalf of a multi-owner sole proprietorship or general partnership, all owners must be listed on the form with their legal names and addresses.

Step 3: Get Your Signature Acknowledged

Your signature on the assumed name certificate must be acknowledged by either a Bexar County deputy clerk or a notary public. The deputy clerk can acknowledge your signature at the county clerk's office for a small additional fee. Alternatively, you can have a notary public acknowledge your signature and then submit the form to the county clerk.

The acknowledgment confirms that you signed the document knowingly and that you are the person listed on the form. This is a standard requirement for assumed name filings.

Step 4: Submit Your Filing and Pay the Fee

Submit your completed, signed form to the Bexar County Clerk either in person or by mail. Pay the filing fee at the time of submission. The county clerk will record your assumed name certificate in the county records and provide you with a file-stamped copy for your records.

Filing Fees and Processing Time

The Bexar County Clerk charges the following fees for assumed name certificate filings (as of 2026):

Filing Type	Fee
Assumed Name Certificate (one owner)	$13
Each additional owner	$0.50 per owner
Plain copy of filed certificate	$2
Certified copy of filed certificate	$7

Important note on fees: The Bexar County Clerk's FAQ page and downloadable forms may show higher totals such as $14 to $20 when a notary is involved. These variations can reflect different scenarios, such as notarization fees or multiple filings. Call the clerk's office at 210-335-2223 to confirm the exact total cost for your specific situation before you file. A brief phone call will prevent surprises at the counter.

Call the clerk for current turnaround on in-person and mailed filings.

Checking Assumed Name Availability First

A few minutes spent checking availability online can save you a trip or a rejected filing. The Bexar County Clerk maintains a searchable online database of all assumed name certificates on file in Bexar County. Search by your intended business name, the owner's name, or by filing date.

A county filing does not give you exclusive rights to a name, so another business may already use the same or a similar name.

After your assumed name certificate is filed with the county clerk, it becomes part of the public record. Anyone can search for your certificate using the Bexar County Clerk's online database.

Certificate Duration and Renewal

An assumed name certificate filed with the Bexar County Clerk is valid for up to 10 years from the effective date. You can state a specific term when you file, or the clerk will assign a standard term. Before your certificate expires, you can renew it by filing a renewal form and paying the renewal fee.

If your business stops operating or if you change your assumed name, you should file a notice of termination with the county clerk. This removes the assumption from the active records and prevents anyone from confusing your old business name with an active operation.

Special Considerations in Bexar County

Sole Proprietorships and Multi-Owner Structures

A sole proprietorship has one owner. Co-owners who run a business together are generally a general partnership. If more than one person owns the business, each owner's name and address must be listed on your assumed name certificate. The filing fee will be higher for each additional owner.

Local Permits and Licenses

Filing an assumed name certificate with the Bexar County Clerk does not automatically grant you permission to operate. Depending on your type of business, you may need additional licenses or permits from the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, the state of Texas, or federal agencies. For example, businesses selling alcoholic beverages must obtain local alcohol permits through the Bexar County tax office. Always verify what licenses and permits apply to your specific business.

Sales Tax Permit

If your business sells taxable goods or services, you must obtain a Texas sales and use tax permit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This permit is separate from your assumed name certificate. The Comptroller issues the permit at no charge, and the process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

No State General Business License Required

Texas does not issue a general state business license. Your assumed name certificate with the Bexar County Clerk and any required industry-specific licenses are sufficient to operate legally in the state.

After Your Certificate Is Filed

Once your assumed name certificate is filed and recorded with the Bexar County Clerk, you can open a business bank account in your assumed business name. Many banks will ask for a copy of your filed certificate as proof that you are authorized to use that name. Keep several certified copies on hand (the county clerk will provide them for $7 each) for banks, vendors, and other business purposes.

The certificate does not give you exclusive rights to the name. It does not stop someone else from using the same or a similar name, in Bexar County or elsewhere, or from registering it as a trademark.

If you plan to operate in multiple counties, you should file an assumed name certificate in each county where you have a business office or conduct business activities.

Disclaimer

This guide is informational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Filing an assumed name certificate with the Bexar County Clerk creates a public record of your business name but does not establish a legal entity or provide liability protection. The specific requirements and procedures may change, and county clerk fees and processing times can vary.

If you have questions about whether an assumed name certificate is the right filing for your business structure, or if you are unsure whether you need additional licenses or permits, consult with a Texas business attorney or a certified public accountant who is familiar with Bexar County requirements. They can review your specific situation and advise you on the best approach.

Contact Information

Bexar County Clerk
Assumed Name/DBA Filing Office
Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W. Nueva, Suite 112
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-335-2223

Check the Bexar County Clerk's official website for current office hours, filing procedures, downloadable forms, and online search tools for assumed name certificates.