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

If you're starting a sole proprietorship or general partnership in Harris County and want to operate under a business name other than your legal name, you'll need to file an assumed name certificate, commonly called a DBA ("doing business as"), with the Harris County Clerk. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to do, what it costs, and how long it takes.

Who Needs to File a DBA in Harris County

The assumed name certificate requirement depends on your business structure. If you're operating as a sole proprietor or general partnership and using a business name that differs from your legal name, you must file with the Harris County Clerk. This is a separate, straightforward filing that tells the public who really owns the business.

If you've formed an LLC or corporation and filed with the Texas Secretary of State, you do not file a separate assumed name with the county clerk. Entities like LLCs and corporations that have registered with the state use a different process (filing Form 503 with the Secretary of State) if they want to do business under an assumed name. That change happened on September 1, 2019, so if you're forming a business structure, check whether you're filing at the state level or the county level before you proceed.

Short version: Sole proprietors and general partnerships file with the county. LLCs and corporations file with the state.

Harris County Clerk Jurisdiction and Requirements

Texas law (Business and Commerce Code, Chapter 71) requires that you file an assumed name certificate in every county where you actually maintain a business office or conduct business. If you operate only in Harris County, you file once with the Harris County Clerk. If you also have a location in Dallas County or operate across multiple counties, you'll need to file in each county where you do business. Many Houston-area businesses start with Harris County alone and expand later; if you're planning to grow beyond Houston, budget time and money for additional filings.

Harris County has no separate general business license. The assumed name certificate is the county-level registration you need. Some Harris County businesses also need other permits, for example, food service operations, contractors in certain trades, or mobile food units, but those are separate from the assumed name filing and issued by different agencies.

Harris County Clerk DBA Filing Fees

The Harris County Clerk's fee structure is straightforward but depends on whether you get your document notarized:

Filing Type	Cost
Non-notarized filing (first owner)	$25
Witnessing fee (non-notarized only)	$1
Notarized filing (first owner)	$24
Each additional owner (any method)	$0.50
Veteran discount (first owner only)	-$2 (no per-owner fee)

For most solo sole proprietors filing without extra owners, you're looking at $24 to $26 total. If you have multiple owners on the filing, add $0.50 per additional owner. Veterans receive a $2 discount on the filing fee and no per-owner charges.

The certificate you receive lasts for 10 years from the filing date. After 10 years, you must renew it with the clerk; renewal involves filing a new certificate and paying the fee again.

Step-by-Step: How to File Your Assumed Name Certificate

Step 1: Verify the Name Is Available

Before you file, check that the assumed name isn't already taken in Harris County. You can search the Harris County Clerk's records online at cclerk.hctx.net. This is a fast, free check to see whether another business already uses the name. A DBA filing does not give you exclusive rights to a name. The clerk's office maintains searchable records by assumed name and owner, so you can look up whether the exact name you want or a similar one is already on file.

Step 2: Gather Your Information

Have ready the following information before you go to file:

• Your legal name (or names, if multiple owners)
• Your home or business address
• The assumed business name you want to register
• A description of the type of business (optional but helpful)
• Valid photo ID
• If filing as a notarized document, a notary public

Step 3: Choose Your Filing Method

You have two options: file in person (non-notarized) or file with a notarized document. The non-notarized route requires you to appear in person at any Harris County Clerk location with a valid photo ID. The clerk's staff will witness your signature. The notarized route means you have the document notarized by a notary public (often available at banks, UPS stores, or online services) and can then file in person or by mail.

The non-notarized in-person filing is typically faster and slightly cheaper. The notarized approach takes longer because you need to schedule time with a notary, but it may be worth it if you can't visit the clerk's office in person.

Step 4: File at the Harris County Clerk's Office

The Harris County Clerk has multiple office locations throughout Harris County. You can file at any of them. Bring your photo ID, the required information, and the filing fee in cash or card. Staff will complete the filing on the spot or accept your notarized document and process it. Processing is usually immediate for in-person filings, though the exact timeline can vary depending on how busy the office is.

You can also mail a notarized document to the Harris County Clerk's office with payment. If you go this route, include a cover letter with your name, address, and phone number, and mail everything to the address listed on cclerk.hctx.net. Mailed filings take longer to process; call the clerk for current turnaround.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificate

Once filed, you receive a certificate of assumed name. Keep this document in a safe place. You may need it to open a business bank account or prove business ownership if required by a vendor or lender.

What Happens After You File Your DBA

Once your assumed name certificate is filed and effective, you are legally authorized to operate under that business name in Harris County. Here's what typically comes next:

Open a Business Bank Account

Most banks require the filed assumed name certificate to open a business checking account. Bring the certificate, your photo ID, and your Social Security Number or EIN. This is a straightforward process and usually takes a day or two.

Obtain an EIN (if needed)

If you plan to hire employees or prefer to keep your personal SSN and business finances separate, apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS at no cost at irs.gov. You can apply online and receive your EIN immediately.

Consider Other Registrations and Permits

Depending on your business type, you may also need to register for a Texas sales tax permit (if you're selling taxable goods or services), obtain licenses from specific state agencies (for example, if you're in food service or home healthcare), or comply with local Houston city ordinances if you're operating within the city limits.

Harris County Assumed Name Certificate Renewal

Your certificate is valid for 10 years from the filing date. At year 10, you must file a renewal certificate with the Harris County Clerk to continue operating under that assumed name. The renewal process is nearly identical to the original filing: fill out the form, pay the fee, and file in person or by mail.

Mark your calendar with the renewal date. If you let the certificate expire and continue operating under the assumed name without renewing, you may face penalties or be unable to prove legal ownership of the business name if challenged by another party.

Common Questions About Harris County DBA Filing

Is a food service business exempt from filing a DBA?

No. All sole proprietors and general partnerships operating under an assumed name must file, regardless of business type. Food service businesses operating outside Houston city limits also need a food permit from Harris County Public Health. (Businesses operating inside Houston city limits work with the Houston Health Department instead.) Mobile food units have an additional requirement as of July 1, 2026: they must obtain a statewide license from the Texas Department of State Health Services in addition to local permits and the assumed name certificate.

Can I file a DBA online?

The Harris County Clerk does not offer online filing for assumed names. You must file in person or by mail with a notarized document. Call cclerk.hctx.net for current office locations and hours.

How long does Harris County processing take?

In-person filings are typically processed the same day. Mailed filings take longer, depending on mail delivery and clerk workload; call the clerk for current turnaround. If you need faster processing, file in person.

What if I want to change the assumed name later?

You would need to file a new assumed name certificate with the updated business name. The old certificate remains on file but becomes inactive once the new one is approved.

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides informational content about the Harris County DBA filing process based on current Texas law and Harris County Clerk procedures. It is not legal advice, tax advice, or a substitute for professional guidance. Business formation rules and fee structures can change, and your specific situation may have unique requirements.

Before filing, confirm the current fee structure and requirements directly with the Harris County Clerk at cclerk.hctx.net or by phone. If you have questions about tax implications, multi-state operations, liability protection, or whether an assumed name certificate is the right approach for your business, consult a qualified Texas business attorney or CPA. An attorney can also advise you on whether forming an LLC or corporation might be a better choice for your circumstances than operating as a sole proprietor or partnership.

Next Steps

Ready to file? Visit the Harris County Clerk's website at cclerk.hctx.net, search for your business name to confirm availability, gather your documents, and head to the nearest clerk location. The process is straightforward, affordable, and usually complete in a single visit. Once filed, you'll have the legal authorization to operate your business under your chosen name in Harris County.