Assumed Business Name
General information
Business owners are encouraged to file their business name, referred to as an “Assumed Name” with the Register of Deeds office. It is recommended that a business name search is conducted with the Register of Deeds and Secretary of States offices prior to filing.
The Register of Deeds office records assumed name filings for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and doing business under an assumed name for an existing corporation or limited liability corporation (LLC).
To register a Corporation, Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), or Non-Profit, contact the Secretary of State office.
Assumed Business Name Act
As of December 1, 2017, business owners may register up to five business names per Assumed Business Name Certificate.
Assumed Business Names filed prior to December 1, 2017, expired on December 1, 2022. Owners desiring to engage in business in North Carolina after that date must file a new Assumed Business Name Certificate per NCGS 66-71.15.
Assumed Business Name Certificates filed after December 1, 2017, do not expire or require renewal.
Recording Disclaimers
It is the responsibility of the submitter to ensure that all information is correct on assumed name filings at time of recording. Additional fees may apply to correct information with the Secretary of State office.
Corporations, LLC’s, limited partnerships must provide the exact name registered with the NC Secretary of State office and the SOSID number assigned at the time of formation. Visit www.sosnc.gov to look up your information.
Recording Hours:
Assumed Business Name Certificates may be recorded
Monday – Friday | 8:30am – 4:45pm, except holidays
Acceptable Forms of Payment
- Cash
- Certified Check
- Money Order
- Trust Account Check
Make certified check or money order payable to Durham County Register of Deeds.
Recording Fee
$26 per certificate
Mailing Address
Durham County Register of Deeds
Attention: Real Estate and Recording Department
Post Office Box 1107
Durham, NC 27702
Forms
Assumed Business Name Certificate (PDF)
Amendment of Assumed Business Name Certificate (PDF)
Withdrawal of Assumed Name Business Certificate (PDF)
Forms may be submitted for filing in person or via mail.
Starting a Business
The Economic Development Partnership of NC offers a central source for consultations, information, and forms to help small business owners get started.
New Business Information Sheet
A summary of additional resource agencies and the necessary requirements to operate a business in North Carolina.