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

Operating a sole proprietorship or general partnership in Tarrant County under a name that differs from your legal name requires filing an assumed name certificate, commonly called a DBA (doing business as) with the Tarrant County Clerk. This guide walks you through the exact steps, costs, and requirements for getting your business name registered at the county level.

If you are forming an LLC, corporation, or other business entity, you will file with the Texas Secretary of State instead. This guide covers the county clerk process for sole proprietors and general partnerships only.

Who Needs to File a Tarrant County DBA

You must file an assumed name certificate with the Tarrant County Clerk if you meet these criteria:

• You operate as a sole proprietor or general partnership
• You conduct business in Tarrant County (including Fort Worth, Arlington, or any other Tarrant County municipality)
• You use a business name that differs from your legal name or the legal names of all partners

The requirement applies whether your business name is completely different from your personal name or simply adds words like "Enterprises," "Services," "& Associates," or "LLC" (if you have not actually formed a legal LLC). If you operate under your legal name alone, no DBA filing is required.

If you operate in multiple counties, you must file a separate certificate with each county clerk where you maintain a business office or conduct business. For example, if your business has locations in both Fort Worth and Arlington, you would file with the Tarrant County Clerk (which serves both cities). If you also operate in a different county, you must file there separately.

The Difference Between a Tarrant County DBA and State-Level Business Filings

Texas made a significant change to its assumed name requirements in 2019. Starting September 1, 2019, only sole proprietors and general partnerships file assumed name certificates with the county clerk. All other business entities, including LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and foreign entities, file directly with the Texas Secretary of State.

If you plan to form an LLC or corporation, you will not use the county clerk process. Instead, you will file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State, which costs $300 and applies statewide. The county clerk process is exclusively for sole proprietors and general partnerships operating under assumed names.

Understanding the Tarrant County Assumed Name Certificate

An assumed name certificate is a legal document that registers your business name with Tarrant County. It serves as public notice that you are operating under a name other than your personal legal name or partnership names. The certificate does not create a legal business entity, grant exclusive ownership of the name, or protect the name statewide. It is a county-level registration only.

Once registered, your business name is part of the Tarrant County Clerk's assumed name database. You can search existing filings on the clerk's website to see what names are already registered, which is helpful before you finalize your business name choice. If someone else has already registered your desired name, you will need to choose a different name or negotiate with the existing registrant.

The Assumed Name Certificate Form

The Tarrant County Clerk uses a standardized unincorporated certificate form, last updated in August 2025, available on the Tarrant County Clerk's website under the Assumed Names section. The form requires the following information:

• Your assumed business name (the DBA name)
• Your legal name(s) as owner(s)
• The nature or character of the business (e.g., consulting, retail, services)
• The principal place of business address in Tarrant County
• The date the business started or will start
• Whether you are a sole proprietor or general partnership
• Your signature(s)

If you file by mail, the form must be notarized. If you file in person at the clerk's office, you can complete and sign the form there without notarization. The form is straightforward and takes only a few minutes to complete once you have the necessary information on hand.

Step-by-Step: How to File Your Tarrant County DBA

Step 1: Search for Your Desired Business Name

Before filing, verify that no one else has already registered your chosen business name in Tarrant County. The Tarrant County Clerk's fee schedule lists $10 for a name search. This is an optional step if you simply want to verify availability, but it is recommended to avoid wasted filing fees if the name is already taken.

Step 2: Obtain and Complete the Form

Download the assumed name certificate form from the Tarrant County Clerk's website (dated August 2025 or later) or request a copy from the clerk's office. Fill it out completely with accurate information. If you have multiple owners, all must sign the form.

Step 3: Choose Your Filing Method

You have two options for filing:

• In-Person Filing: Visit the Tarrant County Clerk's office in Fort Worth with your completed form and payment. You can sign the form there. No notarization is required.
• Mail Filing: Mail your completed form to the Tarrant County Clerk's office with your payment. The form must be notarized if filed by mail.

If filing by mail, have the form notarized before mailing it to ensure it is accepted without delay.

Step 4: Submit Your Payment

Include the appropriate filing fee with your form. Current fees are $24 for the first owner and $0.50 per additional owner. If you are a military veteran, the filing fee is waived. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and card payments; card payments carry a processing fee. Always confirm the current fee schedule on the Tarrant County Clerk's Assumed Names page before submitting your filing, as fees can change.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificate

After the clerk processes your filing, you will receive an assumed name certificate. If you filed in person, you may receive it on the same day or within a few days. If you filed by mail, allow additional time for postal delivery and processing. Keep your original certificate in a safe location. You will need it to prove your business registration.

Tarrant County DBA Filing Fees and Costs

The current fee structure for Tarrant County assumed name filings is as follows:

• Initial filing: $24 for the first owner
• Additional owners: $0.50 per additional owner
• Replacement certificate: $6
• Assumed name search: $10
• Card payment processing fee: varies (check with the clerk's office for current rates)
• Military veteran discount: no fee for military veterans

These fees are based on the Tarrant County Clerk's current schedule. Fees can change, so verify the exact costs with the clerk's office or their website before filing. A sole proprietor filing alone would pay $24. A partnership of three people would pay $24 (first owner) plus $1.00 (two additional owners at $0.50 each), totaling $25. If you need an additional certificate (a replacement or duplicate), that costs $6.

Processing Time and Certificate Validity

The Tarrant County Clerk does not publish a guaranteed processing time for assumed name filings. In-person filings are typically processed quickly, sometimes on the same day. Mail filings take longer due to postal delivery and clerk processing time. Call the clerk for current turnaround when filing by mail.

Once approved, your assumed name certificate is valid for up to 10 years. You do not need to renew it annually. However, you must file a new certificate before it expires if you wish to continue operating under that name. You also must file a new certificate if you change the business address, add or remove owners, or change the nature of the business.

What to Do With Your Certificate After Filing

Once you have your certificate, keep the original in a secure location. You may need to present it to:

• Banks when opening a business bank account
• Vendors or suppliers requiring proof of business registration
• Your accountant or bookkeeper
• Insurance companies issuing business liability coverage

You can request replacement certificates from the Tarrant County Clerk for $6 each. Some businesses keep a copy in their office files and a copy with their accountant or attorney.

Other Requirements: Sales Tax and Licenses

Filing a Tarrant County DBA does not cover all of your business registration needs. Texas has no state general business license, but you may need additional registrations depending on your business type:

• Sales Tax Permit: If you sell taxable goods or services, you must register for a sales and use tax permit with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This registration is free and typically takes two to three weeks to process.
• Industry-Specific Licenses: Some businesses require federal, state, or local licenses (such as food service, childcare, contracting, or professional licensing). Research your specific industry to determine what licenses you need.
• Franchise Tax: If your business revenues exceed $2,650,000 in a given year, you must file a franchise tax report with the Texas Comptroller. Businesses under this threshold must still file a Public Information Report with the Comptroller, but owe no tax.

The Tarrant County DBA filing is separate from these state and federal requirements. Do not assume that filing your DBA covers everything you need to legally operate.

Making Changes to Your Tarrant County DBA

If you need to change any information on your assumed name certificate, you cannot amend the existing filing. Instead, you must file a new certificate with the updated information. For example, if you move your business to a different address within Tarrant County, if you add a partner, or if you change your business description, file a new certificate. The old certificate remains in the county records but is superseded by the new one.

The filing fee for a new certificate is the same as the original: $24 for the first owner plus $0.50 per additional owner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the Wrong Form: Make sure you are using the Tarrant County Clerk's assumed name certificate form, not a form from another county or source. The form should be dated August 2025 or later.
• Missing Notarization: If filing by mail, do not forget to have your form notarized. Unnotarized mail filings will be rejected.
• Incomplete Information: Fill out every required field on the form. Incomplete forms may be rejected, delaying your registration.
• Wrong Filing Location: File with the Tarrant County Clerk only if you operate in Tarrant County. If you operate in multiple counties, file separately in each one.
• Confusing County and State Filing: If you are forming an LLC or corporation, you do not file with the county clerk at all. You file with the Texas Secretary of State. County filing is only for sole proprietors and general partnerships.
• Assuming Exclusive Name Rights: A Tarrant County DBA does not give you exclusive statewide ownership of your business name. Someone else could use a similar name outside Tarrant County or file with the state under a similar LLC or corporation name. If you want stronger name protection, consider forming an LLC or trademarking your name.

When You Should Consider Forming an LLC Instead

A Tarrant County DBA is the minimum registration required for a sole proprietor or partnership operating under an assumed name. However, depending on your situation, you may benefit from forming a limited liability company (LLC) instead:

• Liability Protection: An LLC separates personal and business liability. A county DBA does not.
• Statewide Recognition: An LLC is recognized statewide by the Texas Secretary of State, not just in Tarrant County.
• Professional Credibility: Some clients or vendors prefer to work with LLCs rather than sole proprietorships.
• Tax Flexibility: An LLC offers more tax structure options than a sole proprietorship.

Forming an LLC costs $300 to file with the Texas Secretary of State and requires filing a Certificate of Formation. Consult an accountant or attorney to determine whether an LLC is the right choice for your business.

Key Takeaways

Filing a Tarrant County DBA with the county clerk is a straightforward process for sole proprietors and general partnerships operating under an assumed name:

• Complete the Tarrant County Clerk's assumed name certificate form (dated August 2025 or later)
• File in person at the clerk's office or by mail with a notarized form
• Pay the current fee ($24 for the first owner, plus $0.50 per additional owner)
• Receive your certificate within days to a few weeks
• Your certificate is valid for up to 10 years
• File a new certificate if you change your business address, add owners, or change your business description

Remember that a DBA filing is just one step in registering your business. You may also need a sales tax permit, industry-specific licenses, and federal tax registration. Consult with a qualified accountant or attorney about all of your business registration and tax obligations.

Disclaimer: This guide is informational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Business registration requirements vary by situation, and tax laws are complex. Consult a qualified attorney, accountant, or tax professional before making decisions about your business structure or registration.