New businesses are advised to file their business name with the Register of Deeds office. Business names are referred to as "Assumed Names". It is recommended that before filing you should perform a name search with the Register of Deeds office to determine if the proposed business name has already been filed. A business name search should also be done with the NC Secretary of State office www.sosnc.gov.

The Register of Deeds office handles assumed name filings for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and doing business under an assumed name for an existing corporation. Click Here for Fee Schedule [PDF] 

Assumed Business Name Act

Beginning December 1, 2017, you may register up to five (5) Assumed Business Names per Assumed Name Certificate. 

Assumed Names filed under prior law (forms filed prior to December 1, 2017) will EXPIRE on DECEMBER 1, 2022. Anyone desiring to engage in business in NC under an Assumed Name after that date must file an Assumed Business Name Certificate using the new form. (See NCGS 66-71.15)

Forms may be obtained in person, by mail request, or downloaded via the website. (See Forms)

Assumed Name Certificates filed after December 1, 2017, do not expire or require renewal.

Disclaimers 

It is the responsibility of the document submitter and NOT the Durham County Register of Deeds Office to ensure that all information (including the Secretary of State Identification Number) is correct on any assumed name filings at the time of submission.  Any errors in the information presented by the submitter may result in additional fees and charges to correct information with the Secretary of State Office.

To file a corporation, limited liability corporation (LLC) or non-profit, please contact the NC Department of Secretary of State at www.sosnc.gov.

Forms

• Assumed Business Name Certificate  [PDF]
• Amendment of Assumed Business Name Certificate [PDF]
• Withdrawal of Assumed Name Business Certificate  [PDF]

 Fees

The cost to record an Assumed Business Name Certificate is $26.

Acceptable Forms of Payment

Assumed Business Name Certificates may be recorded in person or via mail.

Acceptable forms of payment include cash (in person only), certified check or money order. Please make certified check or money order payable to Durham County Register of Deeds.

Mailing Address: Durham County Register of Deeds, PO Box 1107, Durham, NC 27702.

Starting Your Own Business in North Carolina

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina offers a central source for consultations, information, and forms to help small business owners get started. Visit their website at www.edpnc.com to learn more about service offerings.