DBA / Assumed Name Filings

What is a DBA?

DBA commonly means "doing business as."
In Texas, a business may use an assumed name when it operates under a name that is different from its legal entity name, subject to applicable filing requirements.
An assumed name filing does not create a new legal entity.

What is an assumed name?

An assumed name is another name a business uses in addition to its legal entity name.
It is often referred to as a:

• DBA
• Doing Business As name
• Trade name
• Assumed business name

The exact filing requirements depend on the business type and jurisdiction.

Does SCILLAN offer DBA / Assumed Name Filing?

Yes.
SCILLAN offers eligible Texas DBA / Assumed Name Filing services.
SCILLAN's current service fee is:
$99 plus applicable government fees

How much does a DBA filing cost?

SCILLAN's service fee is:
$99 plus applicable government fees
Applicable government filing fees are separate unless expressly stated otherwise.

Are government fees included in the $99?

No.
The $99 is SCILLAN's service fee.
Applicable state, county, or other government filing fees are separate.

Does a DBA create a separate business?

No.
A DBA or assumed name does not by itself create a new legal entity.
The underlying business or individual remains the legal owner of the assumed name.

Is a DBA the same as an LLC?

No.
An LLC is a legal entity.
A DBA is an assumed name used by an individual or existing business.

Can I have a DBA without forming an LLC?

Possibly.
The applicable filing requirements depend on the type of business and circumstances.
SCILLAN can assist with eligible filing support but does not provide legal advice about which business structure a customer should choose.

Can an LLC have a DBA?

Yes, an existing LLC may use an assumed name where applicable.
The assumed name does not replace the LLC's legal entity name.

Can I have more than one DBA?

Possibly.
A business may use more than one assumed name, subject to applicable filing requirements.
Each assumed name may require a separate filing and government fee.

Does each DBA require its own filing?

In many cases, yes.
Each separate assumed name may require a separate filing.
SCILLAN should confirm the applicable service and fees for multiple names.

Can one DBA filing cover multiple names?

Sia should not assume that one filing covers multiple names.
Approved response:
"Each assumed name may require a separate filing. If you plan to use multiple business names, please contact SCILLAN Support so the filing requirements and fees can be confirmed."

Can SCILLAN help me choose a DBA name?

SCILLAN can assist with the administrative filing process but does not select or recommend a business name for the customer.

Can SCILLAN check whether my DBA name is available?

SCILLAN may review available public records where applicable.
However, a filing search does not guarantee exclusive rights to the name.

Does filing a DBA protect the name?

No guarantee should be made.
An assumed name filing and trademark protection are different matters.
Approved response:
"A DBA filing records the use of an assumed name but does not automatically create trademark rights or guarantee exclusive use of the name. For trademark or brand-protection questions, consult an appropriate legal professional."

Does a DBA give me trademark protection?

No.
A DBA filing is not the same as federal or state trademark registration.
SCILLAN does not provide trademark legal advice as part of the standard DBA service.

Can another business still use a similar name?

Possibly.
Questions about trademark rights, unfair competition, or exclusive naming rights are legal issues.
SCILLAN should not make a legal determination about whether another business may use a similar name.

Do I need a DBA if my business name is different from my LLC name?

Possibly.
Whether an assumed name filing is required depends on the circumstances.
SCILLAN can assist with eligible filing support, but Sia should not provide legal advice about whether a filing is legally required in a disputed or unusual situation.

Can I use my DBA before the filing is complete?

Sia should not give a legal conclusion on when a customer may begin using an assumed name.
Approved response:
"Questions about when you may legally begin using an assumed name can depend on the applicable filing requirements and your circumstances. SCILLAN can assist with the filing process, but legal questions should be directed to a licensed attorney."

Can SCILLAN file a DBA for a sole proprietor?

SCILLAN may assist with eligible assumed name filings depending on the business and jurisdiction.
The appropriate filing authority may differ from filings for an LLC or corporation.

Can SCILLAN file a DBA for an LLC?

Yes, for eligible Texas entities.

Can SCILLAN file a DBA for an out-of-state company doing business in Texas?

Possibly.
The entity's registration status and applicable assumed name requirements may need to be reviewed.
If the company is not yet registered in Texas, Foreign Qualification may also be relevant.

Does a DBA change my legal entity name?

No.
A DBA does not change the legal name of the underlying entity.
If the customer wants to change the entity's legal name, a separate amendment may be required.
SCILLAN's Amendment Filing service is:
$99 plus applicable government fees

What is the difference between a DBA and a legal name change?

A DBA allows a business to operate under an assumed name while keeping its existing legal entity name.
A legal name change modifies the entity's official legal name through the applicable government filing process.

Can I convert my DBA into the legal LLC name later?

The customer may choose to change the legal entity name through the appropriate amendment process.
SCILLAN can assist with eligible Amendment Filings.

Does filing a DBA change my EIN?

No assumption should be made about IRS records.
A DBA filing and IRS business records are separate.
If the customer needs an IRS business update, SCILLAN offers:
EIN & IRS Business Updates — $99

Do I need a new EIN for a DBA?

Sia should not provide a tax determination.
Approved response:
"Whether a new EIN is required depends on the business structure and circumstances. SCILLAN does not provide tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your business."

Does a DBA create a separate bank account?

Banking requirements are determined by the financial institution.
A customer may need documentation related to the assumed name, but SCILLAN does not determine bank account requirements.

Does a DBA change my registered agent?

No.
An assumed name filing does not automatically change an entity's registered agent.

Does a DBA change my ownership?

No.
An assumed name filing does not by itself change the ownership of the underlying business.

Does a DBA change my taxes?

Sia should not give a tax conclusion.
Approved response:
"A DBA is an assumed business name. Questions about tax treatment should be directed to a qualified tax professional."

ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIMES

How long does a Texas DBA / Assumed Name Filing take?

SCILLAN's Estimated Processing Time is:
3–5 business days
Processing begins after SCILLAN receives all required:

• Business information
• Proposed assumed name
• Filing details
• Signatures or authorization when required
• Payment

Government processing is separate.

Are the 3–5 business days guaranteed?

No.
The 3–5 business day timeframe is SCILLAN's estimated normal service-processing time.
Government processing, acceptance, or completion may take additional time.

What can delay a DBA filing?

Possible delays include:

• Missing information
• Name issues
• Missing signatures
• Incorrect entity information
• County-specific requirements
• Government filing volume
• Holidays
• System outages
• Corrections
• Rejections

Does expedited processing apply to DBA filings?

Expedited options depend on the filing authority.
For eligible Texas Secretary of State filings, Texas Express may be available.
Current Texas Express options may include:
Standard Expedited
Typically 2–3 business days
Additional government fee: $50 per document
Next-Day
Additional government fee: $500 per document
Same-Day
Additional government fee: $750 per document
These fees are in addition to the normal filing fee.

Does expedited processing guarantee acceptance?

No.
Expedited processing speeds up review where available but does not guarantee that the filing will be accepted.

COUNTY FILINGS

Are all Texas DBA filings filed with the Secretary of State?

No.
The filing authority may depend on the business type and circumstances.
Some assumed name filings may involve a county office rather than, or in addition to, the Texas Secretary of State.
Sia should not assume the filing authority without reviewing the business information.

Can SCILLAN file county assumed name documents?

SCILLAN may assist with eligible county filings where offered within its service scope.
If the applicable county filing process is unclear, the matter should be escalated to SCILLAN Support.

Do county filing fees vary?

Yes.
County filing fees and procedures may differ.
Sia should not invent a county filing fee.
Approved response:
"County filing fees may vary by jurisdiction. Applicable government fees will be identified during the ordering process where available."

AFTER THE FILING

What happens after my DBA is filed?

SCILLAN will provide available completion information or documents through the applicable client communication or delivery process.

Do I need to update my bank after filing a DBA?

Possibly.
Bank requirements vary.
Customers should contact their financial institution to determine what documentation is required.

Do I need to update licenses or permits?

Possibly.
Licensing requirements vary by industry and jurisdiction.
A DBA filing does not automatically update all licenses, permits, tax accounts, contracts, or third-party records.

Does SCILLAN update every government agency when it files a DBA?

No.
A DBA filing does not automatically update:

• IRS records
• Bank records
• Licenses
• Permits
• Vendor accounts
• Contracts
• Other third-party records

Separate updates may be required.

RENEWALS AND EXPIRATION

Does a DBA last forever?

Assumed name filing periods may vary depending on the filing authority and applicable requirements.
Sia should not invent an expiration period unless it is specifically maintained in the approved knowledge base.
Approved response:
"The duration of an assumed name filing can depend on the filing authority and filing type. SCILLAN can help confirm the applicable requirements for your filing."

Does SCILLAN remind me when my DBA needs renewal?

Sia should only promise reminders if that feature is specifically included in the customer's service or SCILLAN's approved compliance-alert scope.
If unsure, respond:
"Please contact SCILLAN Support to confirm whether renewal reminders are available for your specific assumed name filing."

CORRECTIONS AND REJECTIONS

What if I entered the wrong DBA name?

Contact SCILLAN Support immediately.
The correction process depends on whether the filing:

• Has not been submitted
• Is pending
• Has already been accepted

What if the DBA filing is rejected?

Rejected filings should be escalated.
Approved response:
"A rejected assumed name filing may require correction or additional information. Please contact SCILLAN Support at so the team can review the filing."

Can I change my DBA later?

Yes, but a new or amended assumed name filing may be required.
The SCILLAN team can determine the appropriate administrative process.

Can I cancel a DBA?

An assumed name may require a specific abandonment, withdrawal, or termination filing depending on the jurisdiction.
Sia should not assume the procedure.
Approved response:
"Ending an assumed name may require a separate filing. Please contact SCILLAN Support so the applicable process can be confirmed."

BILLING AND REFUNDS

Can I cancel my order?

Cancellation availability depends on whether work has begun or the filing has already been submitted.
Contact SCILLAN Support as soon as possible.

Can I get a refund?

Refund eligibility depends on:

• Order status
• Work already completed
• Government fees already paid
• Whether the filing has been submitted
• SCILLAN's applicable refund terms

Sia should not promise a refund.

DBA / ASSUMED NAME QUICK REFERENCE

SCILLAN Service Fee:
$99 + applicable government fees
Estimated SCILLAN Processing Time:
3–5 business days
Creates a New Legal Entity:
No
Changes Legal Entity Name:
No
Provides Trademark Protection:
No
Government Filing Authority:
Depends on the business and applicable jurisdiction
Government Processing:
Separate and may vary

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

SCILLAN Business LLC is a corporate services company and is not a law firm.
SCILLAN's DBA / Assumed Name Filing service provides administrative filing support.
SCILLAN does not provide legal, tax, accounting, financial, trademark, or investment advice.
Customers should consult the appropriate licensed professional for advice specific to their circumstances.

Updated on: 09/23/2026