Imagine this: You've finally landed on the perfect business idea. The name feels just right—it's clever, memorable, and represents your vision perfectly. You can picture it on your storefront, website, and marketing materials. But before you go ahead and print those business cards, there's one essential step you need to take: registering your business name.

We get it—legal paperwork isn’t the most exciting part of launching a business. But skipping or mishandling this step can lead to costly rebranding, legal troubles, or even losing the name to someone else. The good news? The process is much simpler than it sounds when broken down into clear, manageable steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from checking name availability to reserving, registering, updating, or using an assumed name (DBA). We’ll keep things simple and easy to follow, without overwhelming you with legal jargon. Let’s get started.

1. Checking Business Name Availability in Texas

Ever had a brilliant idea for a name, only to find out someone else got to it first? That’s why checking name availability is step one. Texas law requires your business name to be unique, so verifying its availability early on is crucial.

How to Check Availability:

✔️ Search the Texas Secretary of State database. You can do this through SOSDirect on the official website: https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/.
✔️ Understand preliminary vs. official checks. Online results provide a preliminary idea, but final approval comes only after your paperwork is processed.

📌 Tip: Run a trademark search on the USPTO website alongside the SOSDirect search to avoid conflicts with existing trademarks.

2. Reserving a Business Name in Texas

Found the perfect name but are not quite ready to complete your registration? Texas allows you to reserve your name temporarily, ensuring that no one else claims it while you finalize your business setup.

Reservation Basics You Should Know:

✔️ How to reserve: Submit a name reservation request through SOSDirect at https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/.
✔️ How long it lasts: Name reservations are valid for 120 days.
✔️ Renewals: If needed, you can renew within 30 days before expiration.
✔️ Cancellations: If you change your mind, you can withdraw your reservation at any time.

📌 Tip: Set a calendar reminder to track your reservation’s expiration date—Texas won’t renew it automatically.

3. Official Business Name Registration Requirements

Now that you’ve chosen a name, it’s time to make it official. In Texas, not every business needs to register a name. Registration is usually required for foreign businesses and companies in regulated industries such as banking or insurance.

Key Points to Know:

✔️ Why register? Registration protects your business identity and prevents others from using names that could confuse customers.
✔️ Duration: Most registrations last one year and can be renewed annually.
✔️ Registration ≠ Business Authorization: If you’re a foreign entity, you also need to apply for a Certificate of Authority to legally operate in Texas.

📌 Tip: If you’re a sole proprietor, you typically only need to register with the county, not the state. Double-check before filing.

4. Changing Your Business Name in Texas

As businesses grow, pivot, and evolve, sometimes a name change is necessary. Luckily, Texas makes the process straightforward.

Steps for Updating Your Business Name:

✔️ Update your internal records. Make the necessary changes in your business documents.
✔️ File a Certificate of Amendment. Submit the amendment request online through SOSDirect.

📌 Tip: After changing your business name, immediately update your website, social media pages, and marketing materials to maintain brand consistency.

5. Using an Assumed Name (DBA) in Texas

Sometimes, a legal business name isn’t the most market-friendly choice. A DBA (Doing Business As) allows you to operate under a different name without changing your official company name.

Key Points About DBAs:

✔️ Distinct Name Requirement: Your DBA must differ from your legal name.
✔️ Where to File:

• LLCs and corporations file with the Texas Secretary of State.

• Sole proprietors and partnerships file with the county clerk where they operate.
  ✔️ Duration: A DBA certificate is valid for up to 10 years and must be renewed before expiration.
  ✔️ Non-exclusive: Multiple businesses can file for the same DBA.

📌 Tip: Check domain availability before registering a DBA—having an online presence that matches your business name makes branding easier.

6. Costs and Other Important Details

Texas keeps filing fees reasonable for businesses. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

✔️ Assumed Name Certificate (DBA): $25
✔️ Abandonment of Assumed Name Certificate: $10

Trademark Check:

Even if your business name is approved in Texas, it might still infringe on a trademark. Check the USPTO database before finalizing your name.

📌 Tip: Save digital copies of your receipts and certificates—you might need them later for taxes or legal purposes.

FAQs: Common Questions About Business Name Registration in Texas

✔️ How do I know if my business name is unique?
Use the Texas Secretary of State’s database to check availability.

✔️ Can I register a name and start doing business immediately?
No. You must complete all required filings, and foreign businesses need a Certificate of Authority.

✔️ How long does a name reservation last?
Reservations last up to 120 days and can be renewed if needed.

✔️ Do I need a DBA if I use my legal business name?
No. A DBA is only required if you operate under a name different from your registered business name.

✔️ Where can I get help with the registration process?
Jupid.tax offers guidance on name selection, availability checks, and full registration services.

How Jupid.tax Can Help You Register Your Business Name

Choosing the right business name is more than just a branding decision—it has legal, marketing, and operational implications. At Jupid.tax, we make the process easier by helping you:

✅ Check name availability before you commit.
✅ Prepare the necessary paperwork to ensure compliance.
✅ File DBA applications for those wanting a market-friendly name.

📌 Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on growing your business.

References Used in This Article

Texas Secretary of State - Business Filings: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/

SOSDirect - Business Name Availability & Filings: https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/

USPTO - Trademark Search: https://www.uspto.gov/