So You Wanna Be a Fancy Pants with a DBA in Texas? Let's Do This Online!
Alright, pardner, listen up! You've got yourself a spankin' new business idea, and it's time to give it a name that sounds purty darn impressive. But hold your horses, there's a little doohickey called a DBA you gotta deal with first. Don't worry, it ain't a ten-gallon hat full of regulations. It's just a Doing Business As, a way to tell folks the real name of your business behind the scenes might be Bessie's Biscuits but the storefront says "Baroness Bonanza's Bakery."
Now, you could saddle up and file this DBA the old-fashioned way, with enough paperwork to wallpaper a saloon. But why not mosey on over to the wonders of the internet and get this done online? It's faster than a jackrabbit on a hot tin roof, and about as painless as a sip of sweet tea.
Here's how this little shindig goes:
Step 1: You vs. The System (Spoiler: You Got This)
First things first, you gotta head over to SOSDirect, the Texas Secretary of State's website. Don't let the fancy name scare ya. Think of it as your virtual hitching post to getting your business name squared away. You can either log in with an existing account (howdy, partner!) or create a temporary login. It's about as easy as saddling up your favorite app.
Step 2: The Name Game (But Hopefully No Shame)
Now for the fun part! You get to pick your fancy new business name. But hold on there, buckaroo, there are a few rules. The name can't conflict with any existing businesses (no copycats!), and it can't imply you're a government agency or somethin' you ain't. Basically, keep it honest and unique, and you'll be golden.
Step 3: Money, Money, Money (But Not That Much)
Once you've got your heart set on a name, it's time to pony up a measly $25 filing fee. That's cheaper than a plate of ribs at a county fair, so don't fret. You can pay with a credit card or a fancy newfangled debit card with the Texas Secretary of State's name on it (if you're feelin' real official).
Step 4: The Waiting Game (But Not For Long)
After you hit submit, well, you wait. But don't worry, it ain't like waitin' for the rain in a drought. SOSDirect will let you know electronically once your snazzy new DBA is approved. Then you can celebrate by shoutin' from the rooftops (or at least posting on social media).
Bonus Tip: Don't Be a Lone Ranger!
This here guide should get you moseyin' in the right direction, but if you ever get stuck, don't be shy! The Texas Secretary of State's website has a treasure trove of information, and there's even a handy dandy FAQ section https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/namefilingsfaqs.shtml.
So there you have it, partner! Filing a DBA in Texas online is a breeze. Now get out there, wrangle up some customers, and make your business dreams a reality!
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
