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In New York the word you will see on state pages is assumed name. If your LLC wants to trade as something other than its filed name, the Department of State is the office that handles the paperwork, and the same office runs the database where the record can be found.
Who files an assumed name with the state?
The Division of Corporations says on its office page that it reviews, files and maintains assumed name filings for business corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships. That is the list of entities we can source.
The same page says that for corporations the Division also distributes copies of the filing to the county or counties the filer designates.
Sole proprietors and general partnerships are not on the Department's list. We did not read a page that covers them, so ask the clerk of the county where you work. Our DBA vs LLC guide explains why many owners move from a sole proprietorship to an LLC.
What did we not find?
The fee for the assumed name certificate, the form number and any renewal rule are not on a page we could read. We do not print them. Get the current form and fee from the Department of State before you send anything. For the LLC filing itself, see our New York LLC guide.
How do you search a New York assumed name?
Use the Corporation and Business Entity Database. The Department says it covers business and not for profit corporations, limited partnerships, LLCs and LLPs, and that it also includes assumed name filings for corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships.
- Pick the search type and enter the name or ID.
- Choose the matching type. You can switch between begins with and contains.
- Pick the entity list you want to search.
- Open the record and read the filing.
Try both matching types if the first search finds nothing. Contains casts a wider net than begins with. Our DBA search guide covers county records for other states.
Can the database clear a name for you?
No. The Department states that the system should not be used to determine whether an entity name is acceptable. It also says the data depends on what filers provide, so completeness and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
For a name check, the Department offers a name availability search for $5 per name. Our LLC name search page lays out other ways to test a name before you file.
Where does this fit with forming the LLC?
A dba does not create a company. It lets an existing business use another name. Form the LLC first, then file the assumed name for the business under its own filed name. The New York hub lists the entity search, and our how to file a DBA page shows the usual order of steps.
What this page does not cover
County clerk filings for individuals, the assumed name fee, form numbers, renewals and trademarks are not covered. This is general information, not legal advice. For tax registration and licenses, read New York business license.