Cost to Register a Business Name for US Businesses in 2026

In 2026, registering a business name in the US can cost as little as about $10 to $100 for a DBA or assumed name filing, depending on the state or county. Forming an LLC or corporation usually costs more, often ranging from around $35 to $500 in state filing fees. Trademark protection is separate and commonly starts at federal filing fees of $250 to $350 per class.

In Texas, an assumed name certificate filed with the Secretary of State commonly costs $25, while county-level DBA filings vary by county and may add separate local fees. If you are forming a Texas LLC, the Certificate of Formation state filing fee is typically $300. Name reservation, registered agent services, and trademark filings can increase the total cost.

A DBA, also called an assumed name, lets an existing person or entity operate under a trade name. It does not create a separate legal entity or liability protection. An LLC registration creates a legal business entity with state filing obligations, operating documents, and potential liability separation. Many owners register an LLC first, then file DBAs for additional brand names.

A business name registration at the state or county level does not automatically protect your brand nationwide. It generally prevents duplicate or confusingly similar entity names only within that filing jurisdiction. A federal trademark can provide broader brand protection across the US for qualifying names used in commerce. Many businesses search state databases and USPTO records before committing to a name.

A state or county business name filing can often be completed in a few days, and some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. LLC and corporation approvals vary by state and filing method. Trademark registration takes much longer, often several months or more. Planning early helps avoid launch delays, banking issues, and website or contract changes.

Costs may include name search fees, state filing fees, county DBA fees, publication fees in some jurisdictions, registered agent fees, certified copies, and renewal charges. If you want broader brand protection, federal or state trademark fees may apply. Professional advisory fees may also be worthwhile when you are comparing entities, planning tax treatment, or coordinating US registration with international expansion.

Many business owners can file a simple DBA themselves, especially when the business structure is straightforward. Professional guidance becomes more useful when you are choosing between an LLC, corporation, partnership, or foreign registration, or when you need coordinated tax, accounting, and compliance planning. VJM Global supports business owners with setup advisory, documentation guidance, and compliance-focused decision-making.

VJM Global can help US business owners understand registration cost components, compare entity setup routes, and align name registration decisions with broader accounting, tax, and expansion plans. The firm’s team supports foreign companies, NRIs, OCIs, startups, and established enterprises with advisory, company setup, compliance, and back-office solutions, particularly where US business goals connect with Indian market entry.