Business Name Registration Cost in the US: What You’ll Really Pay

Here’s the kind of question that pops up a lot: how much is it to register a business name in the US? The short answer—it really depends. But don’t stress, I’ll lay it out plain and simple.

There’s no one-size-fits-all price tag. The cost swings widely depending on your state and what kind of business you’re filing as. Registering a name for a simple sole proprietorship might run you $10 in California, but forming a new LLC in Massachusetts could cost you $500 or more after adding up all the extras. Sounds unfair? Totally. That’s just how US state systems work.

And hey, there are different ways to “register” your name. You might file a DBA (“doing business as”), or you could form a full-on LLC or corporation if you want extra protections. Each one has its own price rules, so picking the wrong option can mean paying way more than you need to.

• Why Register a Business Name?
• Breaking Down the Costs by Type
• State-Specific Registration Fees
• Hidden and Extra Costs Nobody Tells You
• How to Save Money When Registering
• Quick Tips Before You File

Why Register a Business Name?

There’s a lot more to registering a business name than just making things official. First off, most states require you to register your business name before opening a business bank account, signing leases, or even printing business cards. Without registration, you’re limited in what you can do legally. That means your side hustle pretty much stays a side hustle.

If you’re using a name that’s anything other than your own (like John's Coffee instead of John Smith), most states expect you to file either a DBA (“doing business as”) or form a business entity like an LLC. This helps your city and state keep tabs on who’s actually running a business, which is important for taxes and consumer protection.

Registering gives you the basic right to use that name locally. Somebody else can’t just swoop in and register the same name in your state or city and force you to stop using it. But here’s the catch: having a registered name in one state doesn’t mean you own it all across the US, so if you’re thinking national, you’ll want to check trademarks.

Clients and customers trust businesses with registered names more. Let’s be real—seeing “LLC” or “Inc.” at the end stands out, even if you’re just starting. Some suppliers and partners actually won’t work with you unless they can confirm you have a registered business name because it shows you’re serious and legit.

• business name registration is usually required by your city, county, or state—skipping this step can get you fined or shut down before you even get rolling.
• Registering your business name helps you set up business banking and get proper insurance.
• It’s often the first step toward locking down social media handles and a good website domain.

So, if you want to look professional, stay on the right side of state laws, and have some peace of mind, getting your business name registered is way more than a box to check—it’s the launch pad for almost everything else you’ll do.

Breaking Down the Costs by Type

Registering a business name in the US isn't one-size-fits-all. There are different ways to go about it, and each comes with its own price tag. Here’s how the costs break down, depending on the type of registration you pick.

If you’re just doing business under a different name, you’ll need a DBA ("doing business as") or trade name. This is the simplest way to register and usually the cheapest. In some states, a DBA can cost as little as $10 to file (like Alabama or Colorado), while big states like New York might tag you for up to $120. DBAs are needed even if you already have an LLC or corporation, if you want to use a name that’s different from your registered one.

Next up are LLCs (limited liability companies). To register an LLC, you have to file "Articles of Organization" with the state. Most states charge between $50 and $500. For example, Kentucky is cheap at $40, but Massachusetts asks for $500. And don’t forget—you almost always have to file annual or biennial reports, with extra fees down the line. This can sneak up on you, especially if you pick a state with high yearly costs.

If you want to form a corporation, like an S-corp or C-corp, you’ll file "Articles of Incorporation." These usually cost about the same as LLC filings, sometimes a bit more. California, for example, charges $100 to form a corporation and throws in a minimum $800 yearly franchise tax (ouch).

"No two states treat business registrations the same way, so business owners need to check local rules rather than assume fees are the same everywhere." – U.S. Small Business Administration

So, what exactly are you paying for? Here’s a breakdown of common cost ranges for each type:

If your main goal is business name registration for something like a side project or gig work, a DBA is usually enough. But if you’re looking for liability protection or want to raise money, an LLC or corporation is a smarter route—even if it means paying more.

It pays to compare these costs before you pick your path. Sometimes folks form an LLC in a “cheap” state, not realizing the annual fees are brutal. Always factor in both the upfront and ongoing costs when you’re making the call.

State-Specific Registration Fees

The cost to register a business name isn’t the same everywhere. States all have their own fee charts, and some are way pricier than others. Your total bill depends on what type of registration you pick and where you file. Here’s the real lowdown, so you don’t get caught off guard.

For a regular DBA ("doing business as"), fees start low but can still surprise you. Filing in Texas costs $25, while in California it’s around $40. Now, if you’re looking to set up an LLC or corporation, that’s where the numbers go up fast. New York charges a $200 filing fee for an LLC, and Florida asks for $125. It gets crazier in places like Massachusetts, where LLC registration hits $500. Some states even want annual renewals on top.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet so you can get a sense of the range—compare a few key states below:

Not every state even requires a DBA for sole proprietors. But if you skip it and someone else claims that name, you could run into legal headaches or get forced to rebrand. Always check your state’s exact requirements on the official Secretary of State website.

If you want the cheapest option, look at states like Kentucky and Mississippi, where filing costs for business name registration can drop to $15-$20. If you want to avoid the highest fees, probably steer clear of Massachusetts and Illinois.

A little time spent comparing state fees and rules can save you hundreds—and a ton of hassle down the road.

Hidden and Extra Costs Nobody Tells You

So you think you know what you’ll pay to register that business name? Well, there’s often more on your bill than just the basic filing fee. States and counties love to sneak in extra little charges, and they add up fast—especially if you’re not prepared.

First off, some states require you to publish a notice after registering your DBA or LLC. This isn’t optional in places like New York or Nebraska. You’ll need to put a business announcement in an approved local newspaper. Here’s the kicker: that can cost anywhere from $40 to over $200, depending on the paper and how many weeks you’re required to run the ad.

There are usually other surprise charges as well:

• Business name registration reservation: Some states want you to pay just to “hold” a name before you officially file. Expect another $10–$50.
• Certified copies and certificates: Some banks want a copy of your registration papers with a state seal. States often charge $10–$30 for each copy.
• Annual or biennial reports: Let’s say you form an LLC in Delaware—it’s not just a one-time payment. Delaware charges a $300 annual franchise tax for LLCs, even if you made zero dollars. Other states make you file annual reports, with fees from $25 to $500.
• Processing fees: Decided to do it online with a credit card? Some state websites tack on a “convenience” fee of 2%–5% just for the privilege.
• Notary and mailing costs: A few states want your documents notarized and sent by mail. Notary fees are usually around $10–$20 a pop, plus postage.

Here’s a sample table to show the types of hidden costs you might run into in different states:

The worst part is, these extras aren’t always listed front and center on state websites. You sometimes only find out when you hit “submit” or talk to your bank.

Double-check the secretary of state website for your state. Read all the small print about ongoing costs and publication rules before you file or you could end up blowing your whole budget just launching your business. Nobody wants that surprise.

How to Save Money When Registering

If you’re trying to trim costs on business name registration, you’ve got a few real-world options that can make a solid difference. First off, don’t just assume you have to go big right away—sometimes, starting with a Doing Business As (DBA) or “fictitious name” can be smarter and way less expensive than jumping straight to forming an LLC or corporation. For example, in Texas, a DBA can cost as little as $15, while forming an LLC is $300 just for the state filing.

Another big money-saver: check if your state lets you file online. States like New York and Florida give small discounts (sometimes $5-10) if you skip the paperwork and use their online portal. Sure, it’s not a fortune, but every dollar adds up when you’re just starting out.

One tricky thing—some sites act like you have to pay them to file, but most official filings can be done right on your state government’s website. Unless you want fancy extras, avoid those third-party services, as they often add fees of $50 or more that you just don’t need.

Curious which states are cheapest or costliest for registration? Here’s a quick table with real numbers for LLCs and DBAs (as of 2025):

Not every state charges as much as Massachusetts, so pick where to register carefully if you can operate in more than one place. Also, look for "bundled" services only if you actually need the extras—registered agent, EIN, business licenses—instead of just paying for what sounds convenient. You can often get your EIN free from the IRS website in less than 10 minutes.

• Double-check if your county or city has separate local fees—these can sneak up on you.
• Renewal times also matter. If your name needs an annual renewal, mark it on your calendar, so you don’t pay extra late penalties down the line.
• File all forms early in the week—some states process faster and might even cut your wait time in half.

If you’re in a state with sky-high LLC costs, maybe just grab a DBA to start, and wait till your business needs the legal protection of an LLC. Plenty of real entrepreneurs took this route and only upgraded later, once revenue started rolling in. Get the basics right, file yourself, and skip the extras unless you’re sure you need them. That’s how you keep more cash in your pocket.

Quick Tips Before You File

Don't get tripped up on your first step. Before you jump into the paperwork, there are a few things you really want to nail down. Skipping these can cost you extra money or way too much time.

• Business name registration is not automatic or guaranteed. Always search your state’s online business directory before you file. Almost every state lets you check if your name is taken without spending a dime. It takes 2 minutes and saves you the headache of picking a name that’s already claimed.
• Compare costs: States like Kentucky charge as little as $20 for a DBA, while Massachusetts can hit $500+ if you want an LLC. Here’s a quick look at some average fees right now:

• Not all business types need official registration. If you're a sole proprietor using your real name, most states don't ask for a DBA filing. But once you toss in a name like “Joe’s Lawn Care,” it’s usually required.
• Check for extra local rules. Some counties or towns want their own paperwork and fees. For example, if you're in Los Angeles, expect an extra $5-$30 filing fee at the county level.
• You can reserve your name in many states for a small fee, usually $10–$50. Great option if you’re not ready to file but want to keep your name safe for a few months.
• Watch out for annual fees. Some states (like Delaware and Nevada) have yearly renewal costs for LLCs that can sneak up.
• No need to pay for “official” filing services unless you need hand-holding. You can do all the paperwork yourself in most states if you follow the forms step by step.

Bottom line: doing a bit of homework before you register can save you cash and headaches. Double-check requirements, know your costs upfront, and always keep an eye out for those sneaky little extra fees that love to pop up.