Assumed Name Certificate (DBA): Austin restaurant guide

Texas SOS (entities) / Travis County Clerk (sole proprietors & partnerships)

What it is

Registers a trade name that differs from your legal entity name (e.g., 'Acme Hospitality LLC' doing business as 'Lucy's Tacos').

When a restaurant needs it

Only if you operate under a name other than your exact legal name.

How to apply

LLCs and corporations file Form 503 with the Secretary of State (SOSPortal); since Sept. 1, 2019 they no longer file with the county. Sole proprietors and partnerships file with the Travis County Clerk.

Documents you’ll need

Assumed name
Legal entity name and SOS file number (entities)
Owner IDs (county filings — all owners present or notarized form)

Fee

$25 (SOS Form 503); Travis County: $23.00 for one owner plus $0.50 per additional owner

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Varies — check the expiration shown on your SOS or County filing

Who files

Entities file through an authorized person; county DBAs require each owner's ID or a notarized form.

Good to know

Use the same trade name on TABC, APH and sign applications so the records match.

Official source

Texas SOS — Form 503 Assumed Name · Travis County Clerk — DBAs

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.