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Official website of the State of North Carolina

Assumed Business Names Manual

Business Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

The Frequently Asked Questions page has 15 questions and answers about using assumed names in North Carolina.

Figure 9. Assumed Business Names Frequently Asked Questions page

The question and answers are as follows:

What is the purpose of the assumed business name certificate?

The assumed business name certificate is intended for the registration of business names other than the legal name of an individual or legal entity. For example, if John Smith, as a sole proprietor, operates a lawn care business under the name “Smith Lawn Maintenance”, he must file an assumed business name certificate to register the name “Smith Lawn Maintenance” as his assumed business name.

Likewise, if John and Jim Smith operate a lawn maintenance business under the name “Smith Brothers Lawn Maintenance” as general partners, then they must register the name “Smith Brothers Lawn Maintenance” as their assumed business name.

Any type of business entity, such as limited liability companies, business corporations, limited partnerships, or non-profit corporations that wishes to conduct business under a name other than the one that they have registered with the NC Secretary of State’s office must file an assumed business name certificate to register their assumed business name.

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