How Much Does It Cost to File a DBA?
For an LLC, a state's DBA filing fee ranges from $0, in states that handle trade names locally, to $125 in Maine, as of October 2026. That headline fee is often only part of the cost: some states also require newspaper publication, priced by the newspaper, plus separate fees later to renew, amend, or cancel the DBA. Sole proprietors and corporations should confirm their own state's specific fee.
By LLC Register · Last reviewed October 2, 2026
Comprehensive Guide
The State Filing Fee Is Only the Starting Point
When people ask how much a DBA costs, they usually mean the one number on the state's filing form. That number matters, but it's rarely the whole picture. Depending on your state, the full cost of filing and maintaining a DBA can include the initial filing fee, a newspaper publication cost, and separate fees down the road to renew, change, or cancel the registration.
LLC Filing Fees Range From $0 to $125
For an LLC, the state-level DBA filing fee ranges from $0 in states that handle trade names at the county or city level, such as Kansas and Nevada, to $125 in Maine, according to each state's filing agency as of October 2026. Most states fall somewhere in between: Texas charges $25, Florida charges $50, and Illinois charges $120 for its current five-year filing block. See our guide on DBA filing fees by state for a fuller state-by-state breakdown.
Newspaper Publication Can Add a Separate Cost
Some states require a business to publish notice of its new DBA in a local newspaper before, or shortly after, the filing is accepted, and that publication cost is set by the newspaper, not the state. Florida requires the name to be advertised at least once in a newspaper in the county of the business's principal place of business before its $50 Fictitious Name Registration is filed, according to the Florida Department of State. Minnesota similarly requires publication in a qualified newspaper for two successive issues after filing with the Secretary of State. Because newspaper rates vary by publication and by county, this cost isn't fixed the way the state filing fee is; call the newspaper directly for a current quote if your state requires it.
Renewal, Amendment, and Cancellation Fees
A DBA's first filing fee often isn't its last cost. Illinois charges $25 to change an assumed name and $5 to cancel one, on top of its original filing fee. Maine charges $125 to register a DBA but only $20 to terminate it. Most states that require renewal, commonly every five years, charge a separate renewal fee rather than folding it into a one-time filing cost. Missouri is a rare exception where canceling a fictitious name registration carries no fee at all.
Sole Proprietors and Corporations: Check Your State Specifically
Most of the fee figures published by states apply to any entity type, including sole proprietors and corporations, since the trade-name registry usually doesn't distinguish by entity type. That's not universal, though: a few states route a sole proprietor's local DBA through a different agency, with its own separate fee, than the one that handles an LLC's or corporation's statewide filing. Confirm the fee and process for your specific entity type on your state's official page rather than assuming an LLC figure applies exactly the same way to a sole proprietorship or corporation.
Total Cost Examples in Three States
| State | Filing Fee | Other Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $50 | Newspaper publication (varies by county); $50 renewal every 5 years |
| Illinois | $120 (current 5-year block) | $25 to change the name; $5 to cancel |
| Maine | $125 | $20 to terminate; no publication requirement |
These three states show how differently the total cost can add up even when the headline filing fees look broadly similar.
Practical Considerations
Budget for the Full DBA Lifecycle, Not Just Filing Day
When budgeting for a DBA, plan for the filing fee, any publication cost your state requires, and a renewal fee down the road, rather than treating the initial number as the total cost for the life of the business.
A Lawyer or Formation Service Isn't Required to File
Most DBA filings are simple enough that an owner can complete the state or county form directly without paying for legal help, which keeps the total cost close to the state's published fee. More complex situations, such as a contested name or a multi-state filing, may be worth paying for extra help.
Multiple DBAs Multiply Every One of These Costs
If a business registers more than one DBA, each one typically carries its own filing fee, its own potential publication cost, and its own renewal and cancellation fees. Multiply accordingly if you're planning to launch several brands under one entity.
Not Legal or Tax Advice
Fees change and vary by county in some states, so confirm current numbers on your state's or county's official page before budgeting. Talk to a tax professional about how to record DBA costs for your business.
Sources
The official sources used for this article.
Florida Statutes: Section 865.09, Fictitious name registration | leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0865/Sections/0865.09.html |
|---|---|
Minnesota Secretary of State: Assumed name (DBA) | sos.mn.gov/business-liens/business-forms-fees/assumed-namedba |
Illinois Secretary of State: Application to Adopt, Change, or Cancel an Assumed Name | ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/llc120.pdf |
Missouri Secretary of State: Business fee schedule | sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Business/fees.pdf |
Created by: LLC RegisterLast reviewed October 2, 2026
Updated: October 2, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a one-time total cost to file a DBA, or are there recurring costs too?
Both. There's usually a one-time filing fee, but most states also require periodic renewal, commonly every five years, which carries its own fee, so a DBA isn't typically a single, one-time cost over the life of the business.
Does a DBA cost more for a corporation than for an LLC in the same state?
Usually not. Most states charge the same trade-name filing fee regardless of entity type, though a few states route certain entity types through a different agency with its own fee, so it's worth confirming for your specific state.
Can I reduce the cost of filing a DBA by doing it myself instead of using a service?
Yes, in most cases. A DBA filing is usually simple enough to complete directly with your state or county's own form, which keeps your cost at the published filing fee rather than adding a service charge on top.
Does canceling a DBA cost anything?
It depends on the state. Some states, like Missouri, charge nothing to cancel a fictitious name registration, while others charge a separate cancellation fee, so check your specific state's current fee schedule.
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