Questions About Assumed Business Names

The North Carolina General Assembly revised the set of laws regarding Assumed Business Names in NC House Bill 228. Article 14A of Chapter 66 of the NC General Statutes maintains the filing of assumed business name information at the registers of deeds' offices across the state and as of December 1, 2017, it provides the following features:

• A statewide online searchable database through the NC Secretary of State's office containing assumed business name filings made on or after December 1, 2017
• Allows multiple counties to be designated for conducting business on one form
• Forms no longer have to be notarized
• Amendment forms must be filed within 60 days of any changes to the original filing
• Any forms filed before December 1, 2017 expired December 1, 2022 and must be recorded again

What happened on December 1^st, 2017 with recording Business names in Johnston County?

All Assumed Business Names recorded on or after December 1^st, 2017 shall be recorded in the county in which the person or entity will engage in business and must comply with the new form content and execution requirements.

What was the purpose of this change?

Each Business name is assigned an identification number (SOSID#) which will be transmitted into a statewide central database maintained by the NC Secretary of State.

How important is the new Secretary of State ID (SOSID#) number given to each business?

The Secretary of State will assign an identification number to each assumed business name that was recorded on or after Dec.1^st, 2017 to which Amendments and Withdrawals must reference. This number must be correct in order for all corresponding documents to link together in the statewide database.

What happened to the Assumed Name that I recorded before December 1^st, 2017?

It expired on Dec. 1, 2022. You must record a new form which will stay on permanent record.

How do I know which county to record my Assumed Name in?

It is the county in which you engage in business.

What if I am doing business in more than one county, do I have to record an Assumed Name form in each county?

No. A single registration can be effective for multiple or all 100 counties.

What if I need to Amend or Withdraw my Assumed Name form?

You must amend the Assumed Business Name in the county where you recorded the original Business name within 60 days after original information has been changed. You must also Withdraw the Assumed Business name in the same county you originally filed your business name.

Does my form have to be notarized?

No. As of December 1^st, 2017, the forms no longer have to be notarized.

Where can I get the current form? 

You may get the current form(s) from our office or online from our website at jcrod.org and also from Business Link North Carolina's website at BLNC.gov. You may get answers to any questions from Business Link North Carolina’s website or call them at 1-800-228-8443. We cannot offer any legal advice because we are only a recording office.

Another excellent resource for small business owners is the Johnston Community College Small Business Center located at the Workforce Development Center on 135 Best Wood Drive in Clayton. They offer free workshops and seminars, confidential business counseling, and can answer all questions pertaining to small businesses. You may call them at 919-209-2015 or 919-209-2224.

How much does it cost to record an Assumed Name form?

$26.00 to record.