Business Certificates & LLC Publication

Doing Business As (DBA) Filings

State law provides that the County Clerk's Office files certificates for person(s) conducting business under an assumed business name. These are usually referred to as DBA's. These include:

• Partnership Certificate (more than one individual)
• Sole Proprietor (individual)

Forms for Filing

There are three basic DBA filings: Original, Amendment, and Discontinuance. Be sure to select the correct form based on the type of DBA certificate you are filing.The Business Certificate forms for filing can also be obtained in our office, or found below.

All signatures must be notarized, and photo identification is required.

Fees

• There is a $35 fee payable by cash, check, or credit card for in office transactions
• There will be a $1 transaction fee for credit card use
• We will accept completed filings by mail. Please include payment (check or money order payable to: Cayuga County Clerk) and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of certified copies

Original

DBA's must be filed in the county that the business is established. Prior to filing, a review of already assigned names will be conducted to ensure that the desired name is available. The fee is $35 to file your DBA, and it includes two certified copies; one for your records and one that may be used to open a business bank account.

Amendment

Amendments can be filed to change the business name, the business address, or to add or remove partners. The filing fee is $35. Completed amendments require reference to original or most recent filings. Our office can assist you with this information. An amendment to a Partnership requires the signature of any partner being removed and/or added and at least one remaining partner.

Discontinuance

A discontinuance is to be filed when the individual or partners cease to conduct business, or ownership is transferred. Completed Discontinuances require reference to original filing. The clerk's office can assist you with this information. To file a Discontinuance for a Partnership, signatures of at least 50% of partners is required. There is no fee to file a discontinuance.

Incorporation

The County Clerks Office maintains records for New York State (NYS) Corporations and Limited Partnerships filed here by NYS. These certificates are processed through the NYS Department of State. Additional information is available at the New York State Department of State's Opens in New Window  website.

Business Resources

SCORE Opens in New Window  and the U.S. Small Business Administration Opens in New Window  can be helpful to small businesses. They can provide assistance with:

• Business Plans
• Expansions
• Marketing Techniques
• Startups
• And More