New Jersey DBA (Doing Business As) Guide (2026)
In New Jersey, sole proprietors and general partnerships file a Trade Name Certificate with the County Clerk in each county where the business operates. It is mandatory when operating under any name other than the owner's legal name, and the certificate must be notarized. Fees vary by county, $50.00 in ten of the fifteen counties with a confirmed figure, up to $57.00 in Camden.
The one thing to knowThe certificate must be notarized and all owners sign -- some counties require in-person filing with all owners present.
The process
- Confirm you need one
A Trade Name Certificate is mandatory for sole proprietors and general partnerships operating under any name other than the owner's legal name.
- File in each county of operation
File with the County Clerk in each county where the business operates.
- Notarize and sign
The certificate must be notarized and all owners sign; some counties require in-person filing with all owners present.
- Pay the fee
Fees vary by county, $50.00 in ten of the fifteen counties with a confirmed figure, up to $57.00 in Camden.
- No renewal needed
There is no county renewal -- the certificate is valid until withdrawn.
DBA filing by county — all 21 New Jersey counties
| County | Fee |
|---|---|
| Atlantic County | $50.00 |
| Bergen County | $50.00 |
| Burlington County | $50.00 |
| Camden County | $57.00 |
| Cape May County | $50.00 |
| Cumberland County | $50.00 |
| Essex County | $54.00 |
| Gloucester County | $50.00 |
| Hudson County | $54.00 |
| Hunterdon County | $50.00 |
| Mercer County | $50.00 – $57.00 (call to confirm) |
| Middlesex County | $50.00 – $57.00 (call to confirm) |
| Monmouth County | $50.00 |
| Morris County | $52.00 |
| Ocean County | $50.00 |
| Passaic County | $50.00 – $57.00 (call to confirm) |
| Salem County | $50.00 |
| Somerset County | $50.00 – $57.00 (call to confirm) |
| Sussex County | $50.00 – $57.00 (call to confirm) |
| Union County | $54.00 |
| Warren County | $50.00 – $57.00 (call to confirm) |
New Jersey-specific details
LLCs and corporations don't file a county trade name -- they register an Alternate Name with the NJ Division of Revenue (DORES): $50; DORES sets its own renewal term.
What to bring
- Your trade name
- All owners (some counties require them present)
- A notary or a notarized certificate
- Owner names and business information
- The filing fee ($50.00–$57.00, varies by county)
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a Trade Name Certificate?
Sole proprietors and general partnerships operating under any name other than the owner's legal name.
Where do I file?
With the County Clerk in each county where the business operates.
Does it need to be notarized?
Yes. The certificate must be notarized and all owners sign; some counties require in-person filing with all owners present.
How much does it cost?
Fees vary by county, $50.00 in ten of the fifteen counties with a confirmed figure, up to $57.00 in Camden.
Do I have to renew?
There is no county renewal -- the certificate is valid until withdrawn.
What about LLCs and corporations?
They register an Alternate Name with the NJ Division of Revenue (DORES) instead: $50; DORES sets its own renewal term.