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 (N.J.S.A. 56:1-1 to 56:1-3). 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, typically $50-$58.
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, typically $50-$58.
- 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There is no county renewal -- the certificate is valid until withdrawn.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 | Varies by county |
| Bergen County | Varies by county |
| Burlington County | Varies by county |
| Camden County | Varies by county |
| Cape May County | Varies by county |
| Cumberland County | Varies by county |
| Essex County | Varies by county |
| Gloucester County | Varies by county |
| Hudson County | Varies by county |
| Hunterdon County | Varies by county |
| Mercer County | Varies by county |
| Middlesex County | Varies by county |
| Monmouth County | Varies by county |
| Morris County | Varies by county |
| Ocean County | Varies by county |
| Passaic County | Varies by county |
| Salem County | Varies by county |
| Somerset County | Varies by county |
| Sussex County | Varies by county |
| Union County | Varies by county |
| Warren County | Varies by county |
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, renewed every 5 years.
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-$58, 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 (N.J.S.A. 56:1-1 to 56:1-3).
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, typically $50-$58.
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, renewed every 5 years.