New Mexico DBA (Doing Business As) Guide (2026)
New Mexico does not require sole proprietors to register a DBA or assumed business name - you may operate under a trade name without filing. LLCs and corporations that want a registered trade name file with the NM Secretary of State at enterprise.sos.nm.gov. Check with your city or county for any local business license requirements, and register for a CRS number with the NM Taxation and Revenue Department.
The one thing to knowThere is no DBA filing for sole proprietors in New Mexico - no state or county registration exists.
The process
- Sole proprietors: no filing needed
New Mexico does not require sole proprietors to register a DBA or assumed business name. You may operate under a trade name without filing.
- LLCs/corps: file a trade name
LLCs and corporations that want a registered trade name file with the NM Secretary of State at enterprise.sos.nm.gov.
- Handle local and tax requirements
Check with your city or county for any local business license requirements, and register for a CRS number with the NM Taxation and Revenue Department.
DBA filing by county — all 33 New Mexico counties
New Mexico counties do not file DBAs; sole proprietors need no registration, and LLCs/corps file trade names with the Secretary of State.
| County | Where to file |
|---|---|
| Bernalillo County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Catron County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Chaves County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Cibola County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Colfax County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Curry County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| De Baca County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Dona Ana County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Eddy County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Grant County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Guadalupe County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Harding County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Hidalgo County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Lea County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Lincoln County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Los Alamos County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Luna County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| McKinley County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Mora County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Otero County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Quay County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Rio Arriba County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Roosevelt County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| San Juan County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| San Miguel County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Sandoval County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Santa Fe County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Sierra County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Socorro County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Taos County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Torrance County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Union County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
| Valencia County | Filed with the state (not the county) |
What to bring
- For sole proprietors: nothing - no filing is required
- For LLCs/corps: entity information to file a trade name with the NM Secretary of State
- Any city or county business license paperwork that applies to you
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a DBA in New Mexico?
No. Sole proprietors are not required to register a DBA or assumed business name and may operate under a trade name without filing.
What if I have an LLC or corporation?
LLCs and corporations that want a registered trade name file with the NM Secretary of State at enterprise.sos.nm.gov.
Do I need any local registration?
Check with your city or county for any local business license requirements.
What about taxes?
Register for a CRS number with the NM Taxation and Revenue Department.