How to File a DBA in Brooklyn (Kings County)
Want to operate a business under a name different from your own? You need a DBA (Doing Business As), also called a "Business Certificate" or "Assumed Name" in New York. This guide walks you through filing a DBA in Kings County (Brooklyn) for $100 — without paying LegalZoom's $99-$119 service fee on top of that.
The process is straightforward: fill out a form, pay the fee, and submit to the county clerk. Kings County even accepts filings by email, making it one of the easiest counties in New York to file with.
Do You Need a DBA?
You need a DBA if you want to do business under any name that isn't your legal name. For example:
- John Smith wants to operate as Brooklyn Web Design
- Jane Doe and Bob Jones form a partnership called DJ Marketing
If you've already formed an LLC or Corporation with the NY Department of State, you file your DBA differently — with the state first, then the county. This guide focuses on sole proprietorships and partnerships, which file directly with the county clerk.
Kings County Filing Details
Kings County Clerk's Office
- Address
- 360 Adams Street, Room 189, Window #2
Brooklyn, NY 11201 - Phone
- (347) 404-9750
- kcbc@nycourts.gov
- Filing Fee
- $100
- Filing Methods
- In-PersonMailEmail
Step 1: Check Name Availability
Before filing, search the NY Department of State Business Entity Database to make sure your desired name isn't already taken by an LLC or Corporation.
Your DBA name must be distinguishable from existing business names registered in New York. It also cannot include restricted words like "Corporation," "Inc.," "LLC," or imply professional licensure you don't have.
Step 2: Prepare Your Information
You'll need the following information for your Business Certificate:
- Your assumed business name (the DBA name)
- Your full legal name (or names of all partners)
- Your residence address
- Business address (if different from residence)
- Brief description of your business activities
New York requires your actual residence address on the Business Certificate. PO Boxes are not accepted. This becomes a public record — if privacy is a concern, consider forming an LLC instead (which can use a registered agent's address).
Step 3: File with Kings County
Kings County offers three ways to file:
Option A: Email (Recommended)
Email your completed Business Certificate form to kcbc@nycourts.gov. Follow up regarding payment method — they'll provide instructions for money order or certified check.
Option B: Mail
Mail your completed form with a $100 money order or certified check (payable to "Kings County Clerk") and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Kings County Clerk360 Adams Street, Room 189
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Option C: In Person
Visit Window #2 in Room 189. Accepted payments: cash, money order, certified check, or NY attorney's check. No personal checks or credit cards.
Step 4: Keep Your Records
Once filed, keep a copy of your Business Certificate. You'll need it to:
- Open a business bank account under your DBA name
- Accept payments made out to your business name
- Sign contracts under your business name
What About LegalZoom?
LegalZoom charges $99-$119 on top of the $100 county filing fee to do exactly what you can do yourself: fill out a form and mail it. Their "service" is essentially:
- Collect your information via a web form
- Fill out the official form with your info
- Mail it to the county clerk
- Forward you the confirmation
That's a $100+ premium for 10 minutes of administrative work.
Free Tool
NY DBA Filing Assistant
Get step-by-step instructions, calculate your filing fees, and generate email templates for county clerk submission.
Save $99-$119 vs. LegalZoom
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my DBA?
In-person filing is immediate. Mail and email filings typically take 1-2 weeks for processing, plus mail time for receiving your stamped copy.
Do I need to publish my DBA in a newspaper?
No. New York does not require newspaper publication for DBAs (Business Certificates). Publication is only required for LLCs.
What if I do business in multiple counties?
You must file a Business Certificate in each county where you conduct business. Each filing requires a separate fee.
Is a DBA the same as an LLC?
No. A DBA is just a registered alias — it provides no liability protection. You're still personally liable for business debts. An LLC creates a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets.