The short answer: most states use a 5-year cycle. The longer answer depends on where you filed, who filed (sole prop vs entity), and whether the filing is state-level or county-level. Here's the breakdown plus the quick way to set a reminder for your specific date.
These are the most common cycles for the states people ask about most. Verify your specific county or filing type — some counties within a state have their own rules, especially in Texas and California.
| State | Cycle | Where you file | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 5 years | County clerk (FBN Statement) | Newspaper publication required for new filings |
| Florida | 5 years | State (Sunbiz) | Expires Dec 31 of final year |
| Texas | Up to 10 years | SoS (entities) or county (sole prop) | Filer sets the term, up to the maximum |
| New York | No fixed cycle | County clerk or DoS | Update when info changes; no expiration for most filings |
| Utah | 3 years | State (commerce.utah.gov) | Among the shortest cycles |
| Minnesota | 1 year | State (SoS) | Annual business renewal alongside DBA |
| Nevada | 5 years | County clerk | Filed where the business is conducted |
| Washington | 5 years | State (Dept. of Revenue) | Renews with business license |
| Illinois | 5 years | County clerk | Publication notice required for new filings |
| Massachusetts | 4 years | City or town clerk | Filed locally, not at state level |
DBA filings sit in an unusual spot in US business law. They're not federal, they're not always state-level, and the rules are often written into local statutes that haven't been touched in decades. That produces three sources of variation:
Across the US, 5 years is the most common renewal cycle. Out of 50 states, the majority of sole-proprietor DBA filings expire 5 years from the filing date or, in Florida's case, on December 31 of the fifth calendar year.
The outliers go in both directions: Minnesota renews annually, Massachusetts every 4 years, Utah every 3, and Texas allows up to 10. New York is the most permissive — for most county-level filings there is no expiration, but the filing must be updated if anything about the business changes.
The cycle answers half the question. The other half is remembering it three, five, or ten years from now when you've long since filed the paperwork away. A reminder set for 60 days before the expiration date closes that gap.
See the DBA renewal reminder guide for the full setup, or check the state-by-state procedural breakdown for fees, portals, and filing rules.
Set your reminder now — pick a date 60 days before your DBA expires.
Done in seconds. No sign-up required.
Every 5 years. A California Fictitious Business Name Statement expires 5 years from the date it is filed with the county clerk. You renew at the same county office, and the same county where the original was filed. If anything in your filing changed (owners, business address, name), you have to file a new statement and republish — you can't simply renew the old one.
Florida fictitious names are valid for 5 years and expire on December 31 of the final year of the cycle, regardless of when you originally filed. Renewal opens roughly 6 months before expiration through Sunbiz. If you miss the deadline, you cannot renew — you must file a brand new fictitious name registration.
For an entity (LLC, corporation, LP) filing a DBA with the Texas Secretary of State, the assumed name certificate is valid for up to 10 years. For sole proprietors and general partnerships filing at the county clerk, the term is also 10 years in most counties — but a few set shorter terms. Always check your specific filing receipt for the exact expiration date.
It depends on who filed and where. Sole proprietors and partnerships file a Certificate of Assumed Name at the county clerk in each county where the business operates — these typically have no fixed renewal cycle but must be updated if any information changes. Corporations and LLCs filing an Assumed Name at the New York Department of State must keep it current as long as the business uses the name.
Yes, in almost every state. The expiration is automatic — no notification is required to make it expire. Some states mail a courtesy reminder before expiration, but the absence of that notice doesn't extend your filing. The expiration date set when you filed is the deadline, and it triggers on its own.
Utah is among the shortest at 3 years from the date of registration. Some city-level "doing business as" filings (different from state or county DBAs) renew annually with a business license. If your DBA is tied to a city business license, it likely renews every year alongside the license.
Free, no account. Set a reminder for your DBA expiration date and we'll email you in advance — and follow up if you don't act on it.
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