When you start a real estate business in which you use a name other than your own, you must file your assumed name with the county Clerk’s Office under DBA “Doing Business as” Statute. Upon receipt of the assumed name certificate (DBA) you must notify our Office in writing and submit a copy of your assumed name certificate.

If you are a sole proprietor or partnership, you must abide by the following instructions:

1. Contact the County Clerk to obtain an application and directions for filing for an assumed name.
2. Generally, you will be required to advertise your name and the assumed name in the legal notice section of the local newspapers for a specified amount of time (confirm the time with your local county clear.) NOTE: A filing fee is usually required.
3. Once you are in receipt of your assumed name certificate, mail a copy of the certificate with your license number attached to the OBRE. The OBRE will enter the assumed name into their computer system.
4. Note that the assumed name (DBA), while not being placed on your license (wall license), must be flied with the OBRE. If you are using as assumed name and choose to sponsor a licensee, the sponsor name is your real name, not the assumed name.
5. A sole proprietor can’t operate under and assumed name as a real estate corporation. If you are a corporation, you must file for a corporation license with OBRE. Contact 217/782-3414 for forms.

Note: The DBA filing procedures will vary from county to county. Contact your county Clerk’s office for the information and forms you will need. You may do this on your own or their may be agencies that can handle the paper work for you for a fee. 
If you are a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, you must contact the Secretary of State’s office to get instructions for filing an assumed name.