Niagara Business Certificates Need a Physical Address

Niagara County’s DBA filing has separate in-person and mail instructions. Both require the correct individual or partnership form, a physical business address rather than a post office box, and a signature made in front of a notary.

In person, bring photo ID to the County Clerk at 175 Hawley Street in Lockport and do not sign before meeting the notary. The listed fee is $36. The office accepts cash, check, money order, Mastercard, or Discover; card payments add a 2% convenience fee.

By mail, first ask whether the name is available. Send the notarized form, a $35 check or money order payable to the Niagara County Clerk, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Clerk says accepted filings are normally returned with certified copies in 2 to 3 business days.

Keep a backup business name ready in case the first is already on file. Save the filed certificate and certified copies under the exact business name used on later tax, license, banking, and insurance records.