For as long as I've been working in Texas I worked under the concept that assumed name certificates were good for 10 years from date of issue - today on a web-training, the presenter stated that such documents were good for 1 - 2 years, depending on the state - did something change and I didn't pick up on it?

The Assumed Name Certificates issued in those counties around me (Dallas, Tarrant & Collin) may be valid for a period not to exceed 10 years.

Don't ask me why they would, but the owner (at his/her discretion) may opt to file the business name for a lesser period.

our local counties state 10 yrs. we do verify to see if they have been "abandoned" at the time we open the account.

Is there a website that you go to to verify if the assumed name has been abandoned or do you place a call to the county?