How to Register a Business Name

Information and Guidelines to Registering Your Business’s Name

Naming a business is an important step in the overall business planning process – this is sometimes thought to be a small detail but is really very important to the overall branding of a company. If a business owner chooses any name other than their own personal name, the name will need to be registered with the state government in which the business resides. This is known as registering the business’s “Doing Business As” or DBA name. Here is some important information about registering a business’s name and what steps need to be taken to make the name official.

“Doing Business As” Name Defined

A “Doing Business As” name, also known as an assumed name or trade name, is a business name that is set apart from a business owner’s personal name or the names of partners. When a business is initially formed, the business’s name automatically defaults to the personal name of the individual who owns it. Because of this, it is important to register the business’s DBA name in order to differentiate the operations of the business from the business owner’s personal records and information. This is also important considering that the legal name of the business is required on many government forms.

Is a “Doing Business Name” Required?

It is important to note that not all states require business’s to be registered with a DBA name – because of this, make sure to check the laws and regulations in your particular state of residency. DBA names are generally required for two situations including business’s that have sole proprietors or partnerships that do not wish to operate their business under their personal name and existing LLCs or corporations that do not wish to do business under the existing organization’s name. If either of these situations apply to you it may be in your best interest, and required by the state, to register the business’s DBA name.

Registering a “Doing Business As” Name

When the business’s “Doing Business As” name has been selected, there are a few different ways in which a business owner can register the name. First, the DBA name may be registered at the local county clerk’s office by filling out a simple application. Another avenue for registration is registering the DBA name with the state government directly – this will depend on where the business is located and if it is feasible to travel to the state capital. Remember that not all states will require a business to register a DBA name so make sure to check your local and state requirements before moving into action.

A business’s name is very important to the business’s branding and image – a name is quite literally the face of your company and making sure that name is registered and protected is extremely important. By determining the business’s unique situation, it will be easier to decide if the name should be registered separately from the business owner’s personal name. Always remember to stay up to date on the latest business requirements that are set forth by both the local and state government in your state of residency to help keep the business in good standing.

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