How to Register a Tradename

All business entities operate under trade names, also referred to as a fictitious name, assumed name or DBA or Doing Business As. When a business forms as a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, it must register its trade name with the state or county, depending on the state's laws.

• 1

  Search the trade name's availability. Go to your Secretary of State's website and find the fictitious name, assumed name or trade name registration page. Using the agency's trade name database, conduct a search of your trade name to see if it is available for claiming registration.

• 2

  Download and complete the trade name application. Sign it and have it notarized if applicable and mail it to the registrar along with the registration fee. Or complete the online trade name application and submit it electronically to the registrar along with payment.

• 3

  Publish a Notice of Trade Name registration in your local newspaper. Contact your local newspaper and pay to run a legal notice stating your trade name has been registered.

• 4

  Get a Certificate of Publication from the newspaper and send a copy to the trade name registrar.