How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Arizona – An Easy Guide


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Get a DBA Name in Arizona

Are you looking to establish a business in Arizona and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.

In Arizona, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.

Arizona, popularly known as The Grand Canyon State, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Arizona.

What is DBA Name in Arizona?

Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.

However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Arizona. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.

If you intend to run your business in Arizona under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Arizona state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).

No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.

In Arizona, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.

–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Get a DBA in Arizona

To get a DBA in Arizona, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Arizona. You can then submit the Arizona business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Arizona Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Arizona, you must check with Arizona Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.

Guideline for choosing a DBA name

You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Arizona.

  • In Arizona, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
  • Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
  • Any banking-related words without a letter from the Arizona Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Arizona Arizona Department of Insurance.
  • Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Arizona is available?

Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Arizona with the same name on Google.

It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Arizona LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Arizona.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Arizona, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Arizona.

Register the Arizona DBA Name

Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Arizona counties, the following fundamental information is needed-

  • Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
  • The organization type under which the business is incorporated
  • List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
  • Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
  • Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
  • Both the classification type and number
  • Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
  • Date and state of the first use of the trade name
  • When the Trade Name first appeared in Arizona
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Arizona DBA Name Application

To file the Arizona DBA Name, you must apply to the Arizona Secretary of State. In Arizona, you can file the DBA name in several methods. Check Arizona Trade Name Handbook for more details.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Arizona is $10 for filing and $3 for each duplicate copy..

  • Online filing: For online filing, check the https://apps.azsos.gov/apps/tntp/index.html for the forms
  • Offline filing: Check Arizona Trade Name Handbook for details.

Using the Arizona Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Arizona Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:

  • Business cards
  • Booklets,
  • Flyers,
  • Labels, and
  • Stickers

How to Renew a Trade Name in Arizona

You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is five years in Arizona.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Arizona SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for five years; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Arizona SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA Name in Arizona?
A DBA Name, or “Doing Business As” Name, is the name under which a business operates in the state of Arizona. The name is used for tax and legal purposes.
How do I register a DBA Name in Arizona?
To register a DBA Name in Arizona, you must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Arizona Secretary of State.
What is the cost to file a DBA Name in Arizona?
The cost to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement in Arizona is $50.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in Arizona?
It takes approximately 10-15 business days for the Arizona Secretary of State to process a Fictitious Business Name Statement.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in every county in Arizona?
Yes, you must register your DBA Name in every county in Arizona in order for it to be legally recognized in the state of Arizona.
Is there a waiting period to register a DBA Name in Arizona?
No, there is no waiting period to register a DBA Name in Arizona.
Will I need to renew my DBA Name in Arizona?
Yes, you will need to renew your DBA Name in Arizona every five years.
What information do I need to file a DBA Name in Arizona?
You will need to provide the following information when filing a Fictitious Business Name Statement in Arizona
Do I need to publish my DBA Name in Arizona?
Yes, you must publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the business is located within 30 days of filing the Fictitious Business Name Statement.
What happens if I don’t publish a notice of my DBA Name in Arizona?
If you do not publish a notice of your DBA Name in Arizona, it will not be legally recognized in the state of Arizona.
How do I change a DBA Name in Arizona?
To change a DBA Name in Arizona, you must file a new Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Arizona Secretary of State.
What form do I use to file a DBA Name in Arizona?
The form to file a DBA Name in Arizona is the Fictitious Business Name Statement.
Is there a fee to change my DBA Name in Arizona?
Yes, the fee to change a DBA Name in Arizona is $50.
Can I file a DBA Name in Arizona online?
Yes, you can file a Fictitious Business Name Statement online through the Arizona Secretary of State’s website.
Is there an expiration date on a DBA Name in Arizona?
Yes, a DBA Name in Arizona expires five years after filing.
How do I renew my DBA Name in Arizona?
To renew a DBA Name in Arizona, you must file a renewal Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Arizona Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to renew my DBA Name in Arizona?
Yes, the fee to renew a DBA Name in Arizona is $50.
Do I need to publish a notice of my DBA Name renewal in Arizona?
No, you do not need to publish a notice of your DBA Name renewal in Arizona.
Can I change my DBA Name in Arizona without filing a new Fictitious Business Name Statement?
No, you must file a new Fictitious Business Name Statement to change your DBA Name in Arizona.
What happens if I don’t renew my DBA Name in Arizona?
If you do not renew your DBA Name in Arizona, it will expire and your business will no longer be legally recognized in the state of Arizona.
Can I file a DBA Name in Arizona without hiring a lawyer?
Yes, you can file a Fictitious Business Name Statement in Arizona without hiring a lawyer.
What are the legal requirements for a DBA Name in Arizona?
The legal requirements for a DBA Name in Arizona are that the name must be distinguishable from all other business names registered in the state.
Do I need to register a trade name in Arizona?
No, you do not need to register a trade name in Arizona, as long as it is distinguishable from all other business names registered in the state.
What happens if someone else is already using my DBA Name in Arizona?
If someone else is already using your DBA Name in Arizona, you will need to choose a new name for your business.
Can I use my personal name as a DBA Name in Arizona?
Yes, you can use your personal name as a DBA Name in Arizona as long as it is distinguishable from all other business names registered in the state.
Do I need to register a DBA Name in Arizona if I am a sole proprietor?
Yes, you must register a DBA Name in Arizona if you are a sole proprietor and wish to conduct business under a different name.
Is there a minimum length required for a DBA Name in Arizona?
No, there is no minimum length required for a DBA Name in Arizona.
Is there a maximum length for a DBA Name in Arizona?
Yes, the maximum length for a DBA Name in Arizona is 75 characters.
What if I want to change my business name in Arizona?
To change your business name in Arizona, you will need to file a new Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Arizona Secretary of State.
Can I use a DBA Name in Arizona for an LLC?
Yes, you can use a DBA Name in Arizona for an LLC as long as you file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Arizona Secretary of State.
Can I use my DBA Name in other states in addition to Arizona?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name in other states in addition to Arizona. However, you will need to register the name in each state separately.

Also Read

Why Arizona DBA Filing is So Important

One of the primary reasons why Arizona DBA filing is so important is that it allows businesses to operate under a different name than their legal entity name. This can be especially helpful for businesses who want to establish a brand identity that is different from the legal entity name. By filing for a DBA name, businesses can protect their brand, make it easier to market and promote their products or services, and create a more cohesive brand identity for customers to recognize and trust.

Additionally, filing for a DBA name in Arizona is required by law in many cases. If a business wants to operate under a name other than their legal entity name, they must file for a DBA name with the Arizona Secretary of State. Failure to do so can result in legal issues, fines, or even the inability to conduct business under the desired name. By taking the time to file for a DBA name, businesses can ensure that they are in compliance with the law and avoid any potential legal complications down the road.

Furthermore, filing for a DBA name can also help businesses establish credibility and professionalism in the eyes of customers and clients. When a business operates under a name that is different from their legal entity name, it can often create confusion and raise questions about the legitimacy of the business. By filing for a DBA name, businesses can eliminate any confusion and present a more professional image to their target audience.

Another important reason why Arizona DBA filing is essential for businesses is that it can help protect the personal assets of business owners. In the event that a business faces legal issues or debts, having a separate DBA name can help shield the personal assets of the business owners from being targeted. By separating the business name from the legal entity name, business owners can protect their personal finances and assets from being at risk.

In conclusion, filing for a DBA name in Arizona is a critical step for any business looking to establish a strong brand identity, ensure legal compliance, build credibility, and protect personal assets. While it may seem like a small task, the act of filing for a DBA name can have far-reaching implications for the success and longevity of a business.Business owners should not overlook the importance of this important administrative task when starting their business in Arizona.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Arizona is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.

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