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


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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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 Mississippi

Are you looking to establish a business in Mississippi 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 Mississippi, 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.

Mississippi, popularly known as The Magnolia 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 Mississippi.

What is DBA Name in Mississippi?

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 Certificate of Formation 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 Mississippi. 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 Mississippi under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Mississippi 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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi

To get a DBA in Mississippi, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Mississippi. You can then submit the Mississippi business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Mississippi 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 Mississippi, you must check with Mississippi 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 Mississippi.

  • In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Mississippi Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Mississippi.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi.

Register the Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Mississippi DBA Name Application

To file the Mississippi DBA Name, you must apply to the Mississippi Secretary of State. In Mississippi, you can file the DBA name in one method, online. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Mississippi is $25.

  • Online filing: For online filing, check the Mississippi Secreatry of State. There, look for the “Assumed Names” section. You will get the registration form.
  • Offline filing: There’s no offline form submission in the state

Using the Mississippi Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Mississippi 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 Mississippi

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 Mississippi.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Mississippi 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 Mississippi SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA Name in Mississippi?
A DBA Name in Mississippi is a Doing Business As (DBA) Name. It is a business name that is registered with the state of Mississippi and is used to do business under a different name than the legal name of the entity.
How do I register a DBA Name in Mississippi?
To register a DBA Name in Mississippi, you must file a DBA Name registration form with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
How long does it take to register a DBA Name in Mississippi?
The processing time for registering a DBA Name in Mississippi is typically 5-7 business days.
Is there a fee to register a DBA Name in Mississippi?
Yes, there is a fee of $30.00 to register a DBA Name in Mississippi.
Is there a filing deadline to register a DBA Name in Mississippi?
No, there is no filing deadline to register a DBA Name in Mississippi.
Can I register a DBA Name in Mississippi online?
Yes, you can register a DBA Name in Mississippi online through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website.
How often must I renew my DBA Name in Mississippi?
You must renew your DBA Name in Mississippi every 5 years.
How do I renew a DBA Name in Mississippi?
To renew a DBA Name in Mississippi, you must file a renewal form with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
What documents do I need to register a DBA Name in Mississippi?
You will need to submit a DBA Name registration form and the appropriate filing fee to register a DBA Name in Mississippi.
Do I have to publish my DBA Name in Mississippi?
No, you do not have to publish your DBA Name in Mississippi.
What is the penalty for operating a business in Mississippi without a registered DBA Name?
The penalty for operating a business in Mississippi without a registered DBA Name is a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in every county in Mississippi?
No, you only need to register your DBA Name with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in other states if I am registered in Mississippi?
Yes, you must register your DBA Name in other states if you are doing business in those states.
How can I check if a DBA Name is already registered in Mississippi?
You can check if a DBA Name is already registered in Mississippi by performing a business entity search on the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website.
What is the purpose of registering a DBA Name in Mississippi?
The purpose of registering a DBA Name in Mississippi is to legally operate a business under a name other than the legal name of the entity.
Is a DBA Name a legal entity in Mississippi?
No, a DBA Name is not a legal entity in Mississippi, but it is a legally recognized business name.
What is the difference between a DBA Name and an LLC in Mississippi?
The difference between a DBA Name and an LLC in Mississippi is that a DBA Name is a business name that is registered with the state, whereas an LLC is a legal entity that is registered with the state.
Do I need a DBA Name in Mississippi if I am an LLC?
Yes, you may need a DBA Name in Mississippi if you are an LLC and you want to do business under a name other than the legal name of the LLC.
Do I need a DBA Name in Mississippi if I am a Sole Proprietor?
Yes, you may need a DBA Name in Mississippi if you are a Sole Proprietor and you want to do business under a name other than your legal name.
Is it necessary to have a business address in Mississippi to register a DBA Name?
No, it is not necessary to have a business address in Mississippi to register a DBA Name.
Can I register a DBA Name in Mississippi if I am not a resident of the state?
Yes, you can register a DBA Name in Mississippi even if you are not a resident of the state.
Is it necessary to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to register a DBA Name in Mississippi?
No, it is not necessary to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to register a DBA Name in Mississippi.
Am I allowed to use my DBA Name in Mississippi if I have not registered it?
No, you are not allowed to use your DBA Name in Mississippi if you have not registered it with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
Are there any restrictions on the name I can choose for my DBA Name in Mississippi?
Yes, there are restrictions on the name you can choose for your DBA Name in Mississippi. The name cannot be the same as or similar to an existing DBA Name that is registered with the state.
Are there any other requirements to register a DBA Name in Mississippi?
Yes, other requirements may apply to register a DBA Name in Mississippi. For example, if the DBA Name contains certain words, such as “bank,” “trust,” or “insurance,” additional documents may be required.
Can I change my DBA Name in Mississippi after it is registered?
Yes, you can change your DBA Name in Mississippi after it is registered by filing an amendment form with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
Can I cancel my DBA Name in Mississippi after it is registered?
Yes, you can cancel your DBA Name in Mississippi after it is registered by filing a cancellation form with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
Can I transfer my DBA Name in Mississippi to another person or entity?
No, you cannot transfer your DBA Name in Mississippi to another person or entity.
How do I file a DBA Name in Mississippi?
To file a DBA Name in Mississippi, you must submit a fictitious name application to the Mississippi Secretary of State, along with a filing fee.
What is the filing fee to file a DBA Name in Mississippi?
The filing fee to file a DBA Name in Mississippi is $20.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in Mississippi?
It typically takes 1-2 business days to process a DBA Name filing in Mississippi.
What documents are required for filing a DBA Name in Mississippi?
When filing a DBA Name in Mississippi, you must submit a fictitious name application along with a filing fee.
Is a DBA Name in Mississippi required to operate my business?
No, a DBA Name in Mississippi is not required to operate a business, but it is recommended in order to protect your business name and identity.

Also Read

Why Mississippi DBA Filing is So Important

One of the primary reasons why Mississippi DBA filing is so important is that it provides clarity and transparency to customers and the general public. By registering a DBA name, businesses can effectively communicate their brand identity and differentiate themselves from competitors. This clarity is essential for building customer trust and loyalty, as it allows customers to easily recognize and remember a business by its unique DBA name.

Additionally, Mississippi DBA filing is crucial for legal compliance and protection. Registering a DBA name with the appropriate authorities ensures that businesses are operating in accordance with state regulations and are not infringing on the rights of other businesses. By filing for a DBA name, businesses can protect their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of their name by competitors or third parties.

Moreover, Mississippi DBA filing can also bring financial benefits to businesses. By establishing a DBA name, businesses can open bank accounts, process payments, and enter into contracts using their DBA name. This flexibility allows businesses to conduct transactions more efficiently and effectively, ultimately leading to increased revenue and growth opportunities.

Furthermore, Mississippi DBA filing is vital for marketing and advertising purposes. A strong and memorable DBA name can effectively attract customers and enhance brand recognition. By registering a DBA name, businesses can create a cohesive marketing strategy that aligns with their brand identity and resonates with their target audience. This consistency in branding can help businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract new customers.

Overall, Mississippi DBA filing is an essential process for businesses looking to establish a strong brand presence, ensure legal compliance, and drive growth and success. By registering a DBA name, businesses can communicate their unique brand identity, protect their intellectual property, and capitalize on marketing and advertising opportunities. Ultimately, Mississippi DBA filing is a critical step in the journey towards long-term success and sustainability for businesses operating in the state.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Mississippi 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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