How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Colorado – 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 Colorado

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

Colorado, popularly known as The Centennial 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 Colorado.

What is DBA Name in Colorado?

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 Colorado. 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 Colorado under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Colorado 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 Colorado, 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 Colorado

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

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

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

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

Submitting the Colorado DBA Name Application

To file the Colorado DBA Name, you must apply to the Colorado Secretary of State. In Colorado, you can file the DBA name in one method, online filing. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Colorado is $20.

  • Online filing: For online filing, check the Colorado Secretary of State. There, look for the “Trade Names” section. You will get the registration form.
  • Offline filing: There is no offline filing available in Colorado

Using the Colorado Trade Name

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

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 one year in Colorado.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Colorado 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 one year; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Colorado SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA Name in Colorado?
A DBA Name in Colorado is a Doing Business As name. It is a trade name that businesses use to operate under a name other than their original legal name.
How do I register a DBA Name in Colorado?
To register a DBA Name in Colorado, you must submit an Assumed Name Certificate to the Colorado Secretary of State.
What is the cost to file a DBA Name in Colorado?
The fee for filing a DBA Name in Colorado with the Secretary of State is $50.
Where do I file a DBA Name in Colorado?
The Assumed Name Certificate must be filed with the Colorado Secretary of State.
What information do I need to file a DBA Name in Colorado?
When filing a DBA Name in Colorado, you must provide your legal name, the name of the business, address, and sign the form.
Can I file a DBA Name online in Colorado?
Yes, you can file a DBA Name online in Colorado through the Secretary of State’s online filing system.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in Colorado?
It usually takes about 1-2 business days for the filing to be processed by the Colorado Secretary of State.
Is a DBA Name in Colorado the same as a fictitious name?
Yes, a DBA Name in Colorado is the same as a fictitious name.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in multiple counties in Colorado?
No, you only need to register your DBA Name in one county in Colorado.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Colorado if I’m a sole proprietor?
Yes, a sole proprietor in Colorado must file a DBA Name with the Secretary of State in order to legally do business under a name other than their legal name.
How long is a DBA Name valid in Colorado?
A DBA Name in Colorado is valid for 5 years.
What are the benefits of filing a DBA Name in Colorado?
Filing a DBA Name in Colorado provides the business with a unique and legally recognized name, and allows the business to open a business bank account and apply for business licenses and permits.
Is a DBA Name in Colorado public information?
Yes, the information on a DBA Name in Colorado is public and available to anyone who requests it.
What is the Colorado Secretary of State’s website?
The Colorado Secretary of State’s website is www.sos.state.co.us.
Can I change my DBA Name in Colorado?
Yes, you can change your DBA Name in Colorado by filing an Assumed Name Amendment with the Secretary of State.
What happens if I don’t file a DBA Name in Colorado?
If you don’t file a DBA Name in Colorado, you may face penalties, such as fines and legal action, for operating as a business without a legally registered name.
Do I need to renew my DBA Name in Colorado?
Yes, you must renew your DBA Name in Colorado every 5 years in order for it to remain valid.
What is the process for renewing a DBA Name in Colorado?
You must submit an Assumed Name Renewal to the Colorado Secretary of State to renew your DBA Name.
Can I file a DBA Name in Colorado by mail?
Yes, you can file a DBA Name in Colorado by mail.
What forms do I need to file a DBA Name in Colorado?
You will need to fill out and submit an Assumed Name Certificate to the Colorado Secretary of State.
What is the turnaround time for filing a DBA Name in Colorado?
The turnaround time for filing a DBA Name in Colorado is usually 1-2 business days.
Is there an expedited filing option for a DBA Name in Colorado?
No, there is no expedited filing option for a DBA Name in Colorado.
Is a DBA Name in Colorado the same as a trade name?
Yes, a DBA Name in Colorado is the same as a trade name.
Do I need to register a DBA Name in Colorado if I’m an LLC?
Yes, an LLC in Colorado must register a DBA Name with the Secretary of State if they wish to operate under a name other than the name listed in their Articles of Organization.
Is a DBA Name in Colorado the same as a business name?
Yes, a DBA Name in Colorado is the same as a business name.
Do I need to register a DBA Name in Colorado if I’m a corporation?
Yes, a corporation in Colorado must register a DBA Name with the Secretary of State if they wish to operate under a name other than the name listed in their Articles of Incorporation.
What is the penalty for not filing a DBA Name in Colorado?
The penalty for not filing a DBA Name in Colorado is a fine and/or legal action.
How do I file a DBA Name in Colorado?
You can file a DBA Name in Colorado by submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the Colorado Secretary of State.
What is required to file a DBA Name in Colorado?
To file a DBA Name in Colorado, you will need to provide the full legal name of the business, the business address, and the name of the registered agent for service of process.
How much does it cost to file a DBA Name in Colorado?
The filing fee for a DBA Name in Colorado is $25.
What is a registered agent for service of process in Colorado?
A registered agent for service of process in Colorado is an individual or entity authorized to accept service of process on behalf of a business.
Does a DBA Name in Colorado need to be renewed?
Yes, a DBA Name in Colorado must be renewed every five years.
Can I file a DBA Name in Colorado online?
Yes, you can file a DBA Name in Colorado online through the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.
Can I file a DBA Name in Colorado with the county clerk?
No, you must file a DBA Name in Colorado with the Colorado Secretary of State.

Also Read

Why Colorado DBA Filing is So Important

A DBA filing is an important step for business owners to take to protect their brand and ensure they are operating legally within the state of Colorado. By registering a DBA name, a business owner can establish a separate identity for their company, which can help to distinguish it from competitors and build brand recognition in the market.

One of the primary reasons why Colorado DBA filing is so important is that it allows businesses to operate under a name that is different from their legal business entity name. This can be especially beneficial for sole proprietors or partnerships who want to create a separate brand identity for their business without having to create a new legal entity. By registering a DBA name, businesses can avoid confusion among customers and vendors about who they are and what products or services they offer.

In addition to helping businesses establish a unique brand identity, DBA filing in Colorado is also important for legal and financial reasons. By registering a DBA name with the state of Colorado, business owners can ensure that they are compliant with state and local regulations. This can help to prevent any legal issues that may arise from operating under a name that is not officially recognized by the state.

Furthermore, registering a DBA name can also help to protect a business’s brand identity and intellectual property rights. By securing a DBA name, business owners can prevent others from using the same name or creating confusion in the market. This can be especially important for businesses that have invested time and money into building their brand and reputation.

Overall, Colorado DBA filing is an essential step for business owners to take to protect their brand and operate legally within the state. By registering a DBA name, businesses can establish a separate identity, comply with regulations, and protect their brand from potential infringement. With so many benefits to be gained from filing for a DBA name, business owners in Colorado should prioritize this important task to ensure the success and longevity of their companies.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Colorado 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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