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


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Steve 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 Idaho

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

Idaho, popularly known as The Gem 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 Idaho.

What is DBA Name in Idaho?

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

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

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

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

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

Submitting the Idaho DBA Name Application

To file the Idaho DBA Name, you must apply to the Idaho Secretary of State. In Idaho, you can file the DBA name in three methods, online, by mail, and in person filing.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Idaho is $25 Filing Fee and $20 Additional processing fee if filing a hard copy by mail or in-person.

  • Online filing: For online filing, check the Idaho Secretary of State. There, look for the “Trade Names” section. You will get the registration form.
  • Offline filing: For filing offline, you must send the downloaded PDF form or drop it off in person at the Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0080

Using the Idaho Trade Name

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

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 Indefinite in Idaho.

How to Change a Trade Name

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

FAQs

What is a DBA Name?
DBA stands for “Doing Business As” and is a type of assumed business name. It is also known as a trade name, fictitious name, or business alias.
Is a DBA Name required for doing business in Idaho?
No, registering a DBA name in Idaho is not required, but it does help protect your business name from being used by another person or business entity.
What are the benefits of registering a DBA name in Idaho?
Registering a DBA name in Idaho provides legal protection for your business name, allows customers to easily identify your business, and simplifies the opening of business bank accounts.
How do I register a DBA Name in Idaho?
In Idaho, registering a DBA name involves submitting an assumed business name certificate to the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.
What information do I need to provide when registering a DBA Name in Idaho?
When registering a DBA name in Idaho, you will need to provide information such as the name of the business, the address of the business, the address of the registered agent, and the names of the owners.
How much does it cost to register a DBA Name in Idaho?
The cost to register a DBA name in Idaho is $30.
How long does it take to register a DBA Name in Idaho?
It typically takes 4-6 weeks to register a DBA name in Idaho.
Does my DBA Name need to be renewed in Idaho?
Yes, DBA names must be renewed in Idaho every 5 years.
What are the consequences of not renewing a DBA Name in Idaho?
If a DBA Name is not renewed in Idaho in a timely manner, the business name may be available to other entities, and the business may not be protected from trademark infringement.
Can a DBA Name be used in multiple states?
No, a DBA name registered in Idaho is only valid in Idaho. To use a DBA name in other states, the business must register the name in each state separately.
Can I register a DBA Name online in Idaho?
Yes, you can register a DBA name online in Idaho through the Idaho Business Entity Search website.
Can I reserve a DBA Name in Idaho?
No, it is not possible to reserve a DBA name in Idaho.
What happens if my DBA Name is similar to another business’s name in Idaho?
If your DBA name is similar to another business’s name in Idaho, the Secretary of State may reject the application.
What are the criteria for a valid DBA Name in Idaho?
A valid DBA name in Idaho must contain the words “Company,” “Limited,” “Incorporated,” or the abbreviation “Co.,” “Ltd.,” or “Inc.”
Is a DBA Name the same as a corporation or LLC in Idaho?
No, a DBA name is not the same as a corporation or LLC in Idaho. A DBA name is a type of assumed business name, and a corporation or LLC is a type of business entity.
Do I need to register a DBA Name if I own a sole proprietorship in Idaho?
Yes, if you are the sole owner of a business in Idaho, you must register a DBA name to legally conduct business under that name.
Is a DBA Name the same as a trademark in Idaho?
No, while a DBA name provides some protection for a business name, it does not provide the same protection as a trademark in Idaho.
Do I need to register a trademark in Idaho if I already have a DBA Name?
No, you do not need to register a trademark in Idaho if you already have a DBA name. However, registering a trademark can provide additional legal protection for your business name.
What is the difference between a DBA Name and a trade name in Idaho?
A DBA Name and a trade name are the same thing. Both terms refer to a type of assumed business name.
Do I need to file a DBA Name if I’m using my own name for my business in Idaho?
Yes, if you are using your own name for your business in Idaho, you must file a DBA name with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to register a DBA Name if I’m using a fictitious name for my business in Idaho?
Yes, if you are using a fictitious name for your business in Idaho, you must register a DBA name with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to file a separate assumed business name certificate for each location I have in Idaho?
No, you do not need to file a separate assumed business name certificate for each location. You only need to file one assumed business name certificate for your business in Idaho.
Can I register a DBA Name if I don’t have a physical location in Idaho?
Yes, you can register a DBA name even if you do not have a physical location in Idaho.
Is there a fee for filing an assumed business name certificate in Idaho?
Yes, there is a fee of $30 to file an assumed business name certificate in Idaho.
Do I need to publish my assumed business name in a newspaper in Idaho?
No, you do not need to publish your assumed business name in a newspaper in Idaho.
What is the difference between a DBA Name and a corporation in Idaho?
A DBA Name is a type of assumed business name, while a corporation is a type of business entity.
Can I register a DBA Name if I’m a foreign company doing business in Idaho?
Yes, foreign companies can register a DBA name in Idaho.
Do I need to register a DBA Name if I’m selling products online in Idaho?
Yes, if you are selling products online in Idaho, you must register a DBA name with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to file a DBA Name if I’m using my personal name for my business in Idaho?
Yes, if you are using your personal name for your business in Idaho, you must file a DBA name with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to register a DBA Name if I’m using a trade name for my business in Idaho?
Yes, if you are using a trade name for your business in Idaho, you must register a DBA name with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.

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Why Idaho DBA Filing is So Important

First and foremost, registering a DBA name provides legal protection for your business. By officially registering your DBA name with the state, you are establishing exclusive rights to use that name within the jurisdiction. This means that you can prevent other businesses from using the same name or operating under a similar name, avoiding potential confusion among consumers and protecting your brand identity. In the event of any legal disputes or issues, having a registered DBA name can serve as evidence of your ownership and rights to that name.

Moreover, obtaining a DBA name can help you establish business credibility and professionalism. Having a registered DBA name shows that you are a legitimate and official entity, rather than just operating under a generic business name or as a sole proprietorship. This can enhance your reputation with customers, partners, and vendors, as it demonstrates that you are serious about your business and committed to adhering to legal requirements.

In addition to legal and reputational benefits, filing for a DBA name can also open up new opportunities for your business. Having a distinct business name can help you differentiate yourself in the market, attract new customers, and build brand recognition. It also allows you to expand your business operations, create new marketing strategies, and establish a unique identity that reflects your products or services. With a registered DBA name, you can operate multiple businesses or divisions under one umbrella, each with its own distinct identity and branding.

Furthermore, registering a DBA name is essential for compliance purposes. In Idaho, businesses must register their DBA names with the Secretary of State’s office to operate lawfully and avoid potential penalties or legal consequences. Failing to register a DBA name or using an unregistered name can lead to fines, lawsuits, or even the forced closure of your business. By following the proper procedures and obtaining the required approvals for your DBA name, you can stay in good standing with the state and ensure that your business is operating in accordance with the law.

Overall, Idaho DBA filing is a critical step in starting and running a successful business. From legal protection and credibility to branding opportunities and compliance requirements, there are numerous reasons why registering a DBA name is so important. By taking the necessary steps to establish your DBA name, you can set your business on the path to success and lay a solid foundation for future growth and prosperity.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Idaho 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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