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


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get a DBA Name in Louisiana

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

Louisiana, popularly known as The Pelican 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 Louisiana.

What is DBA Name in Louisiana?

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

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

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

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

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

Submitting the Louisiana DBA Name Application

To file the Louisiana DBA Name, you must apply to the Louisiana Secretary of State. In Louisiana, 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 Louisiana is $75 Filing Fee and $300 for 24-hour Expedited fiiling.

  • Online filing: For online filing, check the Louisiana geauxBIZ Website. There, look for the “Fictitious Names” section. You will get the registration form.
  • Offline filing: For filing offline, you must send the downloaded PDF form to the Office of the Commercial Division, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125 or drop it off in person at the Louisiana Secretary of State, 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Using the Louisiana Trade Name

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

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 ten years in Louisiana.

How to Change a Trade Name

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

FAQs

What is a DBA Name in Louisiana?
A DBA Name (also known as a “fictitious business name”) in Louisiana is a name used to conduct business under a name other than the legal name of the owner(s).
Do I need to register a DBA Name in Louisiana?
Yes, any business or individual conducting business in Louisiana under a DBA Name must register it with the Secretary of State.
What forms do I need to file to register a DBA Name in Louisiana?
To register a DBA Name in Louisiana, you need to complete Form DB-15, which is an Application for Registration of a Fictitious Business Name.
Where do I file a DBA Name in Louisiana?
To register a DBA Name in Louisiana, you must file the Form DB-15 with the Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to file a DBA Name in Louisiana?
The filing fee for a DBA Name in Louisiana is $50.
How long does it take to register a DBA Name in Louisiana?
The processing time for a DBA Name in Louisiana is approximately 2-4 weeks.
Is there an expiration date for a DBA Name in Louisiana?
Yes, a DBA Name in Louisiana must be renewed after five years.
How do I renew my DBA Name in Louisiana?
To renew your DBA Name in Louisiana, you must file a new Form DB-15 with the Secretary of State.
Where can I get a copy of the Form DB-15?
The Form DB-15 can be obtained from the Secretary of State’s website.
What information do I need to provide on the Form DB-15?
The Form DB-15 requires you to provide information about the business name, the owners of the business, and the business’s primary address.
Can I use a trade name instead of a DBA Name in Louisiana?
Yes, trade names can be used instead of DBA Names in Louisiana.
Is there a difference between a trade name and a DBA Name in Louisiana?
Yes, a trade name is generally used by a business to identify its products or services, while a DBA Name is used to conduct business under a name other than the legal name of the owner(s).
Is there a list of prohibited DBA Names in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana has a list of prohibited DBA Names that cannot be registered with the Secretary of State.
Can I use an assumed name instead of a DBA Name in Louisiana?
Yes, an assumed name can be used instead of a DBA Name in Louisiana.
What is an assumed name in Louisiana?
An assumed name in Louisiana is a name used to conduct business activities under a name other than the legal name of the owner(s).
Is there a registration fee for an assumed name in Louisiana?
Yes, an assumed name in Louisiana must be registered with the Secretary of State and is subject to a registration fee.
Is there a website for registering a DBA Name in Louisiana?
Yes, the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website provides a convenient online filing system for registering a DBA Name.
Is there a way to check if a DBA Name is already taken in Louisiana?
Yes, you can use the Secretary of State’s searchable database to check if a DBA Name is already taken in Louisiana.
What happens if I don’t register my DBA Name in Louisiana?
If you do not register your DBA Name in Louisiana, you may be subject to fines and other penalties.
How do I change a DBA Name in Louisiana?
To change a DBA Name in Louisiana, you must submit a new Form DB-15 to the Secretary of State.
Is there a waiting period before I can use my DBA Name in Louisiana?
No, you can use your DBA Name in Louisiana as soon as it is registered with the Secretary of State.
What do I need to do to use a DBA Name in Louisiana?
To use a DBA Name in Louisiana, you must first register it with the Secretary of State and obtain a business license from the local jurisdiction in which you are conducting business.
Are there any other fees associated with registering a DBA Name in Louisiana?
Yes, in addition to the filing fee, you may be required to pay additional fees to obtain a business license from the local jurisdiction in which you are conducting business.
Does registering a DBA Name in Louisiana protect my business name?
No, registering a DBA Name in Louisiana does not provide any protection for your business name.
How do I obtain a business license in Louisiana?
You can obtain a business license in Louisiana by contacting the local jurisdiction in which you are conducting business.
Do I need to register my business with the IRS in order to register a DBA Name in Louisiana?
No, registering a DBA Name with the Secretary of State in Louisiana does not require you to register with the IRS.
What if I want to change the address associated with my DBA Name in Louisiana?
To change the address associated with your DBA Name in Louisiana, you must submit a new Form DB-15 to the Secretary of State.
Can I use a DBA Name in Louisiana for any type of business?
Yes, you can use a DBA Name in Louisiana for any type of business.
Can I use more than one DBA Name in Louisiana?
Yes, you can use multiple DBA Names in Louisiana as long as they are all registered with the Secretary of State.
How do I file a DBA name in Louisiana?
To file a DBA name in Louisiana, you must register with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division, and submit the appropriate form.
What are the requirements for filing a DBA name in Louisiana?
You must provide the name of the business, the name and address of the owner, the type of business, and the parish or parish and ward in which the business is located.
Is there a fee to file a DBA name in Louisiana?
Yes, there is a fee of $50 to file a DBA name in Louisiana.
What documents do I need to file a DBA name in Louisiana?
You will need to submit a completed DBA Certificate of Assumed Name form, along with a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or other state-issued identification.
How long does it take to file a DBA name in Louisiana?
It usually takes about two weeks to file a DBA name in Louisiana.
How can I check to see if a DBA name is already registered in Louisiana?
You can search the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Division website to check if a DBA name is already registered in Louisiana.

Also Read

Why Louisiana DBA Filing is So Important

DBA filing, also known as an assumed name or trade name registration, is the process by which a business owner registers their company’s name with the state government. In Louisiana, this is typically done through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office. While it may seem like a tedious bureaucratic task, DBA filing is crucial for businesses for several reasons.

First and foremost, DBA filing allows businesses to operate under a name that is different from their legal, registered name. This can be beneficial for business owners who wish to operate under a separate brand or target a different market segment without having to form an entirely new entity. For example, a bakery called “Sweet Treats LLC” could file a DBA under the name “Delicious Delights” for a new line of specialty cakes, without having to go through the process of creating a new corporate entity.

Additionally, DBA filing helps to establish ownership rights over a business name. In today’s competitive business landscape, it is crucial for companies to protect their brand identity and prevent others from using the same or similar name. By filing for a DBA, businesses can establish a legal right to the name and have recourse against competitors who try to infringe on their brand.

Moreover, DBA filing enhances a business’s credibility and professionalism. Consumers are more likely to trust and do business with companies that operate under a registered name, as it signifies legitimacy and commitment. This is especially important for small businesses and startups looking to establish themselves in the market and build a loyal customer base.

Another critical reason why Louisiana DBA filing is so important is for tax and legal purposes. Filing for a DBA ensures that a business is compliant with state regulations and can avoid potential fines or legal issues. It also allows for proper taxation under the correct name, preventing any confusion or discrepancies with the state tax authorities.

Furthermore, DBA filing is essential for business banking and financial transactions. Most banks require a business to have a registered DBA in order to open a business bank account or to obtain funding. Having a registered DBA can also help streamline financial transactions and make it easier for businesses to track their income and expenses.

In conclusion, Louisiana DBA filing is a crucial step for businesses of all sizes and industries. It provides several benefits, including the ability to operate under a different name, establish ownership rights, enhance credibility, ensure compliance with regulations, and facilitate financial transactions. Therefore, business owners in Louisiana should prioritize filing for a DBA to protect their brand, reputation, and legal standing in the marketplace.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Louisiana 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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