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


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
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 Nevada

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

Nevada, popularly known as The Silver 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 Nevada.

What is DBA Name in Nevada?

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

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

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

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

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

Submitting the Nevada DBA Name Application

To file the Nevada DBA Name, you must apply to the Nevada Secretary of State. In Nevada, you can file the DBA name in two methods, by mail and in person.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Nevada is Varies by county.

  • Online filing: There is no online filing available
  • Offline filing: For filing offline, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the Nevada Secretary of State, 202 North Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701 or drop it off in person at the same address

Using the Nevada Trade Name

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

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 Nevada.

How to Change a Trade Name

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

FAQs

What is a DBA Name?
A DBA Name, also known as a Doing Business As Name, is a name that a company or individual can use to conduct business that is different from their legal name.
Is filing a DBA Name in Nevada required?
No, filing a DBA Name in Nevada is not required. However, it can be beneficial for certain businesses as it allows them to legally conduct business under a name other than their legal name.
How do I file a DBA Name in Nevada?
To file a DBA Name in Nevada, you must complete the appropriate Application for Registration of Fictitious Firm Name form and submit it to the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in Nevada?
It typically takes around 5 to 10 business days to file a DBA Name in Nevada.
How much does it cost to file a DBA Name in Nevada?
It costs $100 to file a DBA Name in Nevada.
What happens after I file a DBA Name in Nevada?
After you file a DBA Name in Nevada, the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office will review the application and issue a Certificate of Fictitious Firm Name. This certificate must be kept on file with the Secretary of State’s Office and is valid for five years.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Nevada with the County Clerk?
You may need to register your DBA Name in Nevada with the County Clerk. It is recommended that you contact your local County Clerk’s Office to determine if you need to file the DBA Name there.
How often do I need to renew my DBA Name in Nevada?
A DBA Name in Nevada must be renewed every five years.
Do I need to publish my DBA Name in Nevada?
No, you do not need to publish your DBA Name in Nevada.
Can I use my DBA Name in Nevada for a website?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name in Nevada for a website.
Can I use my DBA Name in Nevada to open a bank account?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name in Nevada to open a bank account.
Can I use my DBA Name in Nevada for a business license or permit?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name in Nevada for a business license or permit.
Can I use my DBA Name in Nevada for tax purposes?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name in Nevada for tax purposes.
Can I use my DBA Name in Nevada to sign contracts?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name in Nevada to sign contracts.
Is a DBA Name the same as a business name in Nevada?
Yes, a DBA Name is the same as a business name in Nevada.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Nevada if I have a business name in Nevada?
Yes, you must register your DBA Name in Nevada if you have a business name in Nevada.
Is it okay to use a DBA Name in Nevada if I am not incorporated?
Yes, it is okay to use a DBA Name in Nevada if you are not incorporated.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Nevada if I am incorporated?
No, you do not need to register your DBA Name in Nevada if you are incorporated.
Does Nevada require a DBA Name to be registered with the Secretary of State?
No, Nevada does not require a DBA Name to be registered with the Secretary of State.
What type of documentation is required to file a DBA Name in Nevada?
To file a DBA Name in Nevada, you will need to provide the appropriate Application for Registration of Fictitious Firm Name form.
Does Nevada require a DBA Name to be registered with the County Clerk?
It depends on the county. It is recommended that you contact your local County Clerk’s Office to determine if you need to file the DBA Name there.
Is a DBA Name in Nevada renewable?
Yes, a DBA Name in Nevada is renewable every five years.
When does a DBA Name in Nevada expire?
A DBA Name in Nevada expires after five years.
How do I renew my DBA Name in Nevada?
To renew your DBA Name in Nevada, you must submit the appropriate Application for Renewal of Fictitious Firm Name form to the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office.
What happens if I don’t renew my DBA Name in Nevada?
If you do not renew your DBA Name in Nevada, you will no longer be able to legally conduct business under that name.
Is there a penalty for not renewing my DBA Name in Nevada?
No, there is no penalty for not renewing your DBA Name in Nevada.
Can I transfer my DBA Name in Nevada to another person?
No, you cannot transfer your DBA Name in Nevada to another person.
Does Nevada require a DBA Name to be published?
No, Nevada does not require a DBA Name to be published.
What is a DBA Name in Nevada?
A DBA Name in Nevada is a trade name or “Doing Business As” name that a company or individual can register with the Nevada Secretary of State in order to conduct business under that name.
What information is needed to file a DBA Name in Nevada?
You will need to provide information such as the name of the business, address of the business, and the name and signature of the owner or owners.
Is there a fee to file a DBA Name in Nevada?
Yes, there is a $50 filing fee to register a DBA Name in Nevada.
Is it required to register a DBA Name in Nevada?
It is not legally required to register a DBA Name in Nevada, but it is highly recommended in order to protect your business name from being used by another business.
How long is a DBA Name in Nevada valid for?
A DBA Name in Nevada is valid for 5 years from the date of filing, and needs to be renewed after that time.

Also Read

Why Nevada DBA Filing is So Important

A DBA is essentially a trade name, assumed name, or fictitious business name that a company uses to conduct business under a name different from its legal, registered name. Filing for a DBA is important for several reasons, the most significant being that it allows businesses to operate under a name other than their legal entity name, which can help create a recognizable brand identity and make marketing and branding efforts more effective.

Moreover, filing for a DBA is also crucial for ensuring legal compliance with state and local regulations. In Nevada, like in most states, operating a business under a name that is different from its legal name requires filing a DBA with the local county clerk’s office. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties and fines, and even legal action, which can have serious repercussions for the business and its owners.

Furthermore, having a properly filed DBA can help protect business owners’ personal assets and shield them from liability. By filing a DBA, businesses can distinguish between their personal and business assets, which can be particularly important in legal matters or financial disputes. Without a DBA, it can be difficult to differentiate between personal and business assets, potentially putting owners’ personal assets at risk in the event of a lawsuit or bankruptcy.

Additionally, filing for a DBA is also crucial for establishing credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. A business operating under a registered DBA name is seen as more professional and trustworthy, which can go a long way in building relationships, attracting customers, and ultimately growing the business.

In conclusion, filing for a DBA in Nevada is an important and necessary step for any business looking to operate under a name different from its legal entity name. By doing so, businesses can enhance their brand identity, ensure legal compliance, protect personal assets, and establish credibility in the marketplace. While the process of filing for a DBA may seem daunting or unnecessary to some, its benefits far outweigh any perceived drawbacks, making it an essential component of any successful business operation in Nevada.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Nevada 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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