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.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
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
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Why Nevada DBA Filing is So Important
First and foremost, Nevada DBA filing is essential for legal compliance. When a business operates under a name that is different from its legal entity name, it must file a DBA registration to inform the public and government entities of the business’s true identity. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences, such as fines and penalties, which can ultimately harm the business’s reputation and finances.
Furthermore, DBA filing plays a crucial role in brand protection. By registering a DBA, a business can secure its chosen trade name and prevent others from using it in the same geographic area. This not only protects the business’s brand identity but also helps build brand recognition and consumer trust. Without proper DBA filing, a business risks losing its unique identity and may face challenges in standing out in a crowded marketplace.
Additionally, Nevada DBA filing can help businesses establish credibility and professionalism. When a business operates under its legal entity name, it may come across as amateurish or untrustworthy to potential customers or partners. On the other hand, businesses that have properly filed their DBAs demonstrate a commitment to legitimacy and transparency, which can enhance their reputation and attract more opportunities for growth and success.
Another important aspect of Nevada DBA filing is its impact on tax compliance. By registering a DBA, businesses can ensure that their income is properly attributed to the correct entity for tax purposes. This can help prevent issues with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other tax authorities, reducing the risk of audits or penalties that could negatively affect the business’s financial health and stability.
Moreover, Nevada DBA filing can simplify the process of opening a business bank account and obtaining necessary licenses and permits. Many banks and government agencies require businesses to have a registered DBA before they can conduct certain transactions or operations. By completing this crucial step, businesses can avoid unnecessary delays or obstacles in setting up their operations and building a strong foundation for their future growth.
In conclusion, Nevada DBA filing is a vital step for any business that wants to operate legally, protect its brand, and establish credibility in the marketplace. By prioritizing this process, businesses can avoid costly mistakes, build trust with customers and partners, and lay the groundwork for long-term success. Ultimately, investing time and resources into DBA filing is a wise decision that can pay off in the form of legal compliance, brand protection, and enhanced business opportunities.
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.