How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in New Hampshire – 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 New Hampshire

Are you looking to establish a business in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, 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.

New Hampshire, popularly known as The Granite 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 New Hampshire.

What is DBA Name in New Hampshire?

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

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

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

Before you may register your Trade Name in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire.

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

Submitting the New Hampshire DBA Name Application

To file the New Hampshire DBA Name, you must apply to the New Hampshire Secretary of State. In New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire is $50.

  • Online filing: For online filing, check the NH QuickStart website
  • Offline filing: For filing offline, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division, 107 North Main St., Concord, NH 03301 or drop it off in person at the same address.

Using the New Hampshire Trade Name

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

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 New Hampshire.

How to Change a Trade Name

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

FAQs

What is a DBA name in New Hampshire?
DBA stands for “Doing Business As,” and is a name that is registered with the local government to operate a business under a different name than the official business name. In New Hampshire, a DBA name is also referred to as an assumed business name or trade name.
How do I file a DBA in New Hampshire?
You must file an Application for Registration of Fictitious Business Name with the Secretary of State’s office in New Hampshire. You will need to provide the following information
How much does it cost to file a DBA in New Hampshire?
The filing fee to register a fictitious business name with the Secretary of State’s office in New Hampshire is $30.
Do I need to register my DBA with the New Hampshire Secretary of State?
Yes. All businesses operating under a fictitious or assumed business name in New Hampshire must register their DBA name with the Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to register my DBA with the New Hampshire county clerk?
Yes. In addition to registering your DBA with the Secretary of State’s office, you will also need to register it with the county clerk in the county where your business is located.
How long does it take to file a DBA in New Hampshire?
The processing time for a fictitious business name filing with the Secretary of State’s office in New Hampshire is usually two to three weeks.
Do I need a separate DBA registration for each county in New Hampshire?
Yes. You will need to register your DBA with the county clerk in each county where you plan to conduct business.
What documents do I need to file a DBA in New Hampshire?
You must submit an Application for Registration of Fictitious Business Name with the Secretary of State’s office in New Hampshire. You will need to include the name of the business, the address of the business, the name and address of the owner, the type of business being conducted, and the duration of the business.
Can I file a DBA in New Hampshire online?
Yes, you can file a DBA name in New Hampshire online through the Secretary of State’s office website.
Are there any other fees associated with filing a DBA in New Hampshire?
The filing fee to register a fictitious business name with the Secretary of State’s office in New Hampshire is $30. There may also be additional fees required by the county clerk in the county where your business is located.
Do I need to publish a legal notice of my DBA in New Hampshire?
Yes. In New Hampshire, you must publish a legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where your business is located.
How long is a DBA registration valid in New Hampshire?
A DBA name registration in New Hampshire is valid for three years. After that, you will need to renew your registration.
Do I need a separate DBA registration for each business I own in New Hampshire?
Yes. Each business must register its own DBA name in New Hampshire.
What happens if I don’t register my DBA in New Hampshire?
If you don’t register your DBA in New Hampshire, you may not be able to legally conduct business under that name. Additionally, you may be subject to fines and other penalties.
Can I change my DBA name after it has been registered in New Hampshire?
Yes. You can change your DBA name after it has been registered in New Hampshire by filing an amended Application for Registration of Fictitious Business Name with the Secretary of State’s office.
Is there a minimum or maximum length for a DBA name in New Hampshire?
No, there is no minimum or maximum length for a DBA name in New Hampshire.
Do I need to use my DBA name on all of my business documents in New Hampshire?
Yes. Once your DBA name has been registered in New Hampshire, you must use it on all business documents, including invoices, contracts, checks, and other forms of communication.
Can I use a DBA name if I don’t have a business in New Hampshire?
No. You must have a business located in New Hampshire in order to register a DBA name with the Secretary of State’s office.
Does my DBA name need to be unique in New Hampshire?
Yes. Your DBA name must be unique and not already in use by another business in the state of New Hampshire.
Do I need a separate DBA registration if I’m doing business in multiple counties in New Hampshire?
Yes. You will need to register your DBA with the county clerk in each county where you plan to conduct business.
Are there restrictions on what I can name my business in New Hampshire?
Yes. Your DBA name must not be deceptive or misleading and must not be the same or similar to any existing business names in New Hampshire. Additionally, you may not use certain words (such as “bank” or “insurance”) without the appropriate licensing.
Do I need to register my DBA name with the IRS in New Hampshire?
No. You do not need to register your DBA name with the IRS in New Hampshire. However, you will need to register your business with the IRS if you plan to use the name on any tax-related documents.
Can I reserve a DBA name in New Hampshire before filing?
No. You cannot reserve a DBA name in New Hampshire before filing. Once you file your DBA name with the Secretary of State’s office, it will be registered and available for use.
Do I need to keep a copy of my DBA registration in New Hampshire?
Yes. You must keep a copy of your DBA registration in New Hampshire for your records.
How often do I need to renew my DBA registration in New Hampshire?
Your DBA registration in New Hampshire must be renewed every three years.
Who can file a DBA in New Hampshire?
Any individual or business entity that is conducting business in the state of New Hampshire can file a DBA name with the Secretary of State’s office.
What is a DBA Name in New Hampshire?
A DBA Name in New Hampshire is a Doing Business As (or trade) name registered with the state. It is used by business owners to operate under a different name than their legal name.
How do I file a DBA Name in New Hampshire?
To file a DBA Name in New Hampshire, you must register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. You can submit the form in person, by mail, or online.
What information do I need to file a DBA Name in New Hampshire?
To file a DBA Name in New Hampshire, you will need to provide your business name, address, contact information, and the purpose of the business.
How much does it cost to file a DBA Name in New Hampshire?
The fee to file a DBA Name in New Hampshire is $25.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in New Hampshire?
The processing time to file a DBA Name in New Hampshire is between 3-5 business days.
What are the legal requirements for a DBA Name in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, a DBA Name must include the words “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Corporation”, “Inc.”, “Incorporated” or an abbreviation of one of these. The name must also be distinguishable from any other existing business names on record with the state.
Is a DBA Name the same as a trademark?
No, a DBA Name is not the same as a trademark. A DBA Name is only registered with the state, whereas a trademark is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Is a DBA Name required for all businesses in New Hampshire?
No, a DBA Name is not required for all businesses in New Hampshire. However, if you are operating under a different name than your legal name, then you should register a DBA Name.

Also Read

Why New Hampshire DBA Filing is So Important

One of the key reasons why New Hampshire DBA filing is so important is that it allows businesses to operate under a name that is different from their legal name. By doing so, businesses can create a unique and distinct brand identity that helps them stand out in the crowded marketplace. A memorable and recognizable name can attract customers and help businesses build a loyal customer base.

Moreover, by registering a DBA, businesses can also access banking and financial services under their trade name. This can be particularly helpful for sole proprietors and small businesses who may not have a separate legal entity. Having a separate trade name can make it easier to open a business bank account, accept payments, and apply for loans or credit.

In addition, filing a DBA can also provide legal protection for businesses. When a business operates under a trade name that is not its legal name, it can help protect the personal assets of the business owner. By clearly identifying the business with a trade name, it can prevent confusion and potential legal disputes down the line.

Another important reason to file a DBA in New Hampshire is that it is required by law for any businesses operating under a name that is different from their legal name. Failure to register a DBA can result in fines, penalties, or even legal action. By complying with the state’s requirements, businesses can avoid unnecessary risks and ensure that they are operating legally and ethically.

Furthermore, registering a DBA can also enhance the credibility and professionalism of a business. Customers, suppliers, and partners may view a business that operates under a trade name as more established and legitimate. This can help businesses build trust and confidence in their brand and attract more opportunities for growth and success.

Overall, the importance of New Hampshire DBA filing cannot be overlooked. Whether it’s creating a unique brand identity, accessing financial services, protecting personal assets, complying with legal requirements, or enhancing credibility, registering a DBA can provide numerous benefits for businesses. It is a simple and cost-effective way to secure a business’s future and maximize its potential for success.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in New Hampshire 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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