Are you looking to establish a business in New Mexico 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 Mexico, 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 Mexico, popularly known as The Land of Enchantment, 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 Mexico.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is DBA Name in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico. 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 Mexico under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with New Mexico 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 Mexico, 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 Mexico
To get a DBA in New Mexico, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in New Mexico. You can then submit the New Mexico business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the New Mexico 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 Mexico, you must check with New Mexico 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 Mexico.
- In New Mexico, 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 Mexico Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the New Mexico New Mexico Office of the Superintendent 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 New Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in New Mexico.
Before you may register your Trade Name in New Mexico, 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 Mexico.
Register the New Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico
- Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address
Submitting the New Mexico DBA Name Application
To file the New Mexico DBA Name, you must apply to the New Mexico Secretary of State. In New Mexico, you can file the DBA name in several methods, however, it is not mandatory to file a DBA name in Kansas. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in New Mexico is $0, as it is not mandatory to file DBA name in this state.
- Online filing: No online form is available, as it is not mandatory to file a DBA name in Kansas.
- Offline filing: No PDF form is available, as it is not mandatory to file a DBA name in Kansas
Using the New Mexico Trade Name
Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to New Mexico 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 Mexico
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 none, as there is no mandatory rule to file DBA in New Mexico.
How to Change a Trade Name
You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the New Mexico 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 none, as there is no mandatory rule to file DBA; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the New Mexico SOS.
FAQs
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Why New Mexico DBA Filing is So Important
First and foremost, a DBA filing in New Mexico allows a business to operate under a name that is different from its legal name. This can be essential for a business looking to rebrand, target a specific market segment, or launch a new product line. By registering a DBA, a business can create a separate brand identity that better resonates with its target audience, ultimately leading to increased brand recognition and customer loyalty.
Additionally, a DBA filing in New Mexico can help protect a business’s intellectual property. Without a DBA registration, other businesses are free to use the registered name, potentially diluting the brand’s reputation and causing confusion among customers. By filing a DBA, a business can establish legal proof of its business name, providing a valuable layer of protection against potential infringement.
Furthermore, a New Mexico DBA filing can help a business establish credibility and professionalism in the eyes of customers, vendors, and financial institutions. Operating under a registered DBA shows that a business is committed to following state regulations and conducting itself in a transparent and ethical manner. This can inspire trust in potential customers and partners, leading to increased opportunities for growth and success.
Another important reason why a New Mexico DBA filing is so crucial is that it can help a business avoid potential legal and financial liabilities. By registering a DBA, a business can ensure that it is compliant with state and local regulations, reducing the risk of costly fines or legal actions. Additionally, having a DBA can make it easier for a business to open a bank account, apply for credit, or enter into contracts, since many financial institutions and vendors require a registered business name.
In conclusion, it is clear that a New Mexico DBA filing is an essential step for any business looking to establish a strong brand, protect its intellectual property, build credibility, and avoid legal and financial liabilities. By taking the time to file a DBA registration, businesses can set themselves up for long-term success and growth in the competitive New Mexico market. So, if you’re starting a business in New Mexico, don’t overlook the importance of filing a DBA – it could make all the difference in the world.
In Conclusion
A DBA name in New Mexico 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.