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

Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
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Get a DBA Name in Wyoming

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

Wyoming, popularly known as The Equality 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 Wyoming.

What is DBA Name in Wyoming?

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

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

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

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

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

Submitting the Wyoming DBA Name Application

To file the Wyoming DBA Name, you must apply to the Wyoming Secretary of State. In Wyoming, you can file the DBA name in two methods, by mail and in person.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Wyoming is $100.

  • Online filing: There is no online filing available
  • Offline filing: For filing offline in Wyoming, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the Wyoming Secretary of State, Business Division, 2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020 or drop it off in person at the same address.

Using the Wyoming Trade Name

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

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 Wyoming.

How to Change a Trade Name

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

FAQs

What is a DBA Name in Wyoming?
A “Doing Business As” (DBA) name in Wyoming is an assumed name or trade name used by a business or individual when conducting business. It is also known as a “fictitious name” or “trade name”.
How do I file a DBA Name in Wyoming?
To file a DBA in Wyoming, you must complete and file the Assumed Name Certificate with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
What information is required to file a DBA Name in Wyoming?
To file a DBA in Wyoming, you must provide the following information
What is the filing fee for a DBA Name in Wyoming?
The filing fee for a DBA in Wyoming is $50.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to conduct business?
A DBA Name in Wyoming is not required to conduct business, however it is recommended that you file a DBA if you are using a name that is different from your own name or the name of your business.
How long is a DBA Name in Wyoming valid for?
A DBA Name in Wyoming is valid for five (5) years and must be renewed before the expiration date.
What are the benefits of filing a DBA Name in Wyoming?
Filing a DBA Name in Wyoming can help to protect your business name, differentiate your business from other businesses, and provide customers and clients with a more professional impression of your business.
Can I file a DBA Name in Wyoming online?
Yes, you can file a DBA Name in Wyoming online through the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website.
Is it possible to reserve a DBA Name in Wyoming?
Yes, it is possible to reserve a DBA Name in Wyoming for up to 120 days.
Is there a searchable database of DBA Names in Wyoming?
Yes, the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website has a searchable database of DBA Names in Wyoming.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to open a bank account?
Generally, banks will require a DBA Name in Wyoming if you are operating a business under a name that is different from the owner’s name.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to obtain a business license?
Yes, a DBA Name in Wyoming is typically required to obtain a business license in the state.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to obtain a seller’s permit?
Yes, a DBA Name in Wyoming is typically required to obtain a seller’s permit in the state.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
Yes, a DBA Name in Wyoming is typically required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) in the state.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to obtain a fictitious name certificate?
No, a DBA Name in Wyoming is not required to obtain a fictitious name certificate in the state.
Is it possible to register a DBA Name in more than one state?
Yes, it is possible to register a DBA Name in more than one state if your business is operating in multiple states.
Is it possible to cancel a DBA Name in Wyoming?
Yes, it is possible to cancel a DBA Name in Wyoming by filing a cancellation form with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Is it possible to transfer a DBA Name from another state to Wyoming?
Yes, it is possible to transfer a DBA Name from another state to Wyoming by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to transfer a DBA Name to Wyoming?
Yes, there is a $50 filing fee to transfer a DBA Name to Wyoming.
How do I renew a DBA Name in Wyoming?
To renew a DBA Name in Wyoming, you must file a renewal form with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to renew a DBA Name in Wyoming?
Yes, there is a $50 filing fee to renew a DBA Name in Wyoming.
How long does it take to renew a DBA Name in Wyoming?
It typically takes 1-3 business days to renew a DBA Name in Wyoming.
Does Wyoming require DBA Names to be published?
Yes, Wyoming requires DBA Names to be published in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks.
Is there a fee to publish a DBA Name in Wyoming?
Yes, there is typically a fee to publish a DBA Name in Wyoming.
Are there any restrictions on the names of DBA Names in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming has restrictions on the names of DBA Names. The name cannot contain any language that implies that the business is incorporated or that it is anything other than an individual or partnership.
Is it possible to change a DBA Name in Wyoming?
Yes, it is possible to change a DBA Name in Wyoming by filing a new Assumed Name Certificate with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to change a DBA Name in Wyoming?
Yes, there is a $50 filing fee to change a DBA Name in Wyoming.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to obtain a trademark?
Generally, a DBA Name in Wyoming is not required to obtain a trademark, however it is recommended that you register a trademark for added protection of your business name.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to obtain a patent?
Generally, a DBA Name in Wyoming is not required to obtain a patent.
Does Wyoming provide any protection for DBA Names?
Yes, Wyoming provides limited protection for DBA Names in the form of common law trademark protection.
Is a DBA Name in Wyoming required to file a tax return?
Yes, a DBA Name in Wyoming is typically required to file a tax return in the state.
Is it possible to transfer a DBA Name from Wyoming to another state?
Yes, it is possible to transfer a DBA Name from Wyoming to another state by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Secretary of State of the new state.
Is there a fee to transfer a DBA Name from Wyoming to another state?
Yes, there is typically a filing fee to transfer a DBA Name from Wyoming to another state.

Also Read

Why Wyoming DBA Filing is So Important

First and foremost, filing a DBA name is essential for creating a professional brand identity. In today’s competitive business landscape, having a unique and memorable name can set a company apart from its competitors. By registering a DBA name, business owners can secure exclusive rights to use that name in their marketing materials, on their website, and in any other promotional materials. This can help establish a strong brand presence and build credibility with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Additionally, filing a DBA name is important for legal protection. When a business operates under a name that is different from its legal entity name (such as a sole proprietorship or a partnership), it is required to register that name with the appropriate state authority. By doing so, business owners can prevent other businesses from using the same name, thereby avoiding potential legal issues and disputes in the future. This can help to protect the business’s reputation and avoid costly legal battles.

Furthermore, filing a DBA name can also help businesses comply with regulatory requirements. In Wyoming, businesses are required to register their DBA names with the Secretary of State’s office, as well as any other state or local agencies that may have jurisdiction over the business. Failure to do so can result in fines, penalties, and other legal consequences. By taking the time to file a DBA name properly, business owners can ensure that they are operating in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

In addition to the legal and regulatory benefits, filing a DBA name can also have practical benefits for businesses. For example, having a registered DBA name can make it easier for customers to find and identify the business, particularly if the legal entity name is lengthy or difficult to remember. This can help to improve the business’s visibility and attract more customers, ultimately leading to increased sales and revenue.

Overall, while filing a DBA name may seem like a minor administrative task, it is actually a critical step in establishing a strong brand identity, protecting legal rights, complying with regulatory requirements, and improving practical benefits for businesses. By taking the time to register a DBA name properly, business owners can set themselves up for success and avoid potential pitfalls down the road. So, if you haven’t already filed a DBA name for your Wyoming business, now is the time to take action and reap the benefits of this important process.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Wyoming 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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