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.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
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
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Why Wyoming DBA Filing is So Important
One of the primary reasons why Wyoming DBA filing is so important is for branding purposes. Establishing a DBA allows businesses to operate under a name other than their legal entity name. This can be especially beneficial for businesses looking to create a recognizable brand identity or establish customer trust. By operating under a unique DBA name, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors and ensure their brand resonates with consumers.
Furthermore, a registered DBA in Wyoming offers legal protection for businesses. Without a DBA, businesses run the risk of operating under their legal entity name, which may not always be consumer-friendly or marketable. By registering a DBA, businesses can protect their brand name and prevent others from using it, thus safeguarding against potential legal disputes or confusion in the marketplace.
In addition to branding and legal protection, Wyoming DBA filing can also help businesses build credibility and professionalism. Operating under a registered DBA name demonstrates a level of professionalism to customers, suppliers, and partners. It can instill confidence in stakeholders and show a commitment to operating in a transparent and legitimate manner.
Another compelling reason to register a DBA in Wyoming is the flexibility it provides for businesses. With a DBA, businesses can easily expand into new markets, launch new products or services, or rebrand without having to go through the more complex and time-consuming process of changing their legal entity name. This flexibility can be crucial for businesses looking to adapt and grow in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Finally, Wyoming DBA filing can also have financial benefits for businesses. By registering a DBA, businesses can open a business bank account, accept payments, and build credit history under their DBA name. This can help separate personal and business finances, streamline financial transactions, and improve overall financial management.
In conclusion, the importance of Wyoming DBA filing cannot be overstated. From branding and legal protection to credibility and flexibility, registering a DBA in Wyoming offers a multitude of benefits for businesses of all sizes and industries. By taking this essential step in the business setup process, businesses can set themselves up for long-term success and growth.
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.