How to File a DBA in Colorado
Registering aDBA, known in Colorado as atrade name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register aColorado DBAbelow.
Or, you can save time and use a trusted DBA service.
Recommended:Register your DBA and establish your brand withLegalZoom. Packages start at $99 (plus state filing fees).
Colorado Trade Name Registration
Registering a Colorado trade name, also known as aDBA, is easy!
Step 1: Start with a Colorado Trade Name Search
Your Colorado trade name must be unique and must also meet Colorado’s business name requirements.
First, visit theColorado Name Availability Search websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Colorado naming requirements. In Colorado, your trade name should not include:
- Any term that would violate any Colorado law.For example, your business name cannot include obscenities or references to illegal activities.
- Words that could confuse your business with agovernment agency(FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络维omain(URL). You might not plan on starting a business website today, but you may want to prevent others from acquiring your URL.
Need Help Creating a Brand Name and Logo?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try ourbusiness name generator. Then, create a unique logo for your brand with ourfree logo generator.
Step 2: Register Your Colorado DBA
Your Colorado trade name must be filed online with the Secretary of State. You can file on theSecretary of State’s website. There are different forms depending on your business structure (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.).
Some important information to include on the form includes:
- The trade name itself
- A description of the business
- The effective date of the trade name
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
File a Colorado Trade Name
Manage Your Colorado Trade Name
General Questions
Call the Colorado Secretary of State’s office: (303) 894-2200 or (855) 428-3555 (toll-free)
Renew Your Trade Name With the State
Trade names forsole proprietorshipsand partnershipsin Colorado expire on the first day of the month after the one-year anniversary of the filing. For example, if a trade name was registered on October 10, it would expire on November 1 of the following year.
Trade names need to be renewedonlinebefore the expiration date. They can be renewed at any point during the three months prior to the expiration date. The renewal fee is$5.
Trade names forLLCs and corporationsdo not expire as long as the company remains in good standing. If the company falls out of good standing, the trade name will expire after one year. If the company gets back to good standing, the trade name expiration date will be canceled.
If your trade name expires and you would like to use it again, you will have to file a new registration form.
Change Your Trade Name
You can make changes or corrections to your trade name registrationonline. The fee is$10.
Withdraw Your Trade Name
You can withdraw your Colorado trade nameonline. The fee is$10.
After Filing Your Colorado DBA
If filing a DBA marks the beginning of your business journey, then there are a few more steps that you should take before getting started:
- Create your Business’s Website- Every business needs awebsite. Luckily, drag-and-drop builders likeGoDaddyandWixmake the job quick and easy. Check out ourBest Website Builderarticle to find the tool that’s best for you.
- Get your Business Finances in Order- You’ll need to separate your business finances from your personal ones. This is accomplished by opening abusiness bank account. If your business has long lead times or other cash flow irregularities, you can also look into abusiness credit card.
- Protect Your Business- While an LLC will help to protect your personal assets in the case of a lawsuit, your business’s assets also need protection. Having the rightbusiness insurancewill ensure that you’re covered if the worst happens. Most businesses start withgeneral liability insuranceas their base coverage.
DBA Colorado FAQ
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. Each one comes with additional incremental expenses and paperwork, meaning more is not necessarily better.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you need one for your business, read ourWhat is an EINguide.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
No. An LLC is a businessentity, while a DBA is just anamefor a business.
Sole proprietorshipsare often confused with DBAs, but they are not the same: a sole proprietorship is a business entity, therefore it can choose to become an LLC.
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our金宝搏188是什么公司state guides.
Can a DBA have Inc. in the name?
A DBA can only have Inc. in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
我如何设置一个DBA租赁财产吗?
Holding a rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection. The best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. In any case, it is always best to consult an attorney.
When would it be good to get a DBA versus a legal name change?
得到一个DBA通常是一个更好的选择比樟宜机场ng your business’s legal name. If you want to rebrand your company or focus on another line of business, filing for a DBA is a simpler process than filing for a legal name change.
Is my DBA protected from being used in other places?
Some state-level laws prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible totrademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.