How to File a DBA in Hawaii
Registering aDBA, known in Hawaii 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 aHawaii 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).
Trade Name Registration in Hawaii
Registering a Hawaii trade name, also known as aDBA, is easy!
Step 1: Start with a Hawaii Trade Name Search
When you register your Hawaii trade name, you are essentially letting other business owners know that the name is in use. Your trade name isn’t protected from being used by others.
The next step is to check to see if your Hawaii trade name is unique and also meets Hawaii’s business name requirements.
First, visit theHawaii Business Express websiteand search for your new DBA name so you will know if it’s already in use.
Hawaii also recommends searching local phone directories and checking with theDepartment of Taxationto see if your trade name has been used.
Next, review the naming requirements. In Hawaii, your trade name shouldNOTinclude:
- Words that could confuse your business with agovernment agency(FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- The following terms without approval from the国家委员会ssioner of Financial Institutions: financial institution, bank, banker, banking, banc, savings bank, savings and loan, savings association, financial services loan company, credit union, trust company, intrapacific bank, international banking corporation, and trust.
- The following terms withoutstate approval or certification: certified public accountant, public accountant, CPA, PA, cooperative, escrow, and escrow depository.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络域(URL)。你可能不打算创业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 Hawaii DBA
Your Hawaii trade name can be filed online or by mail with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. You can file online with theHawaii Business Express website, or you can complete a hard copyApplication for Registration of Trade Name.
Some important sections of the form include:
- Section 3:Indicate the status of the applicant (Sole Proprietor, Corporation, Partnership, LLC, LLP).
- Section 7:Describe the nature of the business.
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
Option 1:File Online With Hawaii Business Express
- OR -
Option 2:File the Application for Registration of Trade Name by Mail, Fax, Email, or In-Person
成本:
$50Filing Fee
Office Address:
Check Hawaii's list ofBusiness Action Centersfor in-person filing.
Mailing Address:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, Hawaii 96810
Email:breg-doci-filing@dcca.hawaii.gov
(Include form and credit card information)
Fax:(808) 586-2733
(Include form and credit card information)
Manage Your Hawaii Trade Name
General Questions
Call the Business Registration Division: (808) 586-2727
Renew Your Trade Name With the State
Your Hawaii trade name should be renewedevery five years. You can renew itonlineat any time during the six months preceding the expiration date.
Change Your Trade Name
You can change your trade name by withdrawing your initial trade name and repeating the registration process.
Withdraw Your Trade Name
You can cancel your trade nameonline.
After Filing Your Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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.
How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?
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?
Getting a DBA is often a better choice than changing 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.