How to Register a DBA in Iowa
Registering aDBA, known in Iowa as anassumed name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register anIowa 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).
To get started with anIowaDBA, choose your business entity type:
- Sole Proprietorship or Partnership(if your business is not a formal structure)
- LLC, Corporation, or LLP(if your business has a formal structure such as LLC or corporation)
File an Iowa DBA for a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership
General partnershipsandsole proprietorsare required to file their Kentucky DBA with the County Clerk in the county where their business is located. Estates and real estate investment companies are also required to file with the county.
Step 1. Start With an Iowa Trade Name Search
Registering a trade name in Iowa does not prevent other companies from registering the same name, but it does give notice that the name is in use. It is best if trade names are unique, and they must also meet Iowa’s business name requirements.
First, visit theIowa Secretary of State's websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Iowa naming requirements. In Iowa, assumed names shouldNOTinclude:
- Words that could confuse your business with agovernment agency(FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.)
- Restricted words(e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络域(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. Filing a DBA in Iowa with the County Recorder
Sole proprietors and partnerships are required to file atrade name applicationwith the appropriate county recorder’s office(s) in order to operate under a DBA.
Sole proprietors and partnerships must file in any county where your business conducts or transacts business.
We will give you step-by-step directions to get aPolk County DBA (Des Moines). For directions in other counties, please contact your county recorder.
You can find your counties' contact information from theIowa State Association of Counties.
How to File a Polk County DBA
Before you start the DBA filing process, it is a good idea to search the Iowastate business name databaseas well as local county records at the county office.
Once you have selected your name, you will then complete the Trade Name Registration form and submit it to the Polk County Recorder. The form can be submitted either by mail or in-person.
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
File Your Polk County Trade Name
文件的登记表格by Mail or In-Person
Cost:
$7for the first page
$5for each additional page
Filing Address:
Polk County Administration Building
111 Court Avenue Ste 250
Des Moines, IA 50309-2251
Manage Your Polk County DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Polk County Recorder’s Office at (515) 286-3160.
Renew Your DBA
你的商标不到期。
Change Your DBA
You will need to fill out a new registration to change your trade name. You can change information like addresses and owners’ names by filing thetrade name registration formand checking either the “Add/Withdrawal Name(s) of Partners” box or the “Change of Address” box.
Withdraw Your DBA
Fill out thetrade name registration formand check the box next to “dissolve trade name.”
File an Iowa DBA for a for an LLC, Corporation, or LLP
Incorporated businesses file their Certificate of Assumed Name with the Iowa Department of State.
The following business types are considered incorporated:
- For-profit Corporations, Nonprofit Corporations
- Professional Corporations, Professional Associations
- Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships
- Limited Liability Companies
- Any Foreign Filing Entities
You can file a DBA for your incorporated business yourself by using this guide.Or, use a professional service:
- LegalZoom($99 + filing fees)
Step 1. Do an Iowa Business Entity Search
Registering a fictitious name in Iowa does not prevent other companies from registering the same name, but it does give notice that the name is in use. It is best if trade names are unique, and they must also meet Iowa’s business name requirements.
First, visit theIowa Department of State's websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Iowa naming requirements. In Iowa, assumed names shouldNOTinclude:
- Words that could confuse your business with agovernment agency(FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.)
- Restricted words(e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business.
Learn more about Iowa naming guidelines by reading the state statutes that coverLLCsandCorporations.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络域(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: File Your Iowa Fictitious Name Resolution
You are required to set up your DBA with the Iowa Secretary of State if your business is incorporated.
You can file online or file a hard copy. The form will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business.
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
Option 1:File Online With Iowa Fast Track Filing
- OR -
Option 2:File Fictitious Name Resolution by Mail or In-Person
Cost:
$5filing fee
Filing Address:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
Lucas Building, 1st Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Manage Your Iowa DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Iowa Secretary of State: (515) 281-5204
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Iowa fictitious name does not expire.
After Filing Your Iowa 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,而有限责任公司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 Iowa 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 proprietorships are 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.