How to File a DBA in Minnesota

Registering aDBA, known in Minnesota 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 aMinnesota 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).

Register for an Assumed Name Certificate in MN

Registering a Minnesota assumed name, also known as aDBA, is easy!

Step 1. Start with a Minnesota Assumed Name Search

Minnesota assumed names must be unique and must also meet Minnesota’s business name requirements.

First, visit the明尼苏达州Sta部长te’s websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.

Next, review the Minnesota naming requirements. In Minnesota, assumed names shouldNOTinclude:

  • Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp., etc unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, or etc.
  • Any terms given to financial institutions, including: “bank,” “banc,” “banco,” “banque,” “banker,” “trust company,” “savings and loan association,” “savings bank,” “credit union,” or other similar words.

Need Help Choosing a DBA Name?

If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try ourbusiness name generator. You can use this tool to generate both business names and domain names.

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.

Find a Domain Now

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 Minnesota DBA

Your Minnesota assumed name can be filed online or by mail with the Secretary of State. You can file online with theSecretary of State’s websiteor you can complete theCertificate of Assumed Nameform.

Some important sections of the form include:

  • Section 1:Assumed name
  • Section 2:Address of principal place of business
  • Section 3:Names and addresses of all owners of the assumed name

Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.

File a Minnesota Assumed Name

Option 1:File Online on the Secretary of State’s Website

File Online

- OR -

Option 2:File the Certificate of Assumed Name by Mail or In-Person

Download Form


Cost:
$50Filing Fee (Online and Expedited In-Person Filings)
$30Filing Fee (Mail)

Filing Address:
明尼苏达州Sta部长te - Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103

Step 3. Publish Notice of Your Minnesota DBA

After filing the Certificate of Assumed Name, it must be published for two consecutive issues in the legal notices section of a qualified newspaper in the county where the principal place of business is located.

The newspaper will provide further instructions. After publication, the newspaper will return anaffidavit of publicationand thenewspaper ad, which should both be kept.

Manage Your Minnesota Assumed Name

General Questions
Call the Minnesota Secretary of State: (877) 551-6767

Renew Your Assumed Name With the State
Your Minnesota assumed name must be renewed annually by December 31. You can renewonlineor by completing theAssumed Name Annual Renewalform and submitting it to the address below by mail or in-person:

明尼苏达州Sta部长te - Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103

There is no fee if you file the renewal on time. You can retroactively reinstate an expired assumed name by filing the current year's renewal and paying a$45for expedited service in-person and online filings or$25if submitted by mail.

Change Your Assumed Name
You can make amendments to your certificate of assumed nameonlineor by filling out theAmendment of Assumed Nameform and submitting it to the address below by mail or in-person:

明尼苏达州Sta部长te - Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103

The fee is$30if filed by mail,$50if done online, and$50for in-person expedited service.

Withdraw Your Assumed Name
You can cancel your Minnesota assumed nameonlineor by filling out theCancellation of Assumed Nameform and submitting it to the address below by mail or in-person:

明尼苏达州Sta部长te - Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103

There is no fee for canceling an assumed name.

After Filing Your Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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?

DBA可以只有公司名称,如果业务ss 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.

Useful Links For Your Minnesota DBA