How to File a DBA in Missouri
Registering aDBA, known in Missouri as afictitious name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register aMissouri 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 a Fictitious Name in Missouri
Registering a Missouri fictitious name, also known as aDBA, is easy!
Step 1. Start with a Missouri Fictitious Name Search
First, visit theMissouri Secretary of State's Business Entity Searchand search for your new DBA name to make sure it is unique. When you register your Missouri fictitious name, you are essentially letting other business owners know that the name is in use. Your fictitious name isn’t protected from being used by others.
Next, review the Missouri naming requirements. In Missouri, fictitious 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)。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 Missouri DBA
Your Missouri fictitious name can be filed online or by mail with the Secretary of State. You can file online with theMissouri Corporations Online Portal, or you can complete theRegistration of Fictitious Nameform.
The following information is needed on the form:
Type of filing (registration, renewal, amendment, correction)
Name being registered
Owners’ names and addresses
Owners’ charter number (if a business entity)
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
Option 1:File Online With the Missouri Corporations Online Portal
- OR -
Option 2:File the Registration of Fictitious Name by Mail or In-Person
成本:
$7Filing Fee
Office Address:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Mailing Address:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Manage Your Missouri Fictitious Name
General Questions
Call the Missouri Secretary of State: (866) 223-6535
Renew Your Fictitious Name With the State
Your Missouri fictitious name expires five years after its registration date. You can renewonline, or by completing and returning theRegistration of Fictitious Nameform with the “Renewal” box checked. The renewal fee is$7.
Mail the completed form to the address below:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or, drop off the form in-person at the office address below:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Change Your Fictitious Name
You can make address changes to your fictitious name registrationonlineor by filling out thisRegistration of Fictitious Nameform with the “Amendment” box checked. The fee is$7. You cannot make changes to the name itself or ownership without filing for new registration.
Mail the completed form to the address below:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or, drop off the form in-person at the office address below:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Withdraw Your Fictitious Name
You can cancel your Missouri fictitious nameonlineor by filling out theCancellation of Registration of Fictitious Nameform. There is no fee for canceling your Missouri fictitious name.
Mail the completed form to the address below:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or, drop off the form in-person at the office address below:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
After Filing Your Missouri 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 Missouri 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.