How to File a DBA in Ohio
Registering aDBA, known in Ohio 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 anOhio 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 Trade Name in Ohio
Registering an Ohio trade name, also known as aDBA, is easy!
Note that there is a difference between a “trade name” and a “fictitious” business name in Ohio (although both use the same registration form).
Trade namesmust be distinguishable from other business names, whilefictitious namesdon’t have to be. Because of this, trade names offer more protection than fictitious names. This guide will focus on Ohio’s Trade Name Registration.
Step 1. Start with an Ohio Trade Name Search
Ohio trade names must be unique and must also meet Ohio’s business name requirements.
First, visit theOhio Secretary of State's Business Name Search websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Ohio naming requirements. In Ohio, trade names shouldNOTinclude:
- 一个ny business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp, etc., unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, etc.
- Profanityor words or phrases that are generally considered a slur against an ethnic group, religion, gender, or heredity.
- 一个ny of the following words without prior approval from theSuperintendent of Financial Institutions: bank, banker, banking, trust, or words of similar meaning in any other language.
- Words that imply that the business is connected with agovernment agencyof Ohio, another state, or the United States.
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. Register Your Ohio DBA
Your Ohio trade name can be filed online or by mail with the Secretary of State. You can file online with the国务卿’s website, or you can complete theName Registrationform.
The application will ask for your new DBA name and legal information about your business, such as:
- Whether you are filing for a trade name or a fictitious business name
- The business structure of the applicant (partnership, LLC, etc.)
- 一般业务的性质ss
- Business owners’ names and addresses
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
Option 1:File Online With the Secretary of State
- OR -
Option 2:File the Name Registration Form by Mail
成本:
$39Filing Fee
Mailing Address:
国务卿
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Manage Your Ohio Trade Name
General Questions
Call the Ohio Secretary of State: (614) 466-3910
Renew Your Trade Name with the State
Your Ohio trade name must be renewed every five years. The renewal fee is$25. You can complete the processonlineor mail the completedRenewal of Trade Name or Fictitious Name Registrationform to the address below:
国务卿
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Change Your Trade Name
To make changes to your trade name, complete theChange of Registrant Nameform. Submit the formonlineor mail it to the address below:
国务卿
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Withdraw Your Trade Name
To cancel your trade name, complete theName Reservation/Transfer/Cancellationform. The fee is$25. File the formonlineor mail it to the address below:
国务卿
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
一个fter Filing Your Ohio 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 a商业银行账户. 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 Ohio 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 business entities. 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?
一个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.