This state overview includes local filing rules. Choose your entity below, then confirm the office for the location where you do business. A county example or fee in the sources is not a statewide filing destination or a quote for your selected office.
If your location is not listed, use the local authority described in the entity rules below. We do not have a reviewed local answer for every location.
What Arkansas calls a DBA
The official term documented here is fictitious name.
Arkansas uses two different filing layers, and the business’s legal form decides where to start. Sole proprietors and general partnerships using an assumed name typically use the County Clerk in every county where the business operates or intends to operate. The official Faulkner County implementation quotes the statewide assumed-name rule, identifies sole proprietorships and general partnerships as the usual users, and provides a county certificate. An LLC or corporation follows a Secretary of State fictitious-name path instead. Current Arkansas law says a domestic or foreign LLC may not conduct business under a fictitious name until it files with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State gives the same mandatory direction for domestic and foreign corporations, while adding a second step for a domestic corporation: file the returned copy with the county clerk for its registered office unless that office is in Pulaski County. This page therefore does not collapse four entity types into one generic DBA instruction.
Arkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
The types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorship’s and general partnerships.
A limited liability company, domestic or foreign, shall not conduct any business in this state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State a form supplied or approved by the Secretary of State
No corporation (domestic or foreign) can conduct any business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State, and, in case of a domestic corporation, with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located (unless it is located in Pulaski County).
$22.50 online; $25.00 paper — Application for Fictitious Name for Domestic Corporation | DN-18 | $22.50 | $25.00
Search existing names
An official name-search entry point for Arkansas is not confirmed in this guide. Could not be confirmed because the official source blocked access. A search elsewhere is not a substitute for the filing authority’s own records.
Rules by legal entity type
Jump to the entity that already exists. Each section keeps its own authority, fee, exceptions, and official evidence.
Local filing route: confirm the county, parish, city or town office identified by the authority and applicability below. The following forms, fees and office details are references from the cited jurisdiction; confirm they apply to your location before using them. Check reviewed local filing choices →
Required: Yes, when the documented conditions apply.Source: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptArkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
Authority: County ClerkSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptArkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
When this route applies: The types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorship’s and general partnerships.Source: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptThe types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorship’s and general partnerships.
Local filing reference — Official form: Assumed Business Name CertificateSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptArkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
Local filing reference — Form destination: https://www.faulknercountyar.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Assumed-Business-Name.pdfSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptAssumed Business Name Certificate
Local filing reference — Online filing link: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Official fee: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Effective duration: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Renewal: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Changes or amendments: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Abandonment or cancellation: Certificate of Withdrawal of Assumed BusinessSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptCertificate of Withdrawal of Assumed Business
Local filing reference — Important exclusions: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Mail filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — In-person filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
General partnership
Local filing route: confirm the county, parish, city or town office identified by the authority and applicability below. The following forms, fees and office details are references from the cited jurisdiction; confirm they apply to your location before using them. Check reviewed local filing choices →
Required: Yes, when the documented conditions apply.Source: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptArkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
Authority: County ClerkSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptArkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
When this route applies: The types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorship’s and general partnerships.Source: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptThe types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorship’s and general partnerships.
Local filing reference — Official form: Assumed Business Name CertificateSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptArkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
Local filing reference — Form destination: https://www.faulknercountyar.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Assumed-Business-Name.pdfSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptAssumed Business Name Certificate
Local filing reference — Online filing link: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Official fee: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Effective duration: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Renewal: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Changes or amendments: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Abandonment or cancellation: Certificate of Withdrawal of Assumed BusinessSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptCertificate of Withdrawal of Assumed Business
Local filing reference — Important exclusions: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Mail filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — In-person filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
LLC
Required: Yes, when the documented conditions apply.Source: arkleg.state.ar.us official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA limited liability company, domestic or foreign, shall not conduct any business in this state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State a form supplied or approved by the Secretary of State
Authority: Secretary of StateSource: arkleg.state.ar.us official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA limited liability company, domestic or foreign, shall not conduct any business in this state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State a form supplied or approved by the Secretary of State
When this route applies: A limited liability company, domestic or foreign, shall not conduct any business in this state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State a form supplied or approved by the Secretary of StateSource: arkleg.state.ar.us official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA limited liability company, domestic or foreign, shall not conduct any business in this state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State a form supplied or approved by the Secretary of State
Official form: APPLICATION FOR FICTITIOUS NAMESource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptAPPLICATION FOR FICTITIOUS NAME
Form destination: https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/bcs/DN-18_2.pdfSource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptAPPLICATION FOR FICTITIOUS NAME
Online filing link: Could not be confirmed because the official source blocked access.
Official fee: $22.50 online; $25.00 paperSource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerpt$22.50 online; $25.00 paper — Application for Fictitious Name Dom. Limited Liability Co. | DN-18 | $22.50 | $25.00
Effective duration: Not confirmed in this guide.
Renewal: Not confirmed in this guide.
Changes or amendments: Not confirmed in this guide.
Abandonment or cancellation: CANCELLATION OF FICTITIOUS NAMESource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptCANCELLATION OF FICTITIOUS NAME
Important exclusions: Issuance of a name by the BCS Division does not necessarily give a person the exclusive right to use of that name.Source: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptIssuance of a name by the BCS Division does not necessarily give a person the exclusive right to use of that name.
Mail filing: File with the Secretary of State's Office, Business Services Division, State Capitol, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094.Source: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptFile with the Secretary of State's Office, Business Services Division, State Capitol, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094.
In-person filing: mail or deliver to the Business and Commercial Services officeSource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptIf the filing type is not available online or if you prefer to mail or deliver your filing, click “PDF” to print a copy, complete the form, attach payment and mail or deliver to the Business and Commercial Services office.
Corporation
Required: Yes, when the documented conditions apply.Source: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptNo corporation (domestic or foreign) can conduct any business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State, and, in case of a domestic corporation, with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located (unless it is located in Pulaski County).
Authority: Secretary of StateSource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptNo corporation (domestic or foreign) can conduct any business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State, and, in case of a domestic corporation, with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located (unless it is located in Pulaski County).
When this route applies: No corporation (domestic or foreign) can conduct any business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State, and, in case of a domestic corporation, with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located (unless it is located in Pulaski County).Source: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptNo corporation (domestic or foreign) can conduct any business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State, and, in case of a domestic corporation, with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located (unless it is located in Pulaski County).
Official form: APPLICATION FOR FICTITIOUS NAMESource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptAPPLICATION FOR FICTITIOUS NAME
Form destination: https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/bcs/DN-18_2.pdfSource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptAPPLICATION FOR FICTITIOUS NAME
Online filing link: Could not be confirmed because the official source blocked access.
Official fee: $22.50 online; $25.00 paperSource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerpt$22.50 online; $25.00 paper — Application for Fictitious Name for Domestic Corporation | DN-18 | $22.50 | $25.00
Effective duration: Not confirmed in this guide.
Renewal: Not confirmed in this guide.
Changes or amendments: Not confirmed in this guide.
Abandonment or cancellation: CANCELLATION OF FICTITIOUS NAMESource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptCANCELLATION OF FICTITIOUS NAME
Important exclusions: Issuance of a name by the BCS Division does not necessarily give a person the exclusive right to use of that name.Source: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptIssuance of a name by the BCS Division does not necessarily give a person the exclusive right to use of that name.
Mail filing: File with the Secretary of State's Office, Business Services Division, State Capitol, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094.Source: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptFile with the Secretary of State's Office, Business Services Division, State Capitol, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094.
In-person filing: mail or deliver to the Business and Commercial Services officeSource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptIf the filing type is not available online or if you prefer to mail or deliver your filing, click “PDF” to print a copy, complete the form, attach payment and mail or deliver to the Business and Commercial Services office.
How to file through the authority
Begin by confirming whether the business is a sole proprietor, general partnership, LLC, or corporation. A sole proprietor or general partnership should identify each Arkansas county where it conducts or intends to conduct business and contact that county’s County Clerk for its current assumed-business-name certificate, delivery methods, and fee. Faulkner County’s official page is an example, not a statewide fee schedule: it offers an Assumed Business Name Certificate, requires notarization, and accepts the filing in person or by mail for $25. Another county may publish a different form, address, or charge, so this guide deliberately does not turn Faulkner County’s local details into an Arkansas-wide promise. An LLC or corporation can download the Secretary of State’s current DN-18/F-18 Application for Fictitious Name. The form instructs paper filers to send it to Business Services in Little Rock. The current forms tables list $22.50 online and $25 paper for a domestic LLC or corporation. The linked online endpoint returned 403 during review, so the guide keeps that path blocked instead of claiming it is available.
Arkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
The types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorship’s and general partnerships.
A limited liability company, domestic or foreign, shall not conduct any business in this state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State a form supplied or approved by the Secretary of State
No corporation (domestic or foreign) can conduct any business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State, and, in case of a domestic corporation, with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located (unless it is located in Pulaski County).
$22.50 online; $25.00 paper — Application for Fictitious Name for Domestic Corporation | DN-18 | $22.50 | $25.00
Renewal, amendment, and abandonment
The reviewed statewide and county materials do not publish a general expiration date or recurring renewal interval for these assumed-name and fictitious-name records. Those fields stay explicitly unverified; the guide does not infer that a record lasts forever simply because no renewal row appeared. Arkansas does publish cancellation actions. A sole proprietor or general partnership can ask the applicable County Clerk for the current withdrawal certificate; Faulkner County provides a Certificate of Withdrawal that cites Arkansas Code section 4-70-204. For an LLC or corporation, the Secretary of State publishes a Cancellation of Fictitious Name form. That form currently lists $25 for a for-profit corporation or LLC and $15 for several partnership entity types. The forms tables also list a $25 paper transfer/cancellation action for domestic LLCs and corporations. A domestic corporation must not overlook the county-copy rule stated in the Secretary of State FAQ: after the state filing, the returned copy goes to the county clerk for the registered office unless the office is in Pulaski County. Confirm the current record and both offices whenever the name, entity status, or registered office changes.
Arkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
The types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorship’s and general partnerships.
A limited liability company, domestic or foreign, shall not conduct any business in this state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State a form supplied or approved by the Secretary of State
No corporation (domestic or foreign) can conduct any business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State, and, in case of a domestic corporation, with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located (unless it is located in Pulaski County).
$22.50 online; $25.00 paper — Application for Fictitious Name for Domestic Corporation | DN-18 | $22.50 | $25.00
Publication and notice
Publication could not be confirmed for all covered entity types. No requirement or exemption is asserted.
Next steps: self-file first
Choose the row that matches the legal form before opening a form. Sole proprietors and general partnerships should contact the County Clerk in every Arkansas county where the business will operate, request the current assumed-name certificate, and verify the local fee and submission method. LLCs and corporations should use the current Secretary of State DN-18/F-18 PDF, confirm the live $22.50 online or $25 paper charge, and use the paper instructions while the official online destination remains blocked. A domestic corporation outside Pulaski County should also verify the county-clerk copy step for its registered office. Keep the accepted filing and any county copy together, and use the authority’s cancellation or withdrawal document when the business stops using the name. Name filing does not necessarily create an exclusive right to use the name, and it does not form an entity or replace trademark review. This site receives no applications, names, addresses, signatures, credentials, or payments and does not promote a paid filing service.
Arkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk’s office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person; or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Assumed Business Name Certificate
The types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorship’s and general partnerships.
A limited liability company, domestic or foreign, shall not conduct any business in this state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State a form supplied or approved by the Secretary of State
No corporation (domestic or foreign) can conduct any business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State, and, in case of a domestic corporation, with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located (unless it is located in Pulaski County).