Comparison

What each state calls a DBA

“DBA” is a convenient search label, not a universal statutory term. The table uses each authority’s own terminology and links the evidence beside it. Terminology alone does not determine the filing office: some states use a central business agency, while others assign sole proprietors or all filers to counties, cities, or towns. Entity type remains part of the answer.

Use this table to translate, then open the jurisdiction guide before filing. A trade name registration in one state can differ from an assumed-name certificate in another in duration, effect, and the entities covered. None of these notice filings automatically creates an entity or supplies trademark rights. Null or disputed operational details are handled on the individual guide instead of being generalized here.

Jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction reading notes

Alabama: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Alaska: The official material uses “business name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Arizona: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Arkansas: The official material uses “fictitious name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

California: The official material uses “fictitious business name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Colorado: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Connecticut: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Delaware: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

District of Columbia: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Florida: The official material uses “fictitious name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Georgia: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Hawaii: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Idaho: The official material uses “Assumed Business Name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Illinois: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Indiana: The official material uses “assumed business name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Iowa: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Kansas: The official material uses “DBA.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Kentucky: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Louisiana: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 3 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Maine: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Maryland: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Massachusetts: The official material uses “business certificate.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Michigan: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Minnesota: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Mississippi: The official material uses “Fictitious Business Name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Missouri: The official material uses “fictitious name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Montana: The official material uses “Assumed Business Name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Nebraska: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Nevada: The official material uses “assumed or fictitious name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

New Hampshire: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

New Jersey: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

New York: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

North Carolina: The official material uses “assumed business name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

North Dakota: The official material uses “Trade Name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Ohio: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Oregon: The official material uses “assumed business name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Pennsylvania: The official material uses “fictitious name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Rhode Island: The official material uses “Fictitious Business Name.” The measured guide documents 2 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

South Carolina: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

South Dakota: The official material uses “Fictitious Business Name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Tennessee: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 2 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Texas: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Utah: The official material uses “assumed name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Vermont: The official material uses “assumed business name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Virginia: The official material uses “fictitious name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Washington: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

West Virginia: The official material uses “Trade Name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Wisconsin: The official material uses “trade name.” The measured guide documents 4 entity routes and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

Wyoming: The official material uses “Trade Name.” The measured guide documents 1 entity route and keeps the authority, form, fee, duration, publication, and change evidence separate. Open the guide before acting because the term itself does not identify which office handles a particular legal entity.

How to use the comparison

First identify the legal entity that already exists. Second, use the state guide’s entity rows to locate the authority. Third, follow only its official form or portal. Finally, record renewal, change, abandonment, and publication milestones from that authority. The direct citations and retrieval dates make it possible to check every term rather than trusting a blanket citation for an entire row. This analysis covers the measured launch states; incomplete national registry entries do not create indexable pages.

State	Official term	Layer
Alabama	trade nameSource: www.sos.alabama.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt trade name	Alabama Secretary of StateSource: www.sos.alabama.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Alabama Secretary of State
Alaska	business nameSource: www.commerce.alaska.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt business name A separate business license is required for each different name a business will be operating and advertising under.	Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional LicensingSource: www.commerce.alaska.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing New Alaska Business License Online A “Business Name” is a DBA (doing business as) name, trade name, or AKA (also known as) name. This is the name you or your entity will be doing business under in the State of Alaska.
Arizona	trade nameSource: www.azcommerce.com official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt trade name	Arizona Secretary of State, Business Services DivisionSource: www.azcommerce.com official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Arizona Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Arkansas	fictitious nameSource: www.sos.arkansas.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt fictitious name	County ClerkSource: www.faulknercountyar.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt 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 Secretary of StateSource: arkleg.state.ar.us official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt 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
California	fictitious business nameSource: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt fictitious business name	County clerk of the county where the registrant has its principal place of business (Clerk of Sacramento County if the registrant has no place of business in California)Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt County clerk of the county where the registrant has its principal place of business (Clerk of Sacramento County if the registrant has no place of business in California)
Colorado	trade nameSource: www.sos.state.co.us official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt trade name	Colorado Secretary of StateSource: www.sos.state.co.us official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Colorado Secretary of State
Connecticut	trade nameSource: business.ct.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt trade name A trade name is filed with the local town clerk where the business is primarily transacted. When you deliver the trade name application to the town clerk, you must pay a $20 filing fee payable to the town clerk.	Town clerk where the business is primarily transactedSource: business.ct.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt Town clerk where the business is primarily transacted A trade name is filed with the local town clerk where the business is primarily transacted. When you deliver the trade name application to the town clerk, you must pay a $20 filing fee payable to the town clerk.
Delaware	trade nameSource: onestop.delaware.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt A trade name (often referred to as a "DBA" or "Doing Business As") is a name under which a business operates that is different from its legal registered name.	Delaware Division of RevenueSource: onestop.delaware.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Beginning February 2, 2026, the Delaware Division of Revenue will manage a statewide Trade Name (DBA) registry through Delaware One Stop.
District of Columbia	trade nameSource: dlcp.dc.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt trade name A trade or fictitious name is any name used in business that does not include the full legal name of all the owners of the business.	Corporations DivisionSource: dlcp.dc.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt Corporations Division However, if a trade name is being used in DC, it must be registered and on record with Corporations Division.
Florida	fictitious nameSource: dos.fl.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt A fictitious name (also known as a“doing business as” or “dba”) is: - Different from your personal name, if doing business as a sole proprietor. - Different from your entity’s legal name, if you have incorporated or otherwise formed a separate legal business entity. ###	Division of CorporationsSource: dos.fl.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL Block 1. Block is preprinted with the fictitious name, the registration number, and mailing address of the business as it was originally registered with this office. The name of the business cannot be changed on the statement of renewal. A cancellation/reregistration must be filed. Please call (850) 245-6058 for the appropriate form. Block 2. If the mailing address printed in block 1 is incorrect, enter the correct mailing address in block 2. This address does NOT have to be the principal place of business and can be directed to anyone’s attention. DO NOT USE AN ADDRESS THAT IS NOT YET OCCUPIED. ALL FUTURE MAILINGS AND ANY CERTIFICATION REQUESTED ON THIS RENEWAL FORM WILL BE SENT TO THE ADDRESS IN BLOCK 1 OR AS CHANGED IN BLOCK 2. WE WILL NOT SEND CERTIFICATION TO ANY OTHER ADDRESS OR REDIRECT MAIL RETURNED TO THIS OFFICE. Block 3. Block is preprinted with the county of the principal place of business. “MULTIPLE” may be preprinted if more than one county was reported when original registration was filed; change if necessary. Block 4. Block is preprinted with the date filed in this office; if blank enter the correct file date, if known. Block 5. Should you desire a certificate of status, please check the box in block 5 and include an additional $10.00 with the filing fee. The certificate of status will be sent to address in block 1 or in block 2, if changed. Block 6. Block 6 contains the Fictitious Name owner(s), their addresses, document number and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEI) if applicable. (Due to space limitations only four owners are printed.) If there are additional owners, please list them on an attached sheet or in block 7 as additions. Do not make any changes in block 6 unless deleting an owner. Owners listed that are not individuals must be registered and active with this office or provide documentation as to why they are not required to register. Examples would be Federally Chartered Corporations or Legislatively created entities. NOTE: If the fictitious name indicated in block 1 contains the word(s) ”corporation” or “incorporated”, or the abbreviation “corp.” or “Inc.”, the owner(s) must be a corporation registered or incorporated with this state. Block 7. Block 7 is for changes or additions to the owners in block 6. Changes must be typed or printed in ink and legible. Owners that are not individuals must be registered and active with this office or provide documentation as to why they are not required to register. Examples would be Federally Chartered Corporations or Legislatively created entities. NOTE: If the fictitious name indicated in block 1 contains the word(s) “corporation” or “incorporated”, or the abbreviation “corp.” or “Inc.”, the owner(s) must be a corporation registered or incorporated with this state. Block 8. This renewal must be signed in block 8 with an original signature by at least one owner that is listed in block 6, block 7 if a change, or on an attachment. If this Application for Renewal of Fictitious Name is not filed on or before December 31 of the 5th year the fictitious name will expire. This renewal application must be post-marked by December 31 of the 5 th year. After the application for renewal is filed, the effectiveness of the fictitious name registration is continued for another 5 years. MAILING ADDRESS: Fictitious Name Renewal Division of Corporations Post Office Box 6327 Tallahassee, Florida 32314-1300
Georgia	trade nameSource: www.dksuperiorclerk.com official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt trade name	Clerk of the Superior Court "of the county in which the business is chiefly carried on or, in the case of a domestic corporation using any name other than its corporate name, in the county of its legal domicile."Source: www.forsythclerk.com official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-490) requires every "person, firm, or partnership, carrying on in this state any trade or business under any trade name or partnership name or other name" to register the trade name of the business with 30 days from "commencing to do business." As provided by law, the registration shall be filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court "of the county in which the business is chiefly carried on or, in the case of a domestic corporation using any name other than its corporate name, in the county of its legal domicile."
Hawaii	trade nameSource: cca.hawaii.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt trade name Trade name means any name used by a person to identify a business or vocation of such person. It is also called a doing business as or DBA name.	Business Registration DivisionSource: cca.hawaii.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt Business Registration Division Any person desiring to register any trade name may obtain a certificate of registration of the trade name.
Idaho	Assumed Business NameSource: business.idaho.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Assumed Business Name (DBA)	Idaho Secretary of StateSource: business.idaho.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Idaho Secretary of State
Illinois	assumed nameSource: www.cookcountyclerkil.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt assumed name	County Clerk of the county where the business is or will be conducted or transactedSource: www.ilga.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt County Clerk of the county where the business is or will be conducted or transacted Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services, Limited Liability DivisionSource: www.ilsos.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business ServicesSource: www.ilsos.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services
Indiana	assumed business nameSource: inbiz.in.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt assumed business name	County recorder of each county in which a place of business or office is situatedSource: iga.in.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt County recorder of each county in which a place of business or office is situated Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services DivisionSource: iga.in.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Iowa	trade nameSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt trade name, or an assumed name	county recorder of the county in which the business is to be conductedSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt A person shall not engage in or conduct a business under a trade name, or an assumed name of a character other than the true surname of each person owning or having an interest in the business, unless the person first records with the county recorder of the county in which the business is to be conducted a verified statement Secretary of State’s officeSource: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt The submission will be reviewed by the Secretary of State’s office
Kansas	DBASource: sos.ks.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt DBA (doing business as)	Kansas Secretary of StateSource: sos.ks.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Kansas Secretary of State
Kentucky	assumed nameSource: apps.legislature.ky.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt assumed name	county clerkSource: apps.legislature.ky.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Each certificate of assumed name for an individual shall be filed with the county clerk where the person maintains his or her principal place of business. Secretary of StateSource: apps.legislature.ky.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Each certificate of assumed name for a general partnership, limited partnership, business or statutory trust, corporation, limited liability company, or limited cooperative association shall be delivered to the Secretary of State for filing, accompanied by one (1) exact or conformed copy. One (1) of the exact or conformed copies stamped as "filed" by the Secretary of State shall be filed with the county clerk of the county where the entity maintains its registered agent for service of process or, if no registered agent for service of process is required, then with the county clerk of the county where the entity maintains its principal office. If the entity does not maintain a registered agent for service of process and does not maintain a principal office in this Commonwealth, then the certificate of assumed name shall be filed only with the Secretary of State.
Louisiana	trade nameSource: www.legis.la.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt B.(1) The exclusive right to the use of a trade name, trademark, or service mark may be reserved by any person intending to apply for a trade name, trademark, or service mark under this Chapter. (2) Application to reserve a trade name, trademark, or service mark shall be filed with the secretary of state. If the secretary of state finds that the trade name, trademark, or service mark is available for use, he shall reserve the trade name, trademark, or service mark for the exclusive use of the applicant for a nonrenewable period of one hundred twenty days.	the register of conveyances in the city of New Orleans, or the clerk of court, as the case may be, of the parish or parishes in which the person conducts or intends to conduct the businessSource: www.legis.la.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt No person shall transact any business under an assumed name or under any designation, name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting the business, unless such person files in the office of the register of conveyances in the city of New Orleans, or the clerk of court, as the case may be, of the parish or parishes in which the person conducts or intends to conduct the business, a certificate setting forth the name under which the business is to be conducted and the real full name of the person owning, conducting or transacting the business, with the post office address of such person. This certificate shall be executed and duly acknowledged before a notary public by the person conducting or intending to conduct the business. No sheriff and ex-officio tax collector or other person designated by law to collect and receipt for licenses shall issue any receipt to any person referred to in this Subpart, without having had presented to such collector a certificate from the register of conveyances in the city of New Orleans, or the clerk of court showing that such person has complied with the provisions of this Subpart. secretary of stateSource: www.legis.la.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt A. The secretary of state shall cancel from the register: (1) After one year from July 31, 1968, all registrations under prior acts which are more than ten years old and not renewed in accordance with this Subpart. (2) Any registration concerning which the secretary of state shall receive a voluntary request for cancellation thereof from the registrant or the assignee of record. (3) All registrations granted pursuant to this Subpart and not renewed in accordance with the provisions hereof. (4) Any registration concerning which a court of competent jurisdiction shall find: (a) That the registered mark has been abandoned. (b) That the registrant is not the owner of the mark. (c) That the registration was granted improperly. (d) That the registration was obtained fraudulently. (e) That the registered mark is so similar, as to be likely to cause confusion or mistake or to deceive, to a mark registered by another person in the United States Patent Office, prior to the date of the filing of the application for registration by the registrant hereunder, and not abandoned; provided, however, that should the registrant prove that he is the owner of a concurrent registration of his mark in the United States Patent Office covering an area including this state, the registration hereunder shall not be cancelled. (5) When a court of competent jurisdiction shall order cancellation of a registration on any ground. B. The secretary of state may prescribe and furnish forms for filing a voluntary cancellation of registration in accordance with Subsection A of this Section.
Maine	assumed nameSource: www.maine.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt assumed name (or d/b/a)	office of the clerk of the city or townSource: legislature.maine.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt Whenever any person intends to engage in such business as sole proprietor thereof, and to adopt any business name, style or designation other than his own name exclusively, he shall, before commencing business, deposit in the office of the clerk of the city or town in which such business is to be carried on a certificate signed and sworn to by him Division of CorporationsSource: www.maine.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt If you have already incorporated or have formed a limited partnership, limited liability partnership or limited liability company, but wish to utilize a different name in the conduct of your business or activities, you may either file a change of name to make it permanent or adopt an assumed name (or d/b/a) by filing an assumed name form with the Division of Corporations.
Maryland	trade nameSource: dat.maryland.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt trade name	Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), Charter DivisionSource: mgaleg.maryland.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), Charter Division
Massachusetts	business certificateSource: www.mass.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt business certificate	City or town clerk of each city or town where the business has an officeSource: malegislature.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt City or town clerk of each city or town where the business has an office
Michigan	assumed nameSource: www.michigan.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt assumed name	Michigan LARA Corporations DivisionSource: www.michigan.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Michigan LARA Corporations Division
Minnesota	assumed nameSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt assumed name	Office of the Minnesota Secretary of StateSource: mn.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
Mississippi	Fictitious Business NameSource: www.sos.ms.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-06 Supporting excerpt F0070 Fictitious Business Name Registration $25	Business Services Division of the Secretary of State’s OfficeSource: www.sos.ms.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt This Act will benefit both businesses and customers by allowing businesses to register their fictitious names, as well as ownership information for the business, with the Business Services Division of the Secretary of State’s Office for a nominal fee ($25).
Missouri	fictitious nameSource: www.sos.mo.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt fictitious name	Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations DivisionSource: www.sos.mo.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division
Montana	Assumed Business NameSource: sosmt.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Assumed Business Name	Montana Secretary of StateSource: sosmt.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Montana Secretary of State
Nebraska	trade nameSource: nebraskalegislature.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt trade name	Secretary of StateSource: nebraskalegislature.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt any person who adopts a trade name for use in this state may file in the office of the Secretary of State on a form furnished by the Secretary of State an application, in duplicate, for registration of the trade name
Nevada	assumed or fictitious nameSource: www.leg.state.nv.us official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt assumed or fictitious name	county clerk of each county in which the business is being conductedSource: www.leg.state.nv.us official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Every person doing business in this State under an assumed or fictitious name that is in any way different from the legal name of each person who owns an interest in the business must file with the county clerk of each county in which the business is being conducted a certificate containing the information required by NRS 602.020.
New Hampshire	trade nameSource: www.gencourt.state.nh.us official record · retrieved 2026-09-06 Supporting excerpt Every sole proprietor doing business in this state under any name other than the sole proprietor's own name, and every partnership, trust or association doing business in this state shall register the trade name of such business, trust or association in the manner provided in RSA 349:5 and 349:6.	secretary of stateSource: www.gencourt.state.nh.us official record · retrieved 2026-09-06 Supporting excerpt Every person, proprietorship, partnership, or association, as defined in RSA 349:1, engaged in the conduct of any business, enterprise, venture, or activity within the state of New Hampshire under a trade name, firm, or style shall, subject to the limitations hereinafter set forth, file in the office of the secretary of state a certificate signed by such person, proprietorship, or by the members of such partnership or association stating the name under which the business is to be conducted, the principal place of said business, and a brief description of the kind of business to be carried on with the names and addresses of the principal parties engaged therein.
New Jersey	trade nameSource: business.nj.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt trade name	County Clerk in each county where the business will be conductedSource: www.middlesexcountynj.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt County Clerk in each county where the business will be conducted New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES)Source: www.nj.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES)
New York	assumed nameSource: www4.erie.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt assumed name	County clerk of each county in which the business is conducted or transactedSource: www.nysenate.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt County clerk of each county in which the business is conducted or transacted New York Department of StateSource: www4.erie.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt Currently, Certificates of Incorporation, Articles of Organization for limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships, as well as any Assumed Name Certificates for corporations, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships or limited partnerships, are filed with the New York Department of State, which may then forward copies to the Erie County Clerk, at the request of the filer. More information may be found at www.dos.ny.gov.
North Carolina	assumed business nameSource: www.sosnc.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt assumed business name	Register of deeds of the county in which the person is or will be engaged in businessSource: www.ncleg.net official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt Register of deeds of the county in which the person is or will be engaged in business
North Dakota	Trade NameSource: www.sos.nd.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Trade Name	North Dakota Office of the Secretary of StateSource: www.sos.nd.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt North Dakota Office of the Secretary of State
Ohio	trade nameSource: codes.ohio.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt (1) "Trade name" means a name used in business or trade to designate the business of the user and to which the user asserts a right to exclusive use. (2) "Fictitious name" means a name used in business or trade that is fictitious and that the user has not registered or is not entitled to register as a trade name. It does not include the name of record of any domestic corporation that is formed under Chapter 1701. or 1702. of the Revised Code, any foreign corporation that is registered pursuant to Chapter 1703. of the Revised Code, any domestic or foreign limited liability company that is formed under or registered pursuant to Chapter 1705. or 1706. of the Revised Code, any domestic or foreign limited partnership that is formed under or registered pursuant to Chapter 1782. of the Revised Code, or any domestic or foreign limited liability partnership that is formed under or registered pursuant to Chapter 1775. or 1776. of the Revised Code.	secretary of stateSource: codes.ohio.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt (A) The secretary of state shall not file an application for the registration of any trade name if the application indicates or implies that the trade name is connected with a government agency of this state, another state, or the United States and the trade name is not so connected or if the application indicates or implies that the applicant is incorporated and the application is not incorporated. Additionally, the secretary of state shall not file an application for the registration of any trade name if it is not distinguishable upon the records in the office of the secretary of state from any other trade name previously registered under sections 1329.01 to 1329.03 of the Revised Code, any corporate name, whether nonprofit or for profit and whether that of a domestic corporation or of a foreign corporation authorized to do business in this state, the name of any limited liability company registered in the office of the secretary of state pursuant to Chapter 1705. or 1706. of the Revised Code, whether domestic or foreign, the name of any limited liability partnership registered in the office of the secretary of state pursuant to Chapter 1775. or 1776. of the Revised Code, whether domestic or foreign, the name of any limited partnership registered in the office of the secretary of state pursuant to Chapter 1782. of the Revised Code, whether domestic or foreign, or any trademark, or service mark previously filed and recorded in the office of the secretary of state and not abandoned, unless the written consent of the corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or limited partnership, or the person to whom is registered the exclusive right to use the trade name is filed in accordance with division (C) of section 1701.05 of the Revised Code with the application or the written consent of the former registrant of the trademark or service mark is filed with the application. The application for the registration of a trade name and the consent form shall be on a form prescribed by the secretary of state. (B) The secretary of state shall determine for purposes of this section whether a name is distinguishable from another name in a manner consistent with the provisions of division (B) of section 1701.05 of the Revised Code.
Oregon	assumed business nameSource: sos.oregon.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt An assumed business name is also commonly known as a DBA, or “doing business as.”	Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation DivisionSource: sos.oregon.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt The Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division is the place to register your Business Corporation, Nonprofit Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Assumed Business Name, or other entity.
Pennsylvania	fictitious nameSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-02 Supporting excerpt fictitious name	PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONSSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
Rhode Island	Fictitious Business NameSource: docs.sos.ri.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Fictitious Business Name Statement	Department of State - Business Services DivisionSource: docs.sos.ri.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt Department of State - Business Services Division
South Carolina	assumed nameSource: www.scstatehouse.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt SECTION 33-42-45. Assumed name. (a) This section rather than SECTIONS 39-13-10 through 39-13-40 of the 1976 Code governs the registration of assumed names of limited partnerships formed or transacting business in South Carolina. (b) A limited partnership that conducts or intends to conduct business in this State under a name other than the name shown in its certificate of limited partnership (or in the case of a foreign limited partnership that has registered in this State, the name shown in its certificate of registration to transact business in this State) shall file with the Secretary of State an assumed name certificate which shall state the name shown on its certificate of limited partnership (or certificate of registration in the case of a foreign limited partnership), the name under which the limited partnership's business is to be conducted, which assumed name shall not be deceptively similar to the name of any domestic or foreign limited partnership authorized to transact business in this State, or to any reserved name pursuant to SECTION 33-42-40 and the address of the partnership's registered office required to be maintained in this State. (c) Such filing shall be effective, unless sooner terminated by the filing of a certificate of termination or by the cancellation of the certificate of limited partnership (or in the case of foreign limited partnership by cancellation of the certificate of registration to transact business in this State), for a period expiring on December thirty-first of the fifth full calendar year following the year in which it is filed. It may be extended for additional consecutive periods of five full calendar years each by the filing of a new assumed name certificate not earlier than ninety days preceding the expiration of any such period. The Secretary of State shall notify a limited partnership of the impending expiration of its assumed name, by first-class mail addressed to the partnership's registered office as shown on the partnership's certificate of limited partnership (or certificate of registration in the case of a foreign limited partnership that has registered in this State), no later than three calendar months before the initial or subsequent five-year period will expire. (d) The Secretary of State shall maintain current lists, alphabetically arranged, of the partnership registrants and assumed names permitted hereunder. (e) The failure of any limited partnership to file the assumed name certificate required by subsection (b) does not: (i) impair the validity of any contract or act of the limited partnership; (ii) prevent the limited partnership from maintaining or defending any action, suit, or proceeding in any court of this State; or (iii) result in any limited partner becoming liable as a general partner solely by reason of the failure of the limited partnership to file the required assumed name certificate. HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 533, SECTION 1.	municipality or countySource: scbos.sc.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt The state of South Carolina does not register DBAs. But your local government might, so start with the municipality or county where your business will operate to learn how to document your DBA. South Carolina Secretary of StateSource: businessfilings.sc.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-03 Supporting excerpt Filing Instructions 1. Fictitious Name form- Two copies of this form, the original and either a duplicate original or a conformed copy, must be filed. If the space in this form is insufficient, please attach additional sheets containing a reference to the appropriate paragraph in this form. 2. $2.00 made payable to the South Carolina Secretary of State. 3. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to have a filed copy returned to you by mail. 4. Return all documents to: Secretary of State Attn: Corporate Filings 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525 Columbia, SC 29201 Form Revised by South Carolina Secretary of State, August 2016 F0022
South Dakota	Fictitious Business NameSource: sdsos.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt A DBA/Fictitious Business Name is an assumed name used by a business.	Secretary of StateSource: sdsos.gov official record · retrieved 2026-09-05 Supporting excerpt You may file the registration either online through the Secretary of State's website or by requesting to file by paper at your local county Register of Deed's Office. You can find the Register of Deeds' Contact List here.