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.
Iowa uses two filing layers, and the legal form of the business determines the correct destination. Iowa Code chapter 547 requires a person conducting business under a trade or assumed name other than the true surname of every owner to record a verified statement with the recorder in the county where the business is conducted. The same section expressly removes specified domestic and authorized foreign statutory entities from that county rule, including limited liability companies, corporations, limited partnerships, professional corporations, listed cooperatives, and nonprofit corporations. Those covered entities instead have a Secretary of State Fictitious Name filing. The Secretary of State’s current forms-and-fees page lists that filing for Chapters 488, 489, 499, 490, 501A, and 504 and prices it at five dollars. This page therefore does not imply one statewide filing for every Iowa business. A sole proprietor or general partnership begins with the relevant county recorder; an LLC or corporation begins with the Secretary of State’s existing-entity filing workflow. The cited official material controls, and the business should confirm its exact statutory chapter before choosing a row.
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
The county recorder shall collect fees in the amount specified in section 331.604 for each verified statement recorded under this chapter. Section 331.604 requires five dollars for each page or fraction of a page and one dollar for each recorded transaction.
In the Existing Entities menu, click on the Fictitious Name Resolution link. You will now be redirected to the Fictitious Name Resolution form.
Search existing names
An official name-search entry point for Iowa 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.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
Authority: county recorder of the county in which the business is to be conductedSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
When this route applies: 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 statementSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
Local filing reference — Official form: verified statementSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
Local filing reference — Form destination: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/547.pdfSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
Local filing reference — Online filing link: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Official fee: five dollars for each page or fraction of a page and one dollar for each recorded transactionSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptThe county recorder shall collect fees in the amount specified in section 331.604 for each verified statement recorded under this chapter. Section 331.604 requires five dollars for each page or fraction of a page and one dollar for each recorded transaction.
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: A like verified statement shall be recorded of any change in ownership of the business, or persons interested in the business and the original owners are liable for all obligations until the certificate of change is recorded.Source: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA like verified statement shall be recorded of any change in ownership of the business, or persons interested in the business and the original owners are liable for all obligations until the certificate of change is recorded.
Local filing reference — Abandonment or cancellation: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Important exclusions: this provision does not apply to any person organized or incorporated in this state as a domestic entity or authorized to do business in this state as a foreign entity if the person is a limited partnership under chapter 488; a limited liability company under chapter 489; a corporation under chapter 490; a professional corporation under chapter 496C; a cooperative or cooperative association under chapter 497, 498, 499, 501, or 501A; or a nonprofit corporation under chapter 504Source: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptthis provision does not apply to any person organized or incorporated in this state as a domestic entity or authorized to do business in this state as a foreign entity if the person is a limited partnership under chapter 488; a limited liability company under chapter 489; a corporation under chapter 490; a professional corporation under chapter 496C; a cooperative or cooperative association under chapter 497, 498, 499, 501, or 501A; or a nonprofit corporation under chapter 504
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.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
Authority: county recorder of the county in which the business is to be conductedSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
When this route applies: 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 statementSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
Local filing reference — Official form: verified statementSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
Local filing reference — Form destination: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/547.pdfSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA 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
Local filing reference — Online filing link: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Official fee: five dollars for each page or fraction of a page and one dollar for each recorded transactionSource: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptThe county recorder shall collect fees in the amount specified in section 331.604 for each verified statement recorded under this chapter. Section 331.604 requires five dollars for each page or fraction of a page and one dollar for each recorded transaction.
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: A like verified statement shall be recorded of any change in ownership of the business, or persons interested in the business and the original owners are liable for all obligations until the certificate of change is recorded.Source: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptA like verified statement shall be recorded of any change in ownership of the business, or persons interested in the business and the original owners are liable for all obligations until the certificate of change is recorded.
Local filing reference — Abandonment or cancellation: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — Important exclusions: this provision does not apply to any person organized or incorporated in this state as a domestic entity or authorized to do business in this state as a foreign entity if the person is a limited partnership under chapter 488; a limited liability company under chapter 489; a corporation under chapter 490; a professional corporation under chapter 496C; a cooperative or cooperative association under chapter 497, 498, 499, 501, or 501A; or a nonprofit corporation under chapter 504Source: www.legis.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptthis provision does not apply to any person organized or incorporated in this state as a domestic entity or authorized to do business in this state as a foreign entity if the person is a limited partnership under chapter 488; a limited liability company under chapter 489; a corporation under chapter 490; a professional corporation under chapter 496C; a cooperative or cooperative association under chapter 497, 498, 499, 501, or 501A; or a nonprofit corporation under chapter 504
Local filing reference — Mail filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
Local filing reference — In-person filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
LLC
Required: No universal yes/no answer is confirmed. Read the documented applicability below.
Authority: Secretary of State’s officeSource: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptThe submission will be reviewed by the Secretary of State’s office
When this route applies: Fictitious Name - $5 Applicable to Chapters 488, 489, 499, 490, 501A, and 504Source: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptFictitious Name - $5 Applicable to Chapters 488, 489, 499, 490, 501A, and 504
Official form: Fictitious Name ResolutionSource: help.sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptIn the Existing Entities menu, click on the Fictitious Name Resolution link. You will now be redirected to the Fictitious Name Resolution form.
Form destination: https://help.sos.iowa.gov/how-do-i-file-fictitious-name-resolutionSource: help.sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptIn the Existing Entities menu, click on the Fictitious Name Resolution link. You will now be redirected to the Fictitious Name Resolution form.
Online filing link: https://filings.sos.iowa.gov/Source: filings.sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptFirst, go to https://filings.sos.iowa.gov/.
Official fee: $5Source: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptFictitious Name - $5 Applicable to Chapters 488, 489, 499, 490, 501A, and 504
Effective duration: Not confirmed in this guide.
Renewal: Not confirmed in this guide.
Changes or amendments: Not confirmed in this guide.
Abandonment or cancellation: Not confirmed in this guide.
Important exclusions: this provision does not apply to any person organized or incorporated in this state as a domestic entity or authorized to do business in this state as a foreign entity if the person is a limited partnership under chapter 488; a limited liability company under chapter 489; a corporation under chapter 490; a professional corporation under chapter 496C; a cooperative or cooperative association under chapter 497, 498, 499, 501, or 501A; or a nonprofit corporation under chapter 504Source: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptthis provision does not apply to any person organized or incorporated in this state as a domestic entity or authorized to do business in this state as a foreign entity if the person is a limited partnership under chapter 488; a limited liability company under chapter 489; a corporation under chapter 490; a professional corporation under chapter 496C; a cooperative or cooperative association under chapter 497, 498, 499, 501, or 501A; or a nonprofit corporation under chapter 504
Mail filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
In-person filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
Corporation
Required: No universal yes/no answer is confirmed. Read the documented applicability below.
Authority: Secretary of State’s officeSource: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptThe submission will be reviewed by the Secretary of State’s office
When this route applies: Fictitious Name - $5 Applicable to Chapters 488, 489, 499, 490, 501A, and 504Source: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptFictitious Name - $5 Applicable to Chapters 488, 489, 499, 490, 501A, and 504
Official form: Fictitious Name ResolutionSource: help.sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptIn the Existing Entities menu, click on the Fictitious Name Resolution link. You will now be redirected to the Fictitious Name Resolution form.
Form destination: https://help.sos.iowa.gov/how-do-i-file-fictitious-name-resolutionSource: help.sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptIn the Existing Entities menu, click on the Fictitious Name Resolution link. You will now be redirected to the Fictitious Name Resolution form.
Online filing link: https://filings.sos.iowa.gov/Source: filings.sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptFirst, go to https://filings.sos.iowa.gov/.
Official fee: $5Source: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptFictitious Name - $5 Applicable to Chapters 488, 489, 499, 490, 501A, and 504
Effective duration: Not confirmed in this guide.
Renewal: Not confirmed in this guide.
Changes or amendments: Not confirmed in this guide.
Abandonment or cancellation: Not confirmed in this guide.
Important exclusions: this provision does not apply to any person organized or incorporated in this state as a domestic entity or authorized to do business in this state as a foreign entity if the person is a limited partnership under chapter 488; a limited liability company under chapter 489; a corporation under chapter 490; a professional corporation under chapter 496C; a cooperative or cooperative association under chapter 497, 498, 499, 501, or 501A; or a nonprofit corporation under chapter 504Source: sos.iowa.gov official record · retrieved Supporting excerptthis provision does not apply to any person organized or incorporated in this state as a domestic entity or authorized to do business in this state as a foreign entity if the person is a limited partnership under chapter 488; a limited liability company under chapter 489; a corporation under chapter 490; a professional corporation under chapter 496C; a cooperative or cooperative association under chapter 497, 498, 499, 501, or 501A; or a nonprofit corporation under chapter 504
Mail filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
In-person filing: Not confirmed in this guide.
How to file through the authority
For a sole proprietor or general partnership, identify every Iowa county in which the business will be conducted. Iowa Code section 547.1 directs the verified statement to the recorder of that county and specifies that the statement shows the trade name, the owners’ names and post-office and residence addresses, and the business address. This guide never asks for or stores those personal details. Obtain the current trade-name form and delivery instructions directly from the applicable recorder because chapter 547 creates the statewide duty but does not publish one universal online, mail, or counter workflow. For an existing LLC or corporation, use Fast Track Filing: sign in, choose Business Filings, choose File A Document, select Fictitious Name Resolution under Existing Entities, locate the entity, enter the adopted fictitious name, electronically sign, review payment, and submit. The Secretary of State’s tutorial says the office reviews the submission and emails the filer when it is complete. Keep the confirmation and do not send filing credentials, owner data, or payment information to this site.
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
The county recorder shall collect fees in the amount specified in section 331.604 for each verified statement recorded under this chapter. Section 331.604 requires five dollars for each page or fraction of a page and one dollar for each recorded transaction.
In the Existing Entities menu, click on the Fictitious Name Resolution link. You will now be redirected to the Fictitious Name Resolution form.
Renewal, amendment, and abandonment
Chapter 547 does not publish an expiration period or periodic renewal instruction for the county recorder’s verified trade-name statement, so those fields remain explicitly unverified rather than being filled from a county custom or a commercial summary. It does publish a change rule: a like verified statement must be recorded when ownership or the interested persons change, and the original owners remain liable for obligations until the change certificate is recorded. The statewide recording charge is derived in two steps. Section 547.3 points to section 331.604, and the current 2026 text sets five dollars for each page or fraction of a page plus one dollar for each recorded transaction. The Secretary of State material likewise does not publish a renewal interval for its five-dollar Fictitious Name filing on the reviewed pages. This guide therefore does not claim that either record expires, lasts forever, or renews on an invented schedule. Check the live record and current authority instructions whenever ownership, entity status, public name, or business location changes.
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
The county recorder shall collect fees in the amount specified in section 331.604 for each verified statement recorded under this chapter. Section 331.604 requires five dollars for each page or fraction of a page and one dollar for each recorded transaction.
In the Existing Entities menu, click on the Fictitious Name Resolution link. You will now be redirected to the Fictitious Name Resolution form.
Publication and notice
Publication could not be confirmed for all covered entity types. No requirement or exemption is asserted.
Next steps: self-file first
First determine the business’s legal entity type and, for a statutory entity, its Iowa Code chapter. Sole proprietors and general partnerships using a name outside the owners’ true surnames should contact the recorder for every county where the business will be conducted and request the current chapter 547 trade-name statement and submission instructions. Existing LLCs and corporations should use the official Secretary of State Fictitious Name Resolution tutorial and Fast Track Filing portal. Other statutory entities should compare their chapter with the official 488, 489, 499, 490, 501A, and 504 eligibility list. Confirm the live fee immediately before filing, retain the accepted record, and file the chapter 547 change statement when ownership changes. No newspaper-publication duty is asserted because the reviewed comprehensive chapter does not publish one. This site provides official destinations only; it does not accept filings or promote a paid filing partner.
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
The county recorder shall collect fees in the amount specified in section 331.604 for each verified statement recorded under this chapter. Section 331.604 requires five dollars for each page or fraction of a page and one dollar for each recorded transaction.