How Do I Register a Trade Name in North Dakota?

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North Dakota Trade Name Registration Process

North Dakota trade name registration allows a business to operate under a name that’s different from its legal name. When a business wants to operate under another name, North Dakota requires registration to protect consumers.

  • Filing a DBA (doing business as) in North Dakota is a simple two-step process with the Secretary of State:
    1. Search for Your DBA Name
    2. Register Your DBA

Benefits and Considerations of Registering a DBA

  • DBAs establish branding and enable businesses to operate under a different name without changing the legal name.

How to Register a DBA in North Dakota

  • Registration goes to the North Dakota Secretary of State. Do not make investments, sign contracts, or produce signage until your name is registered.

Necessary Steps and Regulations

  • Any business using a name that isn’t its legal name must register that name by ND law.
  • To avoid mistakes and handle infringement issues, start with a trademark search.
  • Filing can be done online for a $25 fee.

Things to Check and Consider Before Registering a Trade Name

  • To ensure the business name is available, search the Secretary of State’s Business Search.
  • Check North Dakota LLC name regulations.
  • Conduct a federal trademark database search to ensure the name isn’t trademarked.

Registering a DBA

  • In North Dakota, register your DBA with the Secretary of State online at North Dakota’s First Stop website.
  • The fee for a trade name in North Dakota is $25.

Additional Information on DBA Registration

  • Reserve your corporation name by completing a Reserved Name Application and filing it with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
  • North Dakota law requires businesses using a name different from their legal name to register that name with the state.

Final Notes on DBA Registration

  • In North Dakota, you must register your DBA with the Secretary of State.
  • Registering a DBA will establish your business’s branding.

Filing and Requirements

  • Filers for a DBA in North Dakota will need to provide their name, the principal place of business, the trade name to be used in the DBA, and the general nature of the business.

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