How to Register a Trade Name in Ohio
To register an Ohio trade name with the Secretary of State, complete the following steps:
- Complete the Name Registration form.
- Pay the $39 filing fee. Renew every 5 years for $25.
Registering a Trade Name in Ohio
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Sole proprietorships and partnerships commonly register for a trade name. Their legal name can be the owner’s full name, used without registering a trade name.
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A trade name serves as the public business name for businesses wanting to operate under a different name than their legal name. Follow state guidelines when applying to avoid rejection.
Learn How to Register a DBA in Ohio
To register an Ohio DBA (doing business as), follow these steps:
- Complete the Name Registration form.
- Pay the $39 DBA filing fee. Renew every 5 years for $25.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio DBA
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Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the most common entities to register for a DBA. The legal name of a sole proprietor or partnership can be the business owner’s full first and last name, which can be used without registering.
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Filing an Ohio DBA is a simple process. You can register a DBA name in Ohio by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Ohio Secretary of State. You don’t need a lawyer to file a DBA in Ohio.
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The legal business name depends on structure. Sole proprietors use real names, while LLCs and corporations use company names. A DBA serves as the public-facing trade name.