Registering a DBA will establish your business’s branding. We’ll show you how to register an Arkansas DBA below. To get started with an Arkansas DBA, choose your business entity type:
- Sole Proprietorship or Partnership (if your business is not a formal structure)
- LLC, Corporation, or LLP (if your business has a formal structure such as LLC or corporation)
Steps for Registering a DBA
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Search for your desired assumed name. Before you can register for a DBA, you must first search to ensure that your desired assumed name does not already exist.
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File a DBA. DBAs should be filed per county in Arkansas, meaning if you are conducting business in multiple counties, you will need to file a DBA for each county.
Filing Process and Requirements
- Check assumed business name availability using the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
- Download and complete the Assumed Name Certificate form.
- Submit the completed Assumed Name Certificate either in person or by mail.
Cost and Processing Time
- The filing fee for a DBA in Arkansas is $25.
- The processing time for a DBA filing in Arkansas is typically 2-4 weeks.
DBA for Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietorships are required to register an assumed name with the appropriate County Clerk’s office(s). Note that the sole proprietor will not receive limited liability protection as with an LLC.
DBA for LLCs and Corporations
- Filing a DBA allows a business to operate under a different name than the owner’s legal name.
- To register the trademark, trade name, or service mark, file the application to the Secretary of State.
- Fill out a "Certificate of Assumed Business Name" form with your company’s details.
Additional Information
- A DBA stands for “doing business as” and refers to a name that is different from the legal name.
- You can hire a service like LegalZoom to file your DBA for you, with packages starting at $99 (plus state fees).
Cost Details
- Sole proprietorships: $25 to file an Assumed Name Certificate.
- LLCs and corporations: $22 if filed online, more if filed in-person or by mail.
Finding the Form
- The form to file a DBA Name in Arkansas can be found on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.
Legal Requirements
- Any business operating in Arkansas under a name different from its legal name needs to register for a Doing Business As Certificate.
- Registering a DBA in Arkansas is simple and helps businesses comply with state regulations.
DBA Benefits and Overview
Registering a DBA, known in Arkansas as an assumed name, allows your business to operate under a name that may differ from its legal name. We provide a guide on how to register a Arkansas DBA, including the benefits of having a DBA, and the steps involved in the registration process.