Steps to Register a Trade Name in Arizona
Registering a trade name in Arizona is a 2 step process through the Arizona Secretary of State website. There is a $10 fee associated with online registration of a trade name in Arizona. You can expect it to take 2-3 weeks to process your registration unless you pay for expedited service. The first step in the process is the DBA name search.
What is a DBA in Arizona?
A DBA, also known as “Doing Business As,” Trade Name, or Fictitious Business Name, is a name used by a business that is different from the legal name of the business. When a business wants to operate under a name other than its legal name, many states require the business to register its new business name. In Arizona, this is optional, but most businesses will register.
How to Register a Trade Name in Arizona
A trade name is a name under which an individual or entity operates its business, often called a DBA, which stands for “doing business as.” Trade names are registered with the Arizona Secretary of State. Registering a trade name gives the trade name holder the exclusive right to use the name in Arizona.
To search for name availability, check the ACC website. Navigate to Arizona Secretary of State Business page under File, Name, then Check Name Availability.
Key Steps and Cost of Registering a Trade Name in Arizona
To register a trade name in Arizona, go to the County Recorder. You may pay a small fee to register. Search the Arizona Corporation Commission website to check name availability.
Registering a trade name is different than incorporating a business. It does not provide liability protection but prevents others from using the same name.
How to Choose a Business Name in Arizona
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the requirements for registering a trade name in Arizona, it’s time to choose a name for your business. This can be a tricky task, as you want to make sure your chosen name is unique and available for use. Tips for Finding an Available Name:
- Be creative.
- Do research.
- Check the database of registered trade names in Arizona to make sure your chosen name isn’t already taken.
Registering a DBA in Arizona
A DBA is the name that will be used for your business operations. It’s what you may see on signage and business cards, what customers will know you by, and what you will use on most documents.
Registering a DBA, known in Arizona as a trade name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
Resources for Business Registration in Arizona
- Arizona Business One Stop is an online portal with personalized tools to plan, start, grow, move, and close businesses in Arizona.
- Filing Length: Trade Names last for 5 years from the date of receipt. Trademarks last for 10 years from the date of receipt. Prior to expiration, you have up to six months to renew your trade name or trademark.
Expedited Processing Option
It normally takes 3 weeks for the LLC paperwork to be approved in Arizona. Expedited processing is also available for an additional fee and reduces the filing time to 7 – 10 business days. Check with your county clerk, recorder, or registrar’s office to see if anyone has claimed your name as a fictitious or assumed business name. Counties usually offer name registries online and free of charge.