Are you thinking about giving your Arizona business a new name? Maybe you want to operate under a catchy title that better represents what you do. Well, you're in luck! You can easily make this happen by getting a DBA, or "doing business as" name. Let's understand what a DBA is and how you can get one for your Arizona business step by step.

What is a DBA?

First things first, what exactly is a DBA? Well, it's like a nickname for your business. A DBA, or "doing business as," is essentially an alias for your business. While your business has a legal name, a DBA allows you to operate under a different name. It's like having a nickname that represents your business in a more informal or marketable way. This flexibility can be incredibly useful if you want to rebrand, target a specific market segment, or simply make your business name more memorable. Plus, getting a DBA, including Arizona DBA registration, is much simpler and less cumbersome than changing your legal business name, making it a convenient option for businesses looking to adapt and evolve.

Steps to Obtain a DBA for an Arizona LLC

Ready to expand or redefine your Arizona LLC? Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining a DBA and refreshing your business identity.

Step 1: Decide if You Need a DBA

The first thing you need to do is figure out if you need a DBA. If you're a sole proprietor or a partnership and want to use a name other than your own, then a DBA is for you. Even if you're an LLC or a corporation, you might still want a DBA if you're branching out into a new line of business or want to operate under a different name.

Step 2: Choose Your DBA Name

Once you've decided to get a DBA, it's time to pick a name. You'll want to make sure it's unique and not too similar to any other businesses out there. Also, make sure it doesn't include any words that imply a different business structure, like "LLC" or "Corporation." Keep it simple, catchy, and relevant to your business.

Step 3: Check if Your DBA Name is Available

Before you get too attached to your chosen name, you'll want to make sure it's available. You can do this by searching the Arizona Secretary of State's Business Entity database. This will tell you if anyone else is already using the name you want. It's also a good idea to check if the web domain for your DBA name is available too.

Step 4: Register Your DBA

Once you've confirmed that your DBA name is available, it's time to register it. You'll do this online through the Arizona Secretary of State's website. You'll need to provide some basic information about your business, like its name, address, and what type of business it is. Make sure to double-check all the information before you submit your registration.

Step 5: Pay the Filing Fee

There's a small fee to register your DBA, but it's worth it to get your business name just right. The filing fee for a DBA in Arizona is $10-30, and you can pay online with a credit card or by mail with a check or money order. 

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Once you've submitted your Arizona DBA registration and paid the fee, all that's left to do is wait for approval. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for your registration to be processed. If everything looks good, you'll receive a certificate of registration in the mail. Congratulations, your DBA is now official!

Step 7: Start Using Your DBA

Now that you have your DBA, you can start using it for all your business activities. Update your website, business cards, and any other materials to reflect your new name. By filing a DBA, you can also open a business bank account under your DBA name, which can help keep your personal and business finances separate.

In conclusion, getting a DBA for your Arizona business is a simple process that can have a big impact. Whether you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation, a DBA can help you operate under a name that better reflects your business and its values. So why wait? Start the process today and give your business the name it deserves!