If you’re a business owner in Idaho, you may be wondering how to file a DBA. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. So whether you’re just starting out or want to switch your business name, read on for all the information you need to file ID DBA.
Important! Please keep in mind that DBA is not a business structure, so it won’t protect you from liabilities, lawsuits, or any other unforeseen situations. DBA stands for Doing Business As. – often precedes the name under which a business operates, which is not the legal name of the business.
Therefore, before starting, make sure you understand the difference between informal business structures such as sole proprietorship and formal ones like corporations and LLCs.
To register or renew the trademark, trade name, or service mark for your company in Idaho you need to file the application to the Secretary of State. Here is what you need to do:
Idaho Business Entity Search
Your company’s trade name should be unique and have not been acquired by any other entity in Idaho. Moreover, this name must also meet the business name requirements of Idaho.
First, you have to search the Idaho Secretary of State’s Business Search portal for the DBA, Business, & Fictitious names. Check the portal thoroughly to know whether the name that you wish to have for your business has already been taken by someone or not. Make sure, this name isn’t already in use.
Note: You can also find a complete guide on business name search here.
Once you are done searching, the next step is to review the naming requirements of the state of Idaho. Your DBA should not include:
- Business entity suffix, such as Incorporated, LLC, Corp, etc., unless the business is actually a corporation, or LLC,etc.
- Any term that falsely indicate or imply government affiliation.
- Terms that are given to financial institutions, such as bank, banc, banque, banco, banker, savings and loan association, trust company, savings bank, credit union, or similar words.
Register Your Idaho DBA ($25-$45)
Idaho trade names are filed with the Idaho secretary of state. You can file Idaho DBA, online with the secretary of state using the SOSbiz portal or download the ID DBA application form and mail it or send it in-person at the following addresses:
New Castle County
Office of the Secretary of State
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080.
Kent County
Office of the Secretary of State
450 N. 4th Street
Boise ID 83702.
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The following information must include in the Idaho trade name form:
- Your business name and adress
- Owners/partners of the business and addresses
- Entity type (eg; LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
- Trade name’s description
Renew, Change or Withdraw Your Idaho DBA
Renew Your Fictitious Name With the State
The assumed business name in Idaho does not expire and remains valid until the owner withdraw his Idaho DBA. So, there is no need to renew your ID DBA.
Change Your Fictitious Name ($10-$20)
If you wish to make changes in your Idaho assumed business name, you need to file out the Cancellation or Amendment of Certificate of Ficticious Business Name. The online filing fee is $10 and $20 for filing through mail. You can mail or drop off this form at the following address:
Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080
Withdraw Your Fictitious Name
You can cancel your Idaho assumed business name by filling the Cancellation Certificate of DBA. The mailing address is given in the above section.
