Starting a business in Arizona? Whether you’re a sole proprietor, part of an LLC, or own a corporation, you might need to file a DBA (Doing Business As) name to legally operate under a business name that’s different from your personal or registered company name. This process is also known as registering a fictitious business name in Arizona.
This post will walk you through how to get a DBA in Arizona, what forms are required, and where to file them. If you want to present your business professionally and build a distinct brand identity, this is a step you don’t want to skip.
What Is a DBA and Why Do You Need One?
A DBA (Doing Business As) allows you to use a different name than your legal business name. For example, if Jane Brown owns a sole proprietorship and wants to do business as “Cakes Unlimited,” she needs to file a DBA in Arizona. This allows her to open a business bank account and receive payments in her business name.
Arizona refers to a DBA as a “Trade Name.” It is not a business structure like an LLC or Corporation, but a way to legally operate under an assumed name.
Who Should File a DBA in Arizona?
You may need to file a DBA in Arizona if:
- You’re a sole proprietor doing business under a name that does not include your surname.
- You’re an LLC or corporation and want to operate under a different name than your registered legal name.
- You’re expanding your business into new services or markets and need a separate identity for those.
Filing a DBA helps you separate your business identity, market your business under a unique name, and legally accept payments.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a DBA in Arizona
Step 1: Determine If You Need a DBA
First, decide if your business activity requires a DBA. If your business name is not your full legal name or your entity’s registered name, you need to register a trade name.
For instance:
- “Smith Lawncare Services” (with the surname “Smith”) may not need a DBA.
- “Green Thumb Lawncare” (without your surname) would require you to register a trade name.
Step 2: Choose Your DBA Name
When selecting a DBA name in Arizona, make sure:
- The name is not deceptively similar to an existing business name.
- You avoid using entity identifiers such as “Inc.” or “LLC” unless your business is incorporated.
- The name aligns with your business’s brand image.
To check name availability, use the Arizona Corporation Commission’s entity search tool or request a thorough business name search through a service like MyCorporation.
Step 3: Prepare Your DBA Application
To register your trade name (DBA) in Arizona, you need to complete the Trade Name Application provided by the Arizona Secretary of State.
Your application must include the following:
- Proposed trade name
- Business description
- Owner’s legal name and address
- Entity type (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership)
- Date you first used the name in Arizona
- Signature and contact details of the applicant
You can download the form from the Arizona Secretary of State’s official website or use a filing service to complete it for you.
Step 4: Submit the Application and Fee
You can file your Arizona DBA application in two ways:
1. Online
Visit the Arizona Secretary of State’s website and use the Trade Name registration portal. Fill in the required information and upload supporting documents, if needed. Pay the non-refundable $10 filing fee using a credit/debit card.
2. By Mail
If you prefer paper filing, complete the form and mail it to:
Arizona Secretary of State – Trade Name Division
1700 W. Washington St., 7th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808
Include a check or money order for $10, payable to “Arizona Secretary of State.”
Note: No publication is required for a trade name in Arizona, but always confirm current requirements before filing.
Step 5: Wait for Processing and Approval
Once submitted, it generally takes 3–5 business days to process online applications. Paper submissions may take longer. If the trade name is approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Trade Name Registration via mail or email.
Once approved, you can:
- Open a business bank account under your trade name
- Start advertising and invoicing customers using your DBA
- Add credibility and legitimacy to your business
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to get a DBA in Arizona is key to building your brand and conducting business legally under a name that represents your products or services. Filing a DBA gives you flexibility, helps create a professional image, and allows you to expand your business without forming a new entity.
Whether you’re just starting out or adding a new business line, taking care of your DBA registration properly will help you avoid legal trouble and build trust with customers.
