Running your Indiana business under a name other than your legal name, or launching a second brand under an existing LLC, requires you to register a DBA—officially called an assumed business name under Indiana Code Title 23. A DBA does not create a new legal entity, provide trademark protection, or change how you are taxed; it simply lets you operate and market under a different name legally.
Where you file depends on your business structure. Sole proprietors and general partnerships register with their county recorder's office, while LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities file online through the Indiana Secretary of State's INBiz portal.
DBA Indiana at a glance
- In Indiana, a DBA is officially called an assumed business name, and the law requires you to register it before using it publicly.
- Sole proprietors and general partnerships file with their county recorder; LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities file with the Indiana Secretary of State through INBiz.
- State-level filings through INBiz cost $20 online or $30 by mail; county recorder fees start at $25 under Indiana Code § 36-2-7-10.
- An Indiana assumed business name registration does not create a new legal entity, provide trademark protection, or change how your business is taxed.
- Registering a DBA allows you to open a business bank account, sign contracts, and market your business under a name other than your legal or entity name.
- Confirm with your county recorder whether periodic renewal is required, since requirements vary across the state's 92 counties.
What is a DBA in Indiana?
In Indiana, a DBA—"doing business as"—is officially called an assumed business name under Indiana Code Title 23. It lets a person or business operate publicly under a name other than their legal or registered entity name. It does not create a new legal entity, provide trademark protection, or change your tax status. "Fictitious name" and "trade name" appear in common usage, but assumed business name is Indiana's statutory term.
Who needs to file a DBA in Indiana?
Any person or business that operates publicly under a name other than their legal or registered entity name must file a DBA in Indiana.
- Sole proprietors. No DBA is required if you operate under your own full legal name. The moment you use any other name—"Bright Path Consulting" instead of "Jane Smith Consulting"—you must register it with your county recorder.
- General partnerships. File if operating under any name other than the full legal names of all partners. "Smith and Chen" may not require a filing; "Lakeview Property Group" does.
- LLCs. An LLC operating strictly under its registered entity name needs no DBA. If it wants to market under a different name, launch a new brand, or operate a separate line of business, it must register that assumed name through INBiz.
- Corporations and other registered entities. Any name that differs from the registered corporate name requires an assumed business name filing through INBiz.
One practical scenario worth flagging: an LLC named "Horizon Digital LLC" that wants to sell handmade goods under "Horizon Home Goods" must register that second name, even though both brands belong to the same legal entity.
Where do you file a DBA in Indiana? State vs. county
Filing with the wrong office means starting over.
| Business type | Filing location | Form used | Notarization required? | Submission method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietor | County Recorder's office | Indiana Recorders Association standard form | Yes | In person or by mail |
| General partnership | County Recorder's office | Indiana Recorders Association standard form | Yes | In person or by mail |
| LLC | Indiana Secretary of State (INBiz) | Online assumed name form via INBiz | No | Online only |
| Corporation | Indiana Secretary of State (INBiz) | Online assumed name form via INBiz | No | Online only |
Sole proprietors and general partnerships have no existing state registration, so the filing happens locally at the county level. LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities already have an active record in INBiz; the assumed name is added to that existing record online.
County filers must also have their form notarized before submitting—a step state filers skip entirely.
How to file a DBA in Indiana with the Secretary of State (INBiz)
If your business is an LLC, corporation, limited partnership, or other registered entity, file through the INBiz portal at inbiz.in.gov. The entire process happens online—no paper forms, no notary, no mail required.
- Search for name availability. Run your desired name through the INBiz business name search tool. Your assumed name must be distinguishable from any business already on file with the Indiana Secretary of State.
- Log in or create an INBiz account. Sign in at inbiz.in.gov. Your entity's existing record will already be in the system. Confirm that your registered agent information is current before proceeding—outdated information can cause processing delays. LegalZoom offers registered agent services in Indiana if you need to update or establish that designation.
- Navigate to the assumed name filing. From your entity dashboard, locate the option to file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name (Form 30353). This attaches the new assumed name directly to your entity's existing registration record.
- Complete the application. Confirm the entity it's associated with and review all required fields before proceeding.
- Pay the filing fee. The fee is $20 online or $30 by mail under Indiana Code § 23-0.5-3-4. Confirm the current fee at inbiz.in.gov before submitting.
- Receive and save your confirmation. Keep the confirmation on file—you'll need it when opening a business bank account or signing contracts under your assumed name.
Indiana DBA naming rules for state filings
Indiana law sets specific boundaries on what an assumed business name can include under Indiana Code Title 23.
What Indiana prohibits:
- Names deceptively similar to existing registrations. Your assumed name must be distinguishable from any other business on file with the Secretary of State. "Hoosier Home Builders" could be rejected if "Hoosier Home Builder LLC" is already registered.
- Entity identifiers that don't match your structure. A sole proprietor cannot use a DBA containing "LLC."
- Names implying government affiliation. Avoid words like "FBI," "Treasury," or "State Department."
- Restricted terms requiring additional approval. "Bank" requires approval from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions. Terms like "insurance" and "university" may require proof of licensure before the Secretary of State will accept the filing.
Examples:
- "Lakeside Creative Studio"—distinctive, no restricted terms, no misleading entity designator.
- "Indiana State Insurance Group"—combines a restricted term with language implying government affiliation. Requires regulatory approval.
- "Bright Path Solutions LLC" filed by a sole proprietor—the "LLC" designator violates Indiana Code § 23-0.5-3-4(f).
A rejected filing still costs you time, and operating under an unregistered assumed name in Indiana can result in a Class B infraction with a fine of up to $1,000 under Indiana Code § 34-28-5-4.
How to check if a DBA name is available in Indiana
Before submitting your registration, you must verify that your desired name is available for use. Use the methods below to check for potential naming conflicts.
- For INBiz filers. Use the free business name search at inbiz.in.gov. Run your desired name and any close variations before submitting.
- For county recorder filers. County recorders do not maintain a centralized statewide database. Run a search through INBiz to check for conflicts with registered entities, then contact your county recorder to ask whether they maintain a local index of assumed business names.
A note on trademark clearance: An Indiana assumed business name registration is not a trademark. If you plan to build a brand around your DBA, run a separate search through the USPTO's trademark search at tess.uspto.gov. A DBA gives you the right to use a name in commerce in Indiana—not exclusive rights nationwide.
How to file a DBA in Indiana with your county recorder
If you're a sole proprietor or general partner, file with your county recorder's office. Under Indiana Code § 23-0.5-3-4, you must file in the recorder's office of each county where your business has a place of business or office. If you operate in two counties, file in both.
- Obtain the standard form. The Indiana Recorders Association has prepared a standard DBA form available at indianarecorders.org. Some counties, including Marion County, offer their own version. Check your county recorder's website first.
- Complete the form. Fill in your full legal name (or all partners' names), your desired assumed business name, your business address, and the nature of your business. Incomplete forms are a common reason for rejection.
- Get the form notarized. Do not sign it beforehand—a notary must watch you sign. See the notarization section below.
- Submit to your county recorder's office. File in the county where your principal place of business is located. Contact your recorder to confirm whether they accept submissions by mail, in person, or online.
- Pay the filing fee. Indiana Code § 36-2-7-10 sets the base fee at $25, plus $5 for each additional page. Marion County charges $35. Contact your county recorder for the exact amount.
- Keep your stamped copy. You'll need it to open a business bank account or sign contracts under your assumed name.
How to find your Indiana county recorder's office
Indiana has 92 counties, each with its own recorder's office, hours, and submission preferences. The Indiana Recorders Association maintains a directory at indianarecorders.org. Confirm your county's preferred submission method before preparing your documents.
Notarization requirements for Indiana county DBA filings
County DBA filings require notarization. Skipping it will get your filing rejected.
A notary public confirms your identity, watches you sign, and stamps the form to certify the signature is genuine. You can find a notary at most banks, credit unions, libraries, and UPS Store locations. Online notarization is also available in Indiana. Some county recorder offices have notaries on-site who will notarize documents to be recorded at no charge—call ahead to ask.
Indiana DBA costs and processing times
| Filing path | Fee | Processing time | Submission method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State (INBiz) | $20 online; $30 by mail | Most online filings approved within minutes; paper filings take a week or more | Online via INBiz (preferred); paper by mail |
| County Recorder | $25 plus $5 per additional page (IC § 36-2-7-10); some counties charge more (Marion County: $35) | Varies by county; in-person filings often same-day or within a few days | In person or by mail (varies by county) |
Indiana has no publication requirement. Some states add $50–$200 or more in publication costs; Indiana skips that step entirely.
There is no state-level renewal fee. For LLCs and corporations, the DBA filing is a one-time payment. The registration does not expire. County-level requirements may differ; confirm with your recorder.
If you use a filing service, you'll pay that service's fee in addition to the applicable state or county filing fee. With LegalZoom, DBA application filing starts at $99 + filing fees. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost.
How to amend, renew, or dissolve an Indiana DBA
State-registered entities work through INBiz; sole proprietors and general partnerships work through their county recorder.
Amending an Indiana DBA
You may need to update your business information after your initial registration. Use the following steps to amend your Indiana assumed business name based on your original filing method.
- For county recorder filings. Use the Amendment of DBA Form from your county recorder or the Indiana Recorders Association at indianarecorders.org. Like the original registration, the amendment must be notarized. Submit the notarized document to the recorder's office where you originally registered. A fee applies under IC § 36-2-7-10.
- For INBiz filings. Log in to your INBiz account, navigate to your entity's record, locate the assumed name, and re-submit the Certificate of Assumed Business Name form with the updated information. A filing fee may apply.
If the change is significant enough that you want to operate under an entirely new name, it may be simpler to cancel the existing assumed name and file a fresh registration.
Dissolving or canceling an Indiana DBA
If you no longer need your assumed business name, you can dissolve or cancel your registration to keep your records current. The process varies depending on whether you originally filed through your county recorder or the Secretary of State.
- For county recorder filings. File the Dissolution of Doing Business As (DBA) form with the county in which your DBA is registered. The document must be notarized. Find the form at indianarecorders.org or through your county recorder.
- For INBiz filings. Under Indiana Code § 23-0.5-3-4, file a notice of discontinuance of use of the assumed business name with the Secretary of State. Log in to INBiz, locate the assumed name on your entity's record, and follow the cancellation process. There is no filing fee for cancellation.
If you're closing the entity itself, LegalZoom makes it easy to dissolve your business with the state. Starts at $129 + filing fees.
Does an Indiana DBA expire?
Indiana does not impose a universal statewide expiration date on assumed business name registrations. For most filers, the registration stays active until you cancel it.
- Confirm with your county. A quick call can confirm whether your specific county has any periodic filing or review requirement.
- Cancel when you stop using the name. File a Cancellation of Assumed Business Name form to keep public records clean.
- Keep your information current. If your legal name, address, or the nature of your business changes, file an amendment.
DBA vs. LLC in Indiana: what's the difference?
A DBA is a name registration; an LLC is a legal business structure. They serve different purposes and one does not substitute for the other.
| DBA (assumed business name) | LLC (limited liability company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal entity? | No | Yes |
| Personal liability protection? | No | Yes—personal assets are shielded from business debts and lawsuits |
| Affects taxes? | No | Yes—LLCs can choose how they are taxed |
| Cost to form in Indiana | $20–$35 (state or county filing fee) | $95 to file Articles of Organization |
| Ongoing requirements | Minimal | Operating agreement, annual report, and compliance maintenance |
| What it lets you do | Operate and market under a chosen name | Form a separate legal entity, protect assets, choose tax structure |
The liability distinction matters most. If you operate as a sole proprietor with a DBA and someone sues your business, your personal assets—home, savings, car—remain at risk. An LLC creates a legal separation; the LLC's debts and liabilities generally stay with the entity, not with you personally.
Tax treatment is another key difference. With a DBA, business income is reported on the owner's personal tax return. LLCs are pass-through entities by default but can elect S corporation or C corporation taxation, potentially reducing self-employment taxes.
The two aren't mutually exclusive. An Indiana LLC that wants to market under a second name simply registers an assumed business name through INBiz, pairing structural protection with branding flexibility.
If you're weighing whether to form an LLC in Indiana or simply register a DBA, or if you'd like to talk to a business attorney about which structure fits your situation, LegalZoom's formation services and attorney plans are available to help.
Indiana DBA FAQs
Can I use my Indiana DBA to open a business bank account?
Yes. Most banks accept a filed and stamped DBA certificate to open a business bank account in your assumed name. Bring your certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and your EIN (if applicable). Requirements vary by institution, so call ahead.
Does an Indiana DBA affect my taxes?
No. A DBA does not change your tax classification, create a new taxable entity, or require a separate EIN. A sole proprietor with a DBA still reports income on Schedule C; an LLC with a DBA remains taxed under its existing classification.
Can I register more than one DBA in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana law does not limit the number of assumed business names a person or entity can register. Each requires a separate filing and fee.
Do I need a lawyer to file a DBA in Indiana?
No. The filing is straightforward. If you're unsure whether a DBA or a new LLC better fits your situation, or if you operate across multiple counties or states, an attorney can help you avoid a structural mistake. LegalZoom offers unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations about new and unique legal topics or issues.
How much does a DBA cost in Indiana?
State filings through INBiz cost $20 online or $30 by mail. County recorder filings start at $25 under Indiana Code § 36-2-7-10, plus $5 per additional page; some counties charge more (Marion County: $35). Indiana has no publication requirement. If you use a filing service, you'll pay that service's fee on top of the applicable filing fee.
Is a DBA or LLC better?
A DBA is faster and less expensive but offers no liability protection—personal assets remain exposed if your business is sued. An LLC costs more and requires ongoing compliance, but shields personal assets and offers tax flexibility. The two are not mutually exclusive: an LLC can register a DBA to operate under a second name.
How do I obtain a DBA in Indiana?
Sole proprietors and general partnerships complete a notarized certificate and file it with their county recorder's office. LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities file online through INBiz at inbiz.in.gov.
Do sole proprietors need to file a DBA in Indiana?
Yes, if they operate under any name other than their own full legal name. A sole proprietor named Jane Smith who does business as "Bright Path Consulting" must register that assumed name with the county recorder's office where the business operates.
Does an LLC need a DBA in Indiana?
Only if it wants to conduct business under a name other than its registered entity name. If it wants to use a second brand or trade name, it must register that assumed name through INBiz. Learn more about how to add a DBA to an LLC and what the process involves.
'%20/%3e%3c/svg%3e)
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M9.31239%2025.5316H13.0679V14.1032H9.31239V25.5316ZM11.1913%208.46875C9.93945%208.46875%209%209.25086%209%2010.505C9%2011.5995%209.78211%2012.5389%2011.1913%2012.5389C12.6005%2012.5389%2013.3826%2011.5995%2013.3826%2010.505C13.3826%209.4082%2012.6005%208.46875%2011.1913%208.46875ZM27%2018.9577V25.5316H23.2445V19.4275C23.2445%2017.8609%2022.6174%2016.7664%2021.3679%2016.7664C20.2711%2016.7664%2019.644%2017.5463%2019.3316%2018.1756C19.1743%2018.488%2019.1743%2018.8004%2019.1743%2019.1128V25.5316H15.4165V13.9458H19.1743V15.5123C19.644%2014.7302%2020.5835%2013.6357%2022.6174%2013.6357C25.1234%2013.7908%2027%2015.3573%2027%2018.9577Z'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_952_9489'%3e%3crect%20width='18'%20height='18'%20fill='white'%20transform='translate(9%208)'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
