File a DBA in Arizona

What is an Arizona DBA? 

When a company in Arizona wants to do business under a different name, it files that secondary name with the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division. In Arizona, this is called a trade name but is commonly called a DBA (doing business as) or a fictitious business name in other states. 

A DBA, or trade name, allows you to operate under a name that is different from the one you legally registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission. (In this article, we’ll use “trade name” and “DBA” interchangeably.) 

Who needs to file a DBA in Arizona? 

In Arizona, like most states, a DBA is an acceptable business practice, not something that is required. Businesses are free to conduct business under their registered name or an approved trade name. However, there are some entity types and scenarios that might necessitate getting a trade name in Arizona: 

• You are a sole proprietor. Sole proprietors, who aren’t required to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission, operate under their own name. For those who are concerned about privacy or simply want to use a more branded, memorable business name, a DBA name is a great option.
• Your sole proprietorship or partnership name is registered as your legal name. Similar to a sole proprietorship, LLCs and partnerships sometimes include an owner’s or member’s name in the official registered name. Getting and operating under a DBA name can protect your identity in these cases. 
• You’re rebranding or expanding your services. Businesses grow and expand to meet customer needs, and that often involves new or different products or services. If your registered name is too specific to accommodate your expanding business (like Jenna’s Jewelry), you can file a DBA name that can be used for the new line of business (like Jenna’s Home Decor). 

Just remember that a trade name in Arizona doesn’t provide any business liability protections, as it's not a separate legal entity. So, make sure that your company is officially registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission if required for your entity structure.

The benefits of having an Arizona DBA

While Arizona does not require the registration of a trade name, filing for a trade name can be beneficial. 

For one, registering a trade name allows your company to secure a name that is easier for branding and marketing purposes. Perhaps when you filed your registration documents with the Arizona Corporation Commission, you had to choose a long or wordy legal name so that it was distinguishable from others that were registered in Arizona at the time. With a DBA name, you can use a simpler name that is more memorable for customers—without having to register another business entity.

Registering a DBA in Arizona also provides an added layer of credibility to some entity structures, like sole proprietorships or partnerships, that may conduct business under the owners’ or members’ legal names. These business owners may find that customers trust a company with a branded business name over one that simply reflects an individual’s name. 

Finally, banks may require sole proprietors and entities that are registered under the owner’s name to provide a DBA certificate or proof of DBA registration to open a business bank account. For example, Bank of America may ask for DBA documentation in certain situations. Using a business bank account instead of a personal bank account can help to further separate business and personal finances.

Arizona DBA requirements

There are no restrictions on what types of businesses can file a DBA in Arizona—this option is available to any business entity operating in the state. But there are a few potential requirements to keep in mind, depending on the entity structure.

• Foreign business entities: If a foreign business entity is registering with the Arizona Corporation Commission, but its name is already in use in the state, it must file a DBA name to be able to register the business and operate in Arizona. For example, Arizona Revised Statute 29-804 provides trade name guidelines for foreign LLCs. 
• Partnerships: According to Arizona Revised Statute 29-102, many Arizona partnerships operating under a fictitious name are required to record a certificate of their DBA with the county recorder where their business is located. Arizona law provides exceptions to this requirement in Revised Statute 29-103.

The state does institute naming restrictions, even with “doing business as” Arizona trade names. For example, businesses can’t include entity designations in their DBA, such as LLC, Corp., Inc., or Ltd., and names noting any affiliation with the government or financial institutions risk being rejected.

How to file an Arizona DBA

Now that you understand the benefits and potential requirements of having a trade name, learn the process for how to get a DBA in Arizona. 

Choose a trade name

Your business name is one of the most important branding tools, so you’ll want to ensure that your DBA Arizona name reflects your business offerings, meets customer needs, and aligns with your industry. 

Not sure where to start? Use our free, AI-powered business name generator for naming inspiration.

Search for registered trade names

Even if you came up with the perfect DBA name, you’ll only be able to use it if it’s not already registered by another company in Arizona. In order to determine whether a particular trade name is available, you’ll conduct an Arizona business name search through the state's database of entity names currently in use. Once you type in your desired name, the database will either automatically tell you that the name is available, or it will show a list of similar names already in use and whether they are official business names, trade names, or trademarks. 

If the name is available, you can go ahead and submit a trade name application.

Remember that trade names must be distinguishable from other trade names registered and in use. The Arizona Trade Name and Trademark Handbook, published by the Secretary of State’s office, provides detailed guidelines on Arizona DBA name restrictions, including what is permissible and what to avoid when creating a trade name.

Fill out and submit the application

Now it’s time to prepare your trade name application, which can be done online, submitted by mail, or completed in person at either the Phoenix office (State Capitol Executive Tower) or the Tucson office (Arizona State Complex Building).

Here’s the information that you’ll need to fill out the application: 

• Proposed trade name
• Your email address
• Entity type and the owner’s name 
• Business address, mailing address, and business phone number
• Date of first use of the trade name in Arizona
• A brief description of the nature of the business

If the filer is not an owner or member of the business, they may need to upload a letter of consent stating that they are authorized to file a DBA and sign on behalf of the owner. 

Once all of the details are provided and the required prompts completed, you can submit your application.

Wait for your trade name certificate

Upon submission, your application will either be automatically approved or need to be reviewed further by the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division. If it’s approved, you’ll pay the $10 DBA filing cost and then receive your trade name certificate by email. 

If your application needs further review, this could take several weeks. The Secretary of State’s office will either approve the application, request payment by email, then email the certificate, or it will deny the application and send an email with the reasons for the rejection.

Record your certificate with the county recorder if necessary

Arizona counties do not require that businesses record their trade name certificates with the county recorder’s office. However, you might need to take this step (1) if you have a partnership or (2) if you want to open a DBA bank account and the bank asks you to record the DBA certificate where your business is located. Contact your local county recorder to learn more about this process.

How much does an Arizona trade name cost? 

All Arizona trade name applications have a filing fee of $10. If your application needs to undergo the review process, you can expedite the service for a $25 filing fee.

Essential resources for registering an Arizona DBA 

Get the resources you need to register a trade name or learn more about the process:

• Arizona Secretary of State. The Trade Names and Trademarks section of the Secretary of State’s website offers basic information about getting a DBA in Arizona, payment information, and filing tips.
• Arizona Trade Name and Trademark Handbook. This guide provides a detailed review of the trade name and trademark process, requirements, and need-to-know tips. 
• Arizona Entity Name Search. The Arizona Corporation Commission provides this easy-to-use business name search portal. Use this database to determine if your desired trade name is available.
• Online Trade Name/Trademark Program. On this Arizona Secretary of State portal, find the appropriate trade name application, whether a registration application, renewal, assignment, or cancellation.

Why you should get a DBA name with LegalZoom 

Navigating the DBA process can be complex, but with LegalZoom's DBA registration service, getting a trade name is a breeze. Whether you’re rebranding, expanding your services, or desire privacy for your personal name, you can rely on fast, reliable, and trusted support to get a memorable DBA for your Arizona business.

FAQs

How long does it take to register a DBA in Arizona? 

Registering a DBA in Arizona can take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks, depending on if your application requires further review by the Arizona Secretary of State’s Business Services Division. If it does require review, it may take up to four weeks to register your fictitious name; expedited reviews take two to three days. 

Do you need to renew an AZ DBA? 

Arizona DBAs expire after five years, so at that time, businesses will need to go through the renewal process and pay the $10 filing fee. The Secretary of State’s Business Services Division typically sends trade name renewal notices to the business address on file before the expiration date. 

Can you trademark a DBA name in Arizona? 

Yes, you can trademark a DBA in Arizona by submitting a trademark application. If your trademark is approved, that means that no other Arizona business can use your trade name or logo in the state. For broader legal protections, you can also apply for a federal trademark through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or LegalZoom can help simplify the trademark process.

Does registering a DBA in Arizona change your taxes?  

Getting a DBA in Arizona does not have tax implications. Rather, the manner in which an entity is formed and the relevant state and federal tax laws are responsible for the tax status and treatment of a given entity, regardless of the trade name under which the entity is operating.

What is the difference between a DBA and an LLC? 

A limited liability company (LLC) is a legal business structure, while a DBA is a trade name (also known as a fictitious business name) that companies can register to operate under. For example, someone might register their business as an Arizona LLC, then later decide to file a DBA as a secondary name that their LLC can operate under. Learn more about the differences between an LLC and a DBA.

Sam Eichner contributed to this article