File a DBA in Arkansas

Ready to file a DBA in Arkansas but unsure how to get started? Find out how to get started with filing a DBA in this easy-to-follow explanation.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in arkansas

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Updated on: June 12, 2025
Read time: 2 min

What is a DBA?

A DBA is a fictitious name, i.e., a name other than the name under which the business entity is formally organized. In Arkansas, DBAs are required under a variety of circumstances.

When you need a DBA

You always need a DBA to use a fictitious business name in Arkansas. This means that a corporation that wants to do business under a different name than the one it was formed under, for example, if "John Doe Plumbing, LLC" wants to do business as "Perfect Plumbing Company," then they’d need to file a DBA for the different name.

Setting up a DBA in Arkansas

The DBA filing process begins with a name search to determine whether or not the name a company wants to use is, in fact, available. That search can be conducted using Arkansas' Business Entity Search. Registration of a DBA or business name effectively prevents others from using that name, so the use of a name that is already taken can lead to a lawsuit brought against the later-adopting entity. Furthermore, should a business attempt to use a DBA name that is not registered within Arkansas, the state is technically able to bring fraud charges against the unregistered business.

Arkansas DBA forms

A number of forms needed to file a DBA registration can be found on the Arkansas Secretary of State website. Filers should be mindful that while the fees are the same, the forms for domestic and foreign filers are different; a domestic filer should use the DN-18 form, whereas a foreign filer should use the F-18 form. The fees are slightly lower for the filing of an online application as opposed to a paper application and are subject to change at any time.

Arkansas DBA filing & registration

Paperwork for a DBA can be filed online. Filers will need to provide:

  • The fictitious DBA name
  • The character or purpose of the business being conducted
  • The name of the domestic entity and its date of qualification in either Arkansas or the state of formation
  • The address of its principal place of business

The DBA filing will expire every five years, and it is the responsibility of the filer to make sure that this DBA designation remains up to date on the records of the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Tax considerations

While a DBA filing will affect the entity's ability to operate a business under a certain name, it does not have tax implications in Arkansas. 

LegalZoom can help you file a DBA online in three easy steps. LegalZoom also offers other business services, such as forming an LLC or corporation, finding a registered agent, and trademarking your business logo.

What's your DBA name?Register my DBA
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

29 days ago
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10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

Kate
68 days ago
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Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

karl anderson
77 days ago
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KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

Tenika Ashley
121 days ago
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Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

Clinton Goodrich
206 days ago
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Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

Kevin McCarthy
210 days ago
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Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

Juan Ferrer
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,901+ reviewson

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