When a Colorado company wants to do business under a different name, it must file that secondary name with the state. In the Centennial State, this is called a trade name, also known as a “doing business as” (DBA) or fictitious business name.
Businesses and individuals looking to operate under an alternative name while maintaining compliance with state regulations must understand and comply with Colorado's specific requirements and procedures.
What is a DBA (doing business as) in Colorado?
A DBA is a legal designation that allows businesses to operate under a name different from their officially registered business name or their own legal name. In Colorado, DBAs are referred to as "trade names" and are regulated by the Colorado Secretary of State under Colorado Revised Statutes § 7-71-101 et seq.
For example, if a company that was formed as "Frank's Lawn Service, LLC" wants to start doing business as "Frank & Sons Lawn Service" then the owners need to file a DBA for the second name with the Colorado Secretary of State. This trade name registration allows the business to legally conduct operations, enter contracts, and market services under the new name while maintaining its original legal entity structure.
Colorado's DBA system is centralized at the state level, meaning all trade name registrations must be filed with the Colorado Secretary of State rather than individual county offices. This streamlined approach ensures consistent recordkeeping and makes name searches more efficient for businesses statewide.
Who needs a DBA in Colorado?
Colorado law requires specific types of businesses and other entities to register a DBA under certain circumstances.
Sole proprietors and general partnerships
If a sole proprietor or general partnership chooses to operate under a name other than their personal legal name or partner names, they must file for a DBA with the Colorado Secretary of State. For instance, if Devin Jones wants to operate a consulting business as "Mountain Peak Consulting," he must register this as a trade name.
Corporations and LLCs
If a corporation or an LLC plans to operate a business using a name other than the parent company's registered name, a DBA must be filed. This applies when the alternative name differs from the original entity name or when operating multiple business lines under different brands.
Under Colorado law, any for-profit business that wants to operate with a different name must file a trade name. Nonprofits are the only exception; they aren’t required to file a trade name if using a name other than their registered name.
Estates and trusts
Estates and trusts must also file for a DBA with the state if conducting activities under an assumed name.
Additional legal requirements
A DBA must be filed in order to:
- Open a business bank account using the trade name
- Sign contracts under the alternative business name
- Accept payments in the trade name
How to file a DBA in Colorado
Step 1: Search the business name for availability
Before filing, confirm that the name isn’t already taken by performing a Colorado business name search. You can find out if another entity or individual is registered under or using the name by searching the Secretary of State’s records database.
Enter your desired name and check all three of the following boxes: “business name,” “trade name,” and “trademark.” This will produce results for all registered and trademarked names in the state as well as their statuses (e.g., good standing, expired, withdrawn, etc.), helping you ensure that your proposed name doesn't conflict with existing registrations.
It’s also a good idea to conduct a federal trademark search on the US Patent and Trademark Office’s website, or by using LegalZoom’s free trademark search tool:
Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your trade name:
- Only include corporate designators like "Corporation," "Corp.," "Incorporated," "Inc.," "Limited Liability Company," or "LLC" if your business is actually that type of entity.
- Don’t file a trade name that is too similar to an existing registered business name.
- Avoid a name that could mislead the public about the nature of the business.
Step 2: Find the correct form for your business type
Now it’s time to complete the appropriate DBA filing form, which varies depending on the entity type. The Colorado Secretary of State website provides a list of business forms according to type:
- Dissolved or delinquent reporting entity, a non-reporting domestic limited partnership, or a converted entity
- Individual (e.g., sole proprietor)
- Non-reporting entity (e.g., general partnership)
- Estate, trust, state, or other jurisdiction
- Reporting entity (e.g., LLC, C corporation)
Once you see your business type, navigate to the right side of the web page to find the correct link to the online filing, instructions for filling out the statement, and a PDF version of the statement for reference.
Step 3: Complete your statement online with the Secretary of State
Colorado offers online filing through the Secretary of State's website. You must provide the following information for your registration:
- Legal name of the individual (for sole proprietors)
- Business ID, entity form, or jurisdiction (for reporting and non-reporting entities)
- Principal office address and mailing address
- Proposed trade name
- Brief description of the nature of the business
- Filer’s information
- Email address for correspondence
- Signature of authorized representative
Step 4: Submit your Statement of Trade Name and pay the required filing fee
Submit the required filing fee of $20 along with your application. Payment can typically be made online via credit card or electronic check when filing through the Secretary of State's online system.
Once processed and approved, you'll receive confirmation from the Colorado Secretary of State.
What should I do after I file a DBA in Colorado?
Filing a DBA allows you to operate under a different name, but there are other steps to take to make sure your name is up-to-date everywhere it needs to be. Below are your next steps after getting a Colorado trade name for your business.
Open a business bank account
Once your DBA is approved, you can open a business bank account using your trade name. Your bank may require the following:
- A copy of your filed trade name certificate from the Colorado Secretary of State
- Documentation that proves the existence of the business, such as a federal employer identification number, Social Security number, certificate of good standing, or business formation paperwork
- An operating agreement
- Personal identification
- Business license (if necessary for your business type)
- Initial deposit as required by the bank
Update business licenses and permits
If your business requires specific licenses or permits in Colorado, you may need to update these registrations to reflect your DBA:
- Professional licenses through relevant Colorado state boards
- Local business licenses with city or county authorities
- Industry-specific permits or certifications
- Sales tax licenses with the Colorado Department of Revenue
Update tax registrations and business documentation
A trade name will not change the way your business is taxed. A DBA is simply an additional name under which your existing business entity operates, so your tax structure, reporting requirements, and obligations remain the same as your underlying business entity (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.).
However, you should inform your tax preparer about the DBA and ensure that any business conducted under the trade name is properly reported on your tax returns. If you have employees or contractors working under the DBA name, make sure your payroll and 1099 reporting reflects the appropriate business name usage.
Notify relevant tax authorities and business partners about your DBA:
- Update your Colorado state tax registrations if applicable.
- Inform the IRS if you'll be conducting business under the trade name.
- Update vendor accounts, business credit profiles, contracts, and service agreements.
- Modify contracts and agreements to reflect the DBA usage.
Refresh branding and marketing materials
Ensure that all business communications reflect your new trade name. This could include your website, business cards, email signatures, and social profiles.
Where do I file a DBA in Colorado—state or county?
Colorado operates a centralized system where all DBA registrations must be filed with the Colorado Secretary of State. There is no county-level filing requirement for trade names in Colorado.
This state-level system offers several advantages:
- Centralized recordkeeping and easier name searches
- Consistent filing procedures across all Colorado counties
- Online filing capabilities through a single state portal
- Uniform fee structure statewide
All DBA filings, regardless of where your business operates within Colorado, must be submitted via the Colorado Secretary of State's online filing system.
How much does it cost to file a DBA in Colorado?
The state filing fee for a Colorado trade name is $20, but make sure you consider other potential costs that may arise after your DBA is processed:
- Business license updates if required by your industry or municipality
- Banking fees for opening accounts under the new trade name
- Marketing materials, signage, and website updates to reflect your new DBA
How long does a DBA last in Colorado, and how do I renew?
Get the details about expiration dates and renewal processes for your Colorado trade name.
Initial term and expiration
In Colorado, DBA expiration dates vary by entity type:
- Reporting entities, such as corporations and LLCs, do not have a DBA expiration date. Their trade name lasts as long as the business is in good standing or in non-compliant status.
- Non-reporting entities and individuals have a DBA expiration date of one year (specifically, on the first day following the anniversary month of the original filing).
Renewal process and deadlines
To maintain your DBA registration in Colorado:
- Find your business trade name record online.
- File a Statement of Trade Name Renewal online with the Secretary of State before the expiration date.
- Update any changed information about your business or contact details.
- Pay the required renewal fee of $5.
The Colorado Secretary of State typically sends renewal notices to the email address on file, but it's the business owner's responsibility to track renewal deadlines and submit timely renewals.
What happens if your DBA expires
If you fail to renew your DBA before the expiration date, your trade name registration becomes available for other businesses to register. To continue using the DBA name, you’ll need to submit a new Statement of Trade Name with the Colorado Secretary of State.
LegalZoom can help you register a Colorado DBA
Ensure that your DBA filing is completed correctly and efficiently with LegalZoom’s DBA registration services. Our experienced team can guide you through Colorado's specific requirements, help you conduct a name search, prepare your DBA filing, and even get you set up with a customizable website to reflect your new trade name.
FAQs about DBAs in Colorado
Can I file multiple DBAs for one business in Colorado?
Yes, a single business entity can file multiple DBA registrations in Colorado. Each trade name requires a separate filing and fee.
Do I need to publish my DBA in a newspaper in Colorado?
No, Colorado does not require newspaper publication for DBA filings, unlike some other states.
Can I transfer my DBA to another person or business?
No, you can’t transfer your DBA to another person or business. The same trade name can be used at the same time in Colorado.
What happens if someone else is using my desired DBA name?
If another business has already registered your desired trade name, you can still use that name—unless it’s also the registered name of a legal business entity in Colorado. Trade names in Colorado don’t have to be unique from one another, so the same name can be used by multiple businesses at the same time.
However, keep in mind that using the same trade name as another business may create branding and marketing challenges.
Can I use my DBA in other states?
A Colorado DBA registration only permits usage within Colorado. If you plan to operate with that DBA in other states, you'll need to check each state's requirements and file separate registrations.
Do I need an attorney to file a DBA in Colorado?
While not required, consulting with an attorney can be helpful, especially if you have questions about naming restrictions, trademark issues, or how a DBA fits into your overall business strategy.
Sam Eichner contributed to this article.
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