File a DBA in Louisiana

This secondary name doesn’t replace the original name but acts as an additional, legal name for the business. This name is known by several terms such as trade name, fictitious business name and assumed name. The process for filing this name is often called filing for DBA registration, or doing business as.

For example, if the corporation “Ghost Tours Inc.” wants to do business as “Spooky Sightseeing,” then the owners have to file a DBA. 

When you need a DBA

Under Louisiana law, the owner of a sole proprietorship does not have to register an assumed name if the owner wants to do business under a different name. However, most other business entities, including corporations, non-profits, limited liability companies, and partnerships, are required to register their DBA with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Setting up a DBA in Louisiana

The first step is choosing an appropriate assumed name for the DBA. You’ll have to search the names already registered by using the Louisiana Business Filings database. A name that is already registered can’t usually be used as an assumed name. Furthermore, state law places other restrictions on assumed business:

• The assumed name must be expressed in English letters or characters
• The assumed name may not imply that the business is an administrative agency of any parish, or of the State of Louisiana, or of the United States
• Assumed names cannot deceptively or falsely suggest that the business is a corporate entity and cannot contain words that are required by law to be included in a corporate name, such as “corporation,” “Inc.” or similar.
• Assumed names may not contain the name of any public park, playground, or other public facility without written consent of the relevant governing authority.

Once you’ve chosen an assumed name, you’ll use the Application to Register Trade Name, Trademark or Service Mark from the Louisiana Secretary of State website.

Other forms relating to renewal of the DBA designation and the dissolution or abandonment of the DBA designation can also be found on the Louisiana Secretary of State website, as well as filing instructions and fee information.

Before you can file this form, you have to publish notice of your DBA filing. This means that you’ll have to run a notice in a parish newspaper telling the community about your DBA filing. This notice must run once a week for three successive weeks. Contact the Clerk of Court for your parish to get details about this requirement, such as which paper to use, how much it costs, etc.

This form must be filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State and with the Office of the Clerk of Court for the parish where the business has its principal place of business. If the business is “foreign,” i.e., located outside the state of Louisiana, then filing with the Clerk of Court of any parish in Louisiana will suffice. Your form must include a description of the names to be used, as well as any marks or devices to be used.

Tax considerations

Getting a trade name registered by filing a DBA doesn’t change how your company is taxed.

Filing a Louisiana DBA FAQs

What is a DBA and do I need one in Louisiana?

A DBA (called a "trade name" in Louisiana) lets your business operate under a different name than your official legal name. In Louisiana, you must file a DBA if you're a corporation, LLC, partnership, or nonprofit using a name that's different from your registered business name. Sole proprietors don't have to file one, but many choose to because it helps with opening business bank accounts and looks more professional to customers. For example, for a sole proprietor named John Davis who wants to run a landscaping business as "Crescent City Lawn Care," filing a DBA makes it official and legitimate.

How much does it cost to file a DBA in Louisiana?

Filing a DBA in Louisiana costs $75 to the Secretary of State, but that's not your only expense. You also have to pay for newspaper publication, which typically costs between $200–$500 depending on your parish (county) and the newspaper you choose. The newspaper publication is required by law—you must run a notice once a week for three straight weeks in a newspaper in your parish. You'll also need to file a copy with your parish Clerk of Court, which may have a small fee. Overall, expect to spend around $300–$600 total to complete the entire DBA process in Louisiana.

What are the rules for choosing a DBA name in Louisiana?

Your DBA name must comply with all Louisiana requirements:

• Cannot be registered already (check via the Louisiana Business Filings database)
• Must be expressed in English letters or characters
• May not imply that the business is an administrative agency of any parish, or of the State of Louisiana, or of the United States
• Cannot deceptively or falsely suggest that the business is a corporate entity and cannot contain words that are required by law to be included in a corporate name, such as “corporation,” “Inc.” or similar.
• May not contain the name of any public park, playground, or other public facility without written consent of the relevant governing authority.

What is the step-by-step process to file a DBA in Louisiana?

Filing a DBA in Louisiana involves four main steps that must be done in order. 

1. Search for and choose an available name. 
2. Fill out the "Application to Register Trade Name, Trademark or Service Mark" form with your business information, the DBA name you want, and details about what your business does. This form must be notarized before you submit it. 
3. Publish a notice in a newspaper in your parish once a week for three consecutive weeks. The newspaper will give you proof of publication when this is complete. 
4. File your completed application along with the proof of publication with both the Louisiana Secretary of State (online or by mail) and your parish Clerk of Court. You pay the $75 fee to the Secretary of State at this time.

How long does a Louisiana DBA last and do I need to renew it?

A DBA in Louisiana lasts for 10 years from the date you file it. To renew your DBA, you need to go through the same process: fill out the application form, publish in a newspaper for three weeks, and pay the $75 fee. You should start the renewal process a few months before your DBA expires to make sure there's no gap in your registration, which requires you to stop using that business name until you file a new application. This could disrupt your business operations and confuse your customers, so it's important to keep track of your renewal date.

Does filing a DBA change how my business pays taxes?

No, filing a DBA does not change how your business pays taxes at all. A DBA is just a name registration - it doesn't create a new business entity or change your tax status in any way.

What's the difference between filing a DBA and forming an LLC in Louisiana?

A DBA and an LLC are completely different things that serve different purposes. A DBA is just a name registration that lets you operate under a different name, while an LLC is a separate legal business structure that protects your personal assets. Cost-wise, a DBA costs around $300–$600 and lasts 10 years. An LLC costs about $100 to start plus $30 every year filing annual reports. If you're just doing a small side business or want to rebrand temporarily, a DBA might be enough. But if you're starting a serious business with liability risks, an LLC offers much better protection.