File a DBA in Oklahoma

Find out more about how your business can use a different name (known as ‘doing business as’ or DBA), including details on when you need to file for a DBA, how to find and complete the paperwork in Oklahoma, and more.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in oklahoma

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Updated on: November 27, 2023
Read time: 2 min

What is a DBA?

When a business wants to operate under a different name (known as a trade name), that business may need to file to "do business as" (DBA). Filing for a DBA allows the company to register its secondary name with the state and makes the name a fully legal name for operating purposes.

When you need a DBA

A business is not required to register a DBA in Oklahoma. However, doing so will secure the business' exclusive right to use a name within the state. This is important not only for business purposes relating to dispelling any potential consumer confusion but is also a concern as it pertains to legal liability. Whether it be allegations of deceptive or fraudulent practices or trademark infringement, the risk of these issues can be reduced by filing for a DBA formally.

Furthermore, engaging in transactions and opening bank accounts may require the filing of a DBA. In fact, sole proprietors are usually required to obtain a Certificate of Fictitious Name from the local county clerk's office, which identifies the sole owner of the business.

Setting up a DBA in Oklahoma

Obtaining a DBA starts with searching the state business name database to determine if the name you want is available. You can go here to conduct the relevant search. Bear in mind that certain names should be avoided whenever possible, such as names that are already taken, names that deceptively or fraudulently represent the business' overall purpose, and names that misrepresent the entity structure itself, e.g., that incorporate "Inc." when the business is not actually a corporation.

Furthermore, names usually cannot be obtained for something illegal, e.g., "John's Illegal Drug Emporium," or for names that represent the entity as a quasi-governmental or governmental organization.

Oklahoma DBA forms

Oklahoma DBA filers can download a Trade Name Report form. Sole proprietorships that wish to open a bank account using a Certificate of Fictitious Name should visit their local county clerk's office. Foreign entities (companies formed in a state other than Oklahoma) will need to use a separate form.

Oklahoma DBA filing & registration

Filers for a foreign entity that requires a DBA must provide the name of the entity as it originally existed, the country or state where the corporation was originally organized, and the fictitious name to be registered.

Domestic entities (companies formed in Oklahoma) must provide the proposed trade name of the entity, the address where business is carried on under the trade name, a brief description of the business the entity conducts, the original "legal" name of the entity, the entity type, and the jurisdiction where it was formed.

Tax considerations

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

If you want to file a DBA, LegalZoom can help you. We can prepare and file the paperwork, search for available business names, and get you in touch with a business attorney to answer specific questions about your company.

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.

28 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
67 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
76 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
120 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
205 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
209 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 on23,860+ reviewson

Showing our favorite reviews

Contents

Updated on: November 27, 2023
Read time: 2 min


What's your DBA name?Register my DBA
Twitter logoFacebook logoLinkedIn logoReddit logo

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.

28 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

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
67 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

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
76 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

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
120 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

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
205 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

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
209 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

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 on23,860+ reviewson

Showing our favorite reviews