A DBA, or “doing business as,” is a name for your business that’s different from its legal name. The legal name of a business entity—such as an LLC or corporation—is the name written on its formation documents. For a sole proprietorship or general partnership, it's the legal name of its owner(s).
What is a DBA (trade or fictitious name) in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma uses the term "trade name" to refer to a business entity’s DBA and "fictitious name" to refer to a partnership or sole proprietorship's DBA. In either case, you must register the name with the Secretary of State (SoS) to use a DBA in Oklahoma. This ensures transparency about who’s actually operating behind a business name and benefits your company in several ways.
Here are some things you can do with an Oklahoma fictitious name:
- Branch out into other markets without registering a separate entity
- Open a business bank account
- Market your business under this new trade or fictitious name
- Obtain exclusive rights to use that name in Oklahoma
A fictitious name does not allow you to change your tax status.
How to file a DBA in Oklahoma: Step-by-step
All businesses file a trade or fictitious name with the SoS. You can have LegalZoom file for you or complete the application yourself. Here’s what you need to do if you apply on your own.
Step 1: Confirm that the name is available
Oklahoma’s main requirement for business names is distinguishability. The SoS will not register an entity or a DBA if the business name is confusingly similar to any other legal, trade, or fictitious name currently in their records.
The easiest way to check their records is to conduct an Oklahoma business search. The SoS keeps an online database of all registered business names on their website. If the name you had in mind doesn’t appear in the database, it’s likely available.
Step 2: Complete the appropriate application form
Most businesses can file a DBA either online or by mail. Either way, here’s what to include in your report:
- Trade or fictitious name
- Business address
- Business purpose
- Legal name of the business (your legal name, or names, for a sole proprietorship or partnership)
- Entity type (sole proprietorship is considered an unincorporated business)
- State or Oklahoma jurisdiction where you formed your business
- Date and signature
- Contact information
Note: Professional domestic business entities need to file a paper copy by mail.
Step 3: Submit your application and pay the filing fee
If you choose to file online, go to the SoS’ “entity filing” page and click the link that applies to your business. Unregistered business entities (sole proprietorships) file a fictitious name report, while registered business entities file a trade name report. Fill in the required information and pay the $25 filing fee.
To file by mail, fill out a trade name report and send it, along with the $25 filing fee, to the following address:
Oklahoma Secretary Of State
421 NW 13th St, Suite #210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Step 4: Obtain your certificate and keep records
Your approved report serves as proof of your DBA registration and should be kept with your important business records. You'll also need it to open a bank account and enter contracts under the assumed name.
Do I need to publish my DBA in Oklahoma?
No, Oklahoma doesn’t require businesses to have a newspaper publish their DBA, unlike some other states. Once you receive approval, the registration becomes effective immediately.
How to renew, amend, or cancel a DBA in Oklahoma
There’s no expiration date for an Oklahoma DBA, but you can report changes to the SoS.
Amendments
To change information in your DBA registration in Oklahoma, file an amend trade name report with the SoS and pay the $25 filling fee. You can file this report either online through the SoS website or by mail.
Cancelations
To retire your DBA, file a withdrawal of trade name report with the SoS either online or by mail. The filing fee for this form is also $25.
How LegalZoom can help with your Oklahoma DBA
LegalZoom can help you register your Oklahoma DBA online. Here’s what our service includes:
- Name availability search through Oklahoma’s databases to verify that the name you choose is unique and meets state requirements
- Form preparation and filing with the relevant town clerk
- Customizable website to help you market your new brand
- Access to ongoing support for renewals, amendments, and cancellations
LegalZoom also offers adjacent services, such as LLC or corporation formation, registered agent services, and trademark registration. Our expertise in business formation ensures your DBA gets filed efficiently and meets state requirements. If your filing is rejected due to our error, we'll correct it at no additional cost.
FAQs about filing a DBA in Oklahoma
Do I need a DBA if I have an LLC in Oklahoma?
Your LLC only needs a DBA if you want to operate it under a name that’s different from its registered LLC name. For example, "Smith Consulting LLC" might file a DBA for "Business Solutions Group" to market specific services. This allows the LLC to legally conduct business, open bank accounts, and enter contracts under the trade name.
Does a DBA protect my business name in Oklahoma?
A DBA provides limited name protection within Oklahoma by creating a public record of your use of the trade name. However, it does not provide trademark protection or prevent others from using similar names in other states. For stronger protection, consider federal trademark registration.
Can I have multiple DBAs in Oklahoma?
Yes, a business can file multiple DBAs in Oklahoma. Each trade name requires a separate filing and fee. For example, a marketing company might file DBAs for "Creative Designs," "Digital Solutions," and "Brand Builders" to market different service lines.
How long does a DBA last in Oklahoma?
Trade Name Reports filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State do not have expiration dates and remain valid as long as the underlying entity maintains good standing. County-filed Certificates of Fictitious Name typically remain valid as long as the business continues operating under that name in the county.
Can I file a DBA online in Oklahoma?
Yes, most businesses can file trade or fictitious name reports online through the Oklahoma Secretary of State's business filing portal. However, domestic professional entities, such as professional LLCs or professional corporations must file a paper copy.
Does a DBA affect my taxes in Oklahoma?
No, a DBA won’t change how your business files taxes. Sole proprietorships continue to report business income on personal tax returns, while LLCs and corporations maintain their existing tax classifications.
Sam Eichner contributed to this article.
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