File a DBA in South Dakota

Some states require a 'doing business as' form to be filed before allowing a company to do business under a different name. Find out how to form a DBA and why it matters.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in south dakota

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Updated on: July 8, 2025
Read time: 2 min

What is a DBA?

If a business wants to operate with a name that is different from the name used to form the business, it must register the new name (called a trade name). This is often called filing for a DBA, or doing business as. For example, if “ABC Company LLC” wants to do business as “Best Dry Cleaners in Town,” then the owners have to file a DBA.

A business owner sits at a table and fills out forms online for her new DBA in South Dakota.

When you need a DBA

South Dakota law requires all businesses file a DBA when using a different business name. Sole proprietorships that want to use a name other than the owner’s surname must file a DBA as well.

Besides being required by law, there are other reasons to get a DBA. It can help you open a bank account in the trade name, assist in filing for a federal trademark, and allows you to receive payments and perform transactions under the trade name.

Setting up a DBA in South Dakota

Filing a DBA begins with a search to determine availability of the name you’d like to use. Check out the South Dakota Secretary of State website to conduct a search.

South Dakota DBA forms

The filing process for a South Dakota DBA can be completed by LegalZoom. We can also help you file amendments and renewals of the business' DBA designation.

South Dakota DBA filing and registration

Filing information for a DBA will vary depending upon the type of entity you choose. The paperwork typically requires the name of the business, the desired trade name, the business address, the type of business the company engages in, and details about who is filing the paperwork.

Tax considerations

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

Ready to file a DBA in South Dakota? LegalZoom can help you get started with filing the paperwork for your DBA. We can also get you in touch with a business attorney or tax professional to help you make specific decisions about your business.

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.

30 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
69 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
78 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
122 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
207 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
211 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 on23,944+ reviewson

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