How to Register a Trade Name in Colorado
Companies of all kinds can use trade names for branding purposes. A trade name is a business name used in marketing or when transacting business with the public. Some states call a trade name a "DBA name," "assumed name" or "fictitious business name." Colorado provides registration of trade names at the state level. Businesses or sole proprietors should pick a trade name and register it with the Colorado Secretary of State.
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Instructions
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Access the "Advanced Search" page of the Colorado business search engine for Colorado business names (See References). Check the "Trade name" option and enter the name you would like to use. Do not do an "Exact match" search. You want to see search results with names similar to the one you want to use. Using this method allows you to pick a distinct Colorado trade name. Click on the "Search" button. Choose a name only if it is not currently registered by another business.
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Decide how to pay for registering your trade name. As of April 2010, Colorado allows registration of trade names only online. You can pay by a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card or debit card. If you would like to pay by check, you need to fill out a "Prepaid Account Application." (See References). Make out a check of at least $25 to the Colorado Secretary of State. As of 2010, the fee for registering a trade name is $20. Thus, the minimum prepaid amount is sufficient for getting a trade name in Colorado. Use the following contact information to mail in the application and check:
Colorado Secretary of State
1700 Broadway, Suite 250
Denver, CO 80290
303-894-2200
sos.state.co.us -
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Access the online "Statement of Trade Name" form (See References). You must select the entity type that applies to your business. Make sure you use the correct form. If you have an existing record of a corporation or other business registered with the Colorado Secretary of State, choosing the correct form will ensure that all your existing records are updated to reflect the new trade name.
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Fill out the "Statement of Trade Name." The system will ask for your credit card, debit card or prepaid account number. You will receive a prepaid account number for online payments if you filed a "Prepaid Account Application." Your new trade name will be registered once you complete the online application and pay the fee.
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Tips & Warnings
Sole proprietorships, general partnerships and other entities that do not have to register and report to the Colorado Secretary of State must renew their trade names on an annual basis. You will receive a notice with renewal instructions. As of 2010, the annual renewal is only $1. Corporations and other entities that must register the business with the Secretary of State do not have to renew. These trade names remain valid as long as the entity still exists.
Registered nonprofit corporations have an exemption from registering Colorado trade names. These corporations may use any trade name for business without submitting a "Statement of Trade Name."
Colorado requires registration of a "Statement of Trade Name" if doing business under a particular name. You may have to pay a monetary fine or even receive an order to cease doing business. In addition, you cannot collect debts as part of a lawsuit if you fail to register a trade name before using that name for business.
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