How to Add a Trade Name to an LLC

A business owner may decide to add a trade name to an LLC for many reasons. He may desire to start a new line of products or services under the umbrella of his LLC. Perhaps he no longer wants to use the LLC name on public correspondence. In some states, the business owner cannot just informally pick a name and start using it. There is an exact protocol that must be followed. The good news is that adding a trade name is simple, especially compared to the formation of an LLC.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• Filing fee
• Proof of publication

Instructions

1. Perform a "Name Search" to ensure that the trade name you want to use is not already in use by another entity. In many cases, you can perform a name search on the county clerk's website for your county. You can also visit the county clerk's office in person.

   In some states, trade names are added through the Secretary of State's office, instead of the county clerk. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a chart with the filing requirements for "Doing Business As" trade names, which will help you determine which office is responsible for handling trade names in your county. (See Resources.)

2. Complete a "Fictitious Name" or "DBA" form. Include the business owner's name, the name of the LLC, the business address and the fictitious or DBA name.

3. Pay the required processing fee. The exact fee will vary by location, but the fees generally range from $10 to $100.

4. Publish your new trade name in a local "general circulation" newspaper, if your county requires that you do so. This generally must be done within 30 to 45 days of filing for a trade name, but the exact time frame will vary by county. To determine whether your trade name must be published, contact your county clerk's office.

5. Obtain proof from the newspaper that your trade name has been published. Present the proof of publication to the county clerk's office.

References

• U.S. Small Business Administration: Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name
• Orange County Government: Fictitious Business Name Statement
• Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: Fictitious Business Names
• Nebraska Department of Economic Development: Nebraska Trade Name Registration

Resources

• U.S. Small Business Administration: Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name