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If you’re curious about the process of securing a DBA in Oklahoma and why it’s valuable, you’re in the right place.
A DBA (Doing Business As) lets you operate under a different business name for marketing, sales, and legal purposes. Depending on where you are, it’s sometimes called a fictitious name, assumed name, or trade name.
However, remember that a DBA doesn’t form a formal business structure like a Limited Liability Company (LLC), so it doesn’t offer the same advantages. Many entrepreneurs find registering an LLC in Oklahoma more beneficial because of the tax incentives and legal protections available.
What Is an Oklahoma DBA?
To operate under a name other than their legal business name, every business must have a DBA (Doing Business As). Whether you’re a sole proprietor working from your garage or a large corporation, DBAs can be used by many businesses.
A DBA allows businesses to use an alternative name for various purposes, similar to how they would use their legal business name.
- Establish websites and social media profiles
- Promote through billboards, print media, radio, television, etc
- Interact with customers through business cards, company letterheads, etc
- Initiate a business bank account
- Implement a point-of-sale system
- Remit payments to vendors
- Franchise businesses commonly employ DBAs
Remember that your DBA is simply a title for your business and not an actual entity. This implies that you will still file taxes under your legal business name and using your existing EIN (or SSN if you’re a sole proprietor).
Why Register an Oklahoma DBA?
Using a DBA, or “Doing Business As,” isn’t just a matter of following the law in Oklahoma. According to Oklahoma’s 18 OK Stat § 18-1140, it’s a legal requirement for businesses to register any name that differs from their official legal name with the state. However, there are additional reasons why business owners opt for DBAs besides compliance with state regulations. Let’s explore some of these motivations below.
You’re an Oklahoma Sole Proprietor
Sole proprietors are independent business owners who are not required to undergo formal registration with the state. From a legal perspective, they and their businesses are considered one entity. Their full name is the official business name (e.g., Conner Jenkins).
Although there’s no issue with conducting business under one’s personal name, adopting a professional business name might attract more customers. For example, if you work as a plumber, it may be beneficial to use a “Doing Business As” (DBA) designation such as “Big Time Plumbing” instead of solely relying on your individual name.
Use a Different Business Name
DBAs can be used by more than just sole proprietors. LLCs and corporations also have the option to operate under a different business name through the use of DBAs. This is particularly useful when an LLC or corporation’s legally registered business name no longer accurately reflects the services or products they offer.
In such cases, obtaining a DBA allows them to acquire a new name without having to go through the process of registering an entirely new business and incurring expenses associated with amending their existing name on state paperwork.
Expand or Change a Brand
If you’re looking to expand or rebrand your business, obtaining a DBA (Doing Business As) may be the most suitable step to take. For instance, let’s assume that you currently own a clothing brand and wish to venture into the basketball shoe market.
By acquiring a DBA, this expansion can be effortlessly executed. Instead of establishing an entirely new business for your shoe line, you can simply register a DBA. This will enable you to operate two separate businesses with distinct names and brands while only incurring the minimal cost of registering an Oklahoma DBA.
Use a Domain Name as a Business Name
The necessity of obtaining a DBA (Doing Business As) for your domain name hinges on its usage. A DBA is unnecessary if your domain name merely serves as an address for your company’s website. However, if you employ your domain name as a business identifier (such as when customers make payments addressed to the domain), registration of a DBA becomes imperative.
Do I Need a DBA in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, there’s no legal requirement for Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships, Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Limited Partnerships (LPs), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), or out-of-state companies that regularly conduct business in Oklahoma under a name different from their legal name to file a DBA with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
However, opting to file a DBA in Oklahoma can offer several advantages. It simplifies banking procedures within the state. It allows you to secure your desired business name before any competitors do.
It protects against potential trademark infringement issues. By filing a DBA in Oklahoma voluntarily, you can enhance your business operations and safeguard your brand identity.
Why Hire a Professional Service to File a DBA in Oklahoma?
For registering a “Doing Business As” (DBA) in Oklahoma, there are several crucial steps that need to be followed to ensure a smooth and successful process. Handle these steps correctly, as any mismanagement can lead to the rejection of your application or even more serious consequences.
The state authorities in Oklahoma have the power to impose fines or shut down your business if you misuse a name within legal or business contexts.
By utilizing the services of professionals, you can alleviate any concerns or uncertainties associated with the DBA procedure. These experts have a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s specific requirements and can assist you in selecting an optimal name before starting the paperwork.
These LLC filing firms offer various services, such as LLC filing, which can be invaluable as your venture grows.
After conducting thorough research, we have identified top-notch professional services that are tailored to meet your DBA needs in Oklahoma:
How to Register a DBA in Oklahoma
Obtaining a DBA (Doing Business As) in Oklahoma is a simple process with a one-time fee of $25, and it remains valid indefinitely. Allow us to guide you through the steps required to register your trade name in Oklahoma.
1. Check Your DBA Name Availability
Before proceeding, investigating on Oklahoma’s Business Entities Search Page is crucial. This step ensures that another business entity has not already registered your desired trade name. It’s advisable to perform a federal trademark search to confirm that your DBA (Doing Business As) name has not been registered at the national level.
Ensuring that your chosen DBA name complies with specific naming regulations is essential.
- Your trade name must be distinct from registered business names in Oklahoma
- Avoid using an identifier like LLC, Inc., or Corp. unless your business aligns with this entity type
- Do not employ a business name that deceives customers (police, fire department, etc.) or implies engagement in illegal activities
2. Complete a Trade Name Report
To successfully fulfill the Trade Name Report for Oklahoma, it’s necessary to have the following information readily accessible:
- Business name
- Location of business
- Description of conducted business activities
- Official name of the business
- Business entity type (e.g., corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.)
- State or jurisdiction of business formation
- Signature and title of the authorized signer
Please note that there’s a section in the paper application called “Request to receive documents electronically.” If you choose to file by mail and prefer not to wait for the trade name documents to be returned via mail, please fill out this section and provide your email address.
3. Submit the Report and Pay the Filing Fee
In Oklahoma, the fee required to file a DBA is $25. The state offers multiple options for filing, including online, by mail, or in person.
After submission, it typically takes around 2-3 business days for the DBA application to be processed. However, if you choose to file by mail, expect a longer processing time.
Online filings:
Oklahoma Business Services
4. Manage Your Oklahoma Trade Name
Renew Your Trade Name with the State
There’s no requirement for you to renew your trade name in Oklahoma.
Change Your Trade Name
To modify your trade name, register for a new one. If you wish to make any other alterations to your trade name registration, please fill out the Amended Trade Name Report form. The fee for this service is $25. You have the option of submitting the form online or sending it by mail to the provided address below:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th St., Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Withdraw Your Trade Name
To end your trade name, you can submit a Withdrawal of Trade Name Report form. There’s a fee of $25 associated with this process. You can choose to complete the form electronically or send it through mail to the designated address provided below:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th St., Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Best DBA Filing Services to Register Fictitious Name in Oklahoma – OK DBA
Discover exceptional options for registering a fictional name in the state of Oklahoma.
No matter your business type, Bizee provides a step-by-step guide for filing a DBA in Oklahoma,
often called an “assumed business name.” Just provide your company’s information and receive a quote to establish your fictitious name. Bizee will tackle all the paperwork and registration hurdles.
Bizee’s expertise extends beyond Oklahoma DBA filings. Over 800,000 business owners have benefited from features like LLC and corporation formation, securing Employer Identification Numbers, and setting up registered agents. They simplify business compliance and make things efficient.
BusinessRocket provides a valuable service for those looking to file a Doing Business As (DBA) in Oklahoma. This platform is specifically designed to support entrepreneurs and business owners, offering an effortless and intuitive experience.
By providing user-friendly online tools and step-by-step guidance, BusinessRocket simplifies the often complicated paperwork involved in DBA registration in Oklahoma.
The primary goal of BusinessRocket is to streamline the entire process, ensuring individuals are guided through the legal requirements while also guaranteeing the uniqueness of their chosen business name and compliance with Oklahoma regulations.
Through features such as document preparation and filing assistance, BusinessRocket facilitates a seamless DBA registration process, helping individuals establish their presence in Oklahoma with ease.
Northwest Registered Agent is a reputable company that specializes in various legal services, including assisting with DBA filings in Oklahoma. As a registered agent service, Northwest not only offers a physical address that meets the state’s requirements for businesses using an alternate name but also provides additional compliance services such as annual report submissions and mail forwarding.
By taking this approach, Northwest ensures that businesses can maintain their good standing with the state while relieving business owners of administrative burdens. This allows entrepreneurs to dedicate their time and energy to expanding their enterprises confidently.
With Northwest Registered Agent’s expertise and commitment to providing top-notch services, business owners can trust them as a reliable partner in navigating the complexities of legal compliance. From ensuring proper DBA filings to managing annual reports and handling mail forwarding, Northwest offers comprehensive solutions tailored to meet each client’s specific needs.
ZenBusiness is a comprehensive platform for business services that cater to the needs of entrepreneurs at every stage, including those who need to file a DBA in Oklahoma. With a focus on simplicity and affordability, ZenBusiness offers an easy-to-use online platform that guides users through the necessary steps for registering a DBA in Oklahoma.
This service not only assists with checking name availability but also takes care of preparing the required documentation and submitting filings to the relevant authorities in Oklahoma.
ZenBusiness provides ongoing support for compliance matters, making it an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs who want a hassle-free and compliant approach to establishing their business identity in the state.
DBA vs. Business Trade Name
- In Oklahoma, a DBA is commonly known as a trade name
- A trade name, also referred to as a DBA, is the way companies conduct business under a name that aligns with the company’s legal name
- The only distinction between a DBA name and a trade name is that a DBA serves as an alias only
- A DBA must be linked to a legal business entity
- A DBA and a trade name are identical terms
DBA vs. LLC in Oklahoma
In the realm of legal entities, both Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Doing Business As (DBAs) are registered with the state. However, only an LLC provides that level of protection for safeguarding your assets in case of a lawsuit or bankruptcy.
An LLC in Oklahoma is a bona fide legal entity that undergoes registration with the state. This registration process establishes a legal separation between the business itself and its owner.
A DBA is merely a name and doesn’t make up a separate business entity. It cannot shield personal assets from potential lawsuits due to incidents like slip and fall accidents or substantial debts owed to creditors.
If you’re a sole proprietor contemplating what you desire for your business, consider whether you solely want an appealing business name that attracts customers or if asset protection is also on your list of priorities.
If prioritizing asset protection resonates more with you, then forming an LLC would fit your needs. Northwest can assist in establishing one for you.
File a DBA in Oklahoma – Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still in need of information regarding filing a DBA in Oklahoma, please read on for the answers to your queries.
Conclusion – File a DBA in Oklahoma
Our four-step guide will help you navigate the DBA filing process in Oklahoma seamlessly and effectively. For an even more refined and efficient experience, consider leveraging Bizee’s expertise, a trusted service focused on simplifying the DBA process.
Let Bizee be your ally in shaping and fortifying your business identity. Their support will save you time and ensure accuracy through every registration stage.
