In Iowa, a “Doing Business As” (DBA) is officially referred to as a “fictitious name.” Registering a fictitious name allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal name. This can be beneficial for branding purposes or when expanding into new business areas.
For example, if you have an LLC called “Hawkeye State Enterprises LLC” that you use for your general contracting business, but you want to start a separate home renovation service, you could register a fictitious name like “Des Moines Home Makeovers” without forming a new LLC.
Filing for a fictitious name provides business owners with flexibility in branding without the need to create separate legal entities for each business venture.
Note that while a fictitious name allows you to do business under a different name, it doesn’t provide the legal protections that come with forming an LLC or corporation.
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Do You Need an Iowa Fictitious Name (DBA) for Your Business Entity?
Before proceeding with the steps to get a fictitious name in Iowa, determine if it’s necessary for your business type:
Sole Proprietors: If you’re a sole proprietor operating under a name other than your legal name, you need to register a fictitious name. For example, if John Smith wants to operate as “Cedar Rapids Auto Repair,” he needs to register this as a fictitious name.
LLCs and Corporations: If these entities want to do business under a name different from their registered name, they need a fictitious name. For instance, if “Hawkeye State Enterprises LLC” wants to operate as “Des Moines Home Makeovers,” they would need to register this fictitious name.
How to Get a Fictitious Name (DBA) in Iowa
Follow these steps to get a fictitious name in Iowa:
- Search the Iowa Secretary of State’s database to ensure your desired name is available.
- Check if your fictitious name is available as a domain name (optional).
- File your fictitious name application.
- Pay the filing fee.
Step 1: Do a Fictitious Name (DBA) Search in Iowa
Your fictitious name must be unique and comply with Iowa’s business name requirements. To check availability, use the Iowa Secretary of State’s business entity search tool:
https://sos.iowa.gov/search/business/search.aspx
Ensure your chosen name isn’t already in use and meets state requirements.
Step 2: Check if your name is available as a web domain
While not legally required, it’s wise to check if your fictitious name is available as a domain name for your future website. You can check domain availability at: godaddy.com/domains
Tips for choosing a domain:
- Aim for a .com domain if possible
- Avoid using hyphens between words
- Consider adding relevant keywords (e.g., “iowa,” “desmoines”) if the exact match isn’t available
Step 3: Register your Iowa fictitious name (DBA)
To register your fictitious name in Iowa, you need to file a Fictitious Name Resolution with the county recorder in the county where your business is located. Iowa does not have a statewide fictitious name registration system.
https://sos.iowa.gov/business/FormsAndFees.html
You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your desired fictitious name
- Your business’s legal name and address
- A brief description of the nature of your business
- The names and addresses of the business owners
Step 4: Pay the filing fee
The filing fee for registering a fictitious name in Iowa varies by county. Contact your local county recorder’s office for the exact fee amount.
Iowa fictitious name registrations are typically valid for five years and must be renewed before expiration. Check with your county recorder for specific renewal requirements.
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After You Get a Fictitious Name (DBA) For Your Limited Liability Company or Other Entity
Once you’ve secured your fictitious name, consider these next steps:
Create a website: Establish an online presence for your business to reach more customers.
Set up a business bank account: Keep your personal and business finances separate. We recommend Mercury Bank for online banking, but traditional banks are also an option.
Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Ensure you have all required licenses and permits to operate legally in Iowa.
By following these steps, you’ll have successfully registered your fictitious name (DBA) in Iowa and be well on your way to operating your business under your chosen name.
