A Simple 5-Step Guide on How to Register a Business Name

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If you’re considering starting your business today in the US, know that in March 2023 alone, there were 451,752 new business registration applications.

How do you get your business to stand out from the millions of other businesses that are coming up every year?

It’s simple—find a catchy, unique, and memorable name and register it as per the laws of the state you operate in so that no one else claims and registers it.

But the process of registering your business name can be daunting especially if you’re doing it for the first time.

We’re here to help you with this 5-step guide.

1. Choose a Unique Business Name

To set yourself apart from the sea of businesses coming up every year in the US, you need to choose a unique name that reflects what your business is all about.

Choose a business name that’s short, simple, and memorable.

2. Choose a Business Entity and Register It

The next step is to determine the structure in which your business will operate and then register it with your State Secretary’s Office.

Decide whether your business will operate as a Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, Partnership, or Corporation.

Due to the complexity of the business name registration process, you can consider using a business formation service like Incfile. Read this detailed Incfile review by GovDocFiling to see whether it’s a good choice for your business.

3. Apply for a DBA (Doing Business As)

You can file a ‘Doing Business As’ name if you plan to change your business name in the future or want to run your business with a different name instead of your legal one.

A DBA is a fictitious name or an assumed name that’s short, simple, and easy to remember.

It’s a great option for sole proprietors who want to keep their personal names private.

4. Trademark Your Business Name

Another simple way to register your business name is by trademarking.

This method protects your name and business identity. It prevents other entrepreneurs from using it to operate their business without your knowledge.

You can trademark the name, logo, symbols, and other brand identity elements of your business.

Apply for a state or federal trademark or both depending on whether you want to protect your business identity statewide or nationwide.

5. Purchase a Domain Name

Having a business website in today’s digital world isn’t optional. Secure a domain name as you register your business name.

Ensure your domain name is short, simple, and memorable.

Register Your Business Name Now

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with ample information on how to register a business name.

You may also check out this infographic by GovDocFiling for more information.
Author Bio:

Brett Shapiro is a co-owner of GovDocFiling. He had an entrepreneurial spirit since he was young. He started GovDocFiling, a simple resource center that takes care of the mundane, yet critical, formation documentation for any new business entity.

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