Whether you’re a sole proprietor, entrepreneur, or individual wanting to start a small business — retail or service-based — you must learn how to register a business name with the state.
Why, you may ask?
First of all, there are currently 33.2 million small businesses in the US and this number will only increase.
When you register a business name, you not only prevent it from being used by another business but is also a great way to stand out from others.
What’s more?
Registering a business is a requirement for state agencies.
In this quick guide, we’ll teach you how to register your business name correctly.
Let’s get started.
1. Choose a Unique Business Name
The first step to register a business name is to choose a name that’s memorable, brand-specific, and legal.
This will help you market your business without worrying about getting into legal trouble.
Here are handy tips to choose a good business name:
- Adhere to your state’s naming rules
- Ensure your business name isn’t too similar to that of another business
- Ensure your business name is web-friendly
- Make sure it’s not registered by anyone else
2. Choose a Business Entity
One of the best ways to register your business name is to form a Partnership, LLC, or Corporation.
For this, you will need to file certain registration documents with the appropriate state office.
Remember that when you form a business, you’re only forming it in your state. If you plan to expand your business to another state, you will need to register your entity in the new state again.
This GovDocFilling post on Incfile Review 2022: Is Incfile Right can guide you on how to prepare and file your LLC’s formation paperwork.
3. Register an Assumed Name or “Doing Business As” Incfile Review 2022: Is Incfile Right post by GovDocFilling
No matter whether you form your Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation, or Partnership business, if you plan to conduct business under a name that’s different from your business name, you need to register an assumed name or “Doing Business As”.
Remember that a “Doing Business As” or assumed name will only protect your business in the state where you register your business name. If you expand your business to other states, you will need to register it there too.
4. Trademark Your Business Name
To prevent anyone from using your business’ logo, name, or any other entity attached to it, you need to apply for a trademark. You can apply for both state or national trademarks based on the extent of protection you want.
To understand more about how you can register your business name, check this infographic by GovDocFiling.
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.