Registering an Arizona DBA (Doing Business As), known as a trade name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.
Learn How to Get a DBA in Arizona yourself in two simple steps:
Fast-Track Your DBA Registration
You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).
Get StartedHow to Set Up a DBA in Arizona
Step 1: Start With an Arizona DBA Name Search
If you haven’t already, head over to the Arizona Secretary of State’s website to make sure your trade name isn’t taken by another registered Arizona business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.
In Arizona, your company’s trade name cannot include the following words without approval from the state’s Department of Financial Institutions:
- Bank, Banker, Banking, Banc, Banco, Banque, Credit Union, Deposit, Savings Association, Building Association, Savings and Loan Association, Building and Loan Association, Savings Bank, Thrift, Trust, or Trust Company.
For more information regarding Arizona trade name requirements, check the Arizona Trade Name and Trademark Handbook.
Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.
Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.
Step 2: Register Your Arizona DBA
In Arizona, you register your DBA trade name online with the Secretary of State. You will need to provide the name you are registering and an email address to get started.
An Arizona DBA does not offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company (LLC), visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.
Submit Your Trade Name Application
Arizona only accepts online registration for trade names. You can file online with the Secretary of State’s website. Processing time is typically around 2-3 weeks.
Filing Cost: $10
Manage Your Arizona DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Arizona Secretary of State’s office at (602) 542-6187 or 1-(800) 458-5842.
Renew Your DBA with the State
Arizona trade name registrations are active for five years. They must be renewed online. The renewal fee is $10.
Arizona recommends that the owner renew their registration beginning six months before its expiration date. Only the current owner can renew a trade name. If the ownership has changed, the applicant must also submit an Assignment of Trade Name form. If the trade name registration has expired, the applicant must create a new online registration.
Change Your DBA
To amend your trade name registration with updated information regarding addresses, ownership, etc., you must file online. The filing fee is $3.
Withdraw Your DBA
To cancel your Arizona trade name, you must fill out, print, sign, and notarize the online form. Then, you must mail it to the address below:
Secretary of State Katie Hobbs
Attn: Trade Name/Trademark Department
1700 W. Washington Street, Fl. 7
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808
Need Help Filing Your Arizona DBA?
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Start NowDBA Arizona FAQ
Can I file for an Arizona DBA online?
Yes, filing for a trade name in Arizona can only be done online. The filing fee is $10.
How do I change my DBA in Arizona?
To amend your trade name registration, you must complete the online Trade Name Amendment form and pay a $3 fee.
How can I insure my Arizona DBA?
DBAs don’t require insurance because DBAs aren’t a business entity. However, the business entity that the DBA is under will need protection from losses that can happen naturally in the course of business, such as property damage or lawsuits.
We recommend Tivly because they provide coverage for a large variety of businesses. Get a free quote from Tivly or call 855-965-3168 to learn more.
How can I withdraw my DBA?
To cancel your Arizona trade name, fill out, print, sign, and notarize the online Trade Name Cancellation form and mail it to the following address:
Secretary of State Katie Hobbs
Attn: Trade Name/Trademark Department
1700 W. Washington Street, Fl. 7
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808
How often should I renew my Arizona DBA?
Arizona trade name registrations are active for five years. They must be renewed with the online Trade Name Renewal form. The renewal fee is $10.
When is a DBA required in Arizona?
A trade name is not legally required in Arizona.
How do I transfer my DBA in Arizona?
To transfer a trade name in Arizona, the online Trade Name Assignment form must be filled out, printed, notarized, and then mailed—along with a $10 filing fee—to the address below:
Secretary of State Katie Hobbs
Attn: Trade Name/Trademark Department
1700 W. Washington Street, Fl. 7
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808
Is my Arizona DBA protected from being used in other places?
There are some state-level laws that prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but your name is not protected outside Arizona. It is possible to create a federal trademark for a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Each one will come with additional incremental expense and paperwork, so you will want to make sure you have a good reason for each one you have.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you would need one for your business, read What is an EIN from our friends at TRUiC.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
Your DBA is just a name. A DBA is often confused with a sole proprietorship. If you mean “can my sole proprietorship become an LLC?” then the answer is “Yes. Absolutely.”
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.
Can a DBA have "Inc." in the name?
A DBA can only have “Inc.” in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?
It’s always best to consult an attorney. Usually, the best option is to Form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. Holding the rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection.