Filing a Missouri DBA (doing business as), also known as a fictitious name, is a simple process that you complete with the Missouri Secretary of State.
Learn How to Get a DBA in Missouri 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 Missouri
Step 1: Start With a Missouri DBA Name Search
If you haven’t already, head over to the Missouri Secretary of State website to make sure your fictitious name isn’t taken by another registered Missouri business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.
In Missouri, your fictitious name should not include:
- Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp., etc unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, or etc.
- Any terms given to financial institutions, including: “bank,” “banc,” “banco,” “banque,” “banker,” “trust company,” “savings and loan association,” “savings bank,” “credit union” or other similar words.
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 Missouri DBA
In Missouri, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State. You can file online at the Missouri Corporations Online Portal, or you can complete the registration of fictitious name form.
The following information is needed on the form:
- Type of filing (registration, renewal, amendment, correction)
- Name being registered
- Owners’ names and addresses
- Owners’ charter number (if a business entity)
A 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, visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.
Submit Your Registration of Fictitious Name Form
Walk-In
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Corporations Division
PO Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Fees
- $7 Filing Fee
Manage Your Missouri DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Missouri Secretary of State: 1-866-223-6535
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Missouri fictitious name expires five years after its registration date. You can renew online or by completing and returning this form. The renewal fee is $7. Mail the completed form to:
Corporations Division
PO Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or drop off in person at:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Change Your DBA
You can make address changes to your fictitious name registration online or by filling out this form. The fee is $7. You cannot make changes to the name itself or ownership without filing a new registration. Mail the completed form to:
Corporations Division
PO Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or drop off in person at:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Withdraw Your DBA
You can cancel your Missouri fictitious name online or by filling out the cancellation of registration of fictitious name form. Mail the completed form to:
Corporations Division
PO Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or drop off in person at:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Need Help Filing Your Missouri DBA?
Simplify Your Missouri DBA Filing
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Start NowDBA Missouri FAQ
Can I file a DBA online in Missouri?
You can file your DBA online at the Missouri Corporations Online Portal.
How do I change my DBA in Missouri?
You can make changes to the address of the fictitious name or the address of an owner online or by filling out and returning this form. The fee is $7. To make other changes, such as the name itself, you must cancel the current registration and file a new one.
How can I insure my Missouri 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?
You can cancel your Missouri fictitious name online or by filling out and returning the cancellation of registration of fictitious name form. Mail the completed form to:
Corporations Division
PO Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or drop off in person at:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
How often should I renew my Missouri DBA?
When is a DBA required in Missouri?
A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name.
How do I transfer my DBA in Missouri?
To transfer ownership of your fictitious name, you must cancel the current registration and file a new one.
Is my Missouri 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 in Missouri. 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.