How to File a Nebraska DBA


Filing a Nebraska DBA, also known as a trade name, is a simple process that you complete with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

Learn How to File a Nebraska DBA yourself in three simple steps:

You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).

Image of a man looking up how to file a D B A online.

How to Set up a DBA in Nebraska

Step 1: Start With a Nebraska DBA Name Search

If you haven't already, head over to the Nebraska Secretary of State website to make sure your trade name isn't taken by another registered Nebraska business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.

TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address. You can also use our free logo generator tool to make a logo yourself! No design experience necessary!

In Nebraska, 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.

Find a Domain Now

Once you reserve a domain name for your DBA, consider setting up a business phone system to help strengthen your customer service and boost credibility. We recommend Phone.com because of its affordable pricing and variety of useful features. Start calling with Phone.com.

Step 2: Register Your Nebraska DBA

In Nebraska, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State.

You can file online at the Secretary of State's Corporate Document eDelivery website, or you can complete the application for registration of trade name form and mail it in.

The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:

  • Type of applicant (individual, corporation, LLC, etc.)
  • State under which laws the entity was formed (if not an individual)
  • Date of first use of name in Nebraska-use "new" or "upon filing" unless this name has been used in the past. Do not include a future date.
  • General nature of business

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 Trade Name Registration Form

File Online

Mail

Secretary of State’s Office
Business Services Division (Corporations)
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509

Fees

  • $100 Filing Fee

Manage Your Nebraska DBA

DBA Questions

Call the Nebraska Secretary of State: (402) 471-4079

Renew Your DBA with the State

Your Nebraska trade name expires 10 years after its registration date. You must call (402) 471-4079 to receive a renewal form. The fee is $100, and you cannot renew online.

Change Your DBA

You can change the owner’s name, address, and state of incorporation or organization by filing an application to amend trade name registration form. The fee is $10, and you can mail the completed form to:

Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509

(402) 471-4079

Withdraw Your DBA

You can withdraw your Nebraska trade name by filing a voluntary request for cancellation with the Secretary of State.

Step 3: Publish a Notice for Your Nebraska DBA

Nebraska requires that you publish notice of your trade name registration in a local newspaper within 45 days of registration.

Publication Requirements

The guidelines for publication are:

  • The newspaper must have general circulation in the city or village where the business is to be located.
  • If there isn't a newspaper in the city or village, a newspaper in the county is acceptable.
  • The information in the notice must exactly match the information on the trade name application.

After publication, the newspaper will provide an affidavit of publication, which must be filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State within 45 days of the trade name’s registration date. It is your responsibility to determine whether the newspaper will send the affidavit to you or directly to the Secretary of State.

If the affidavit is sent to you, it can be filed online or mailed to:

Secretary of State’s Office
Business Services Division (Corporations)
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509

Need Help Filing Your Nebraska DBA?

Have a Professional Service File Your Nebraska DBA For You

A professional service will handle filing your DBA on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the other needs of your new business.

We recommend using LegalZoom ($99 + state fee) for a personalized DBA service.

Nebraska DBA FAQ

Can I file a DBA online in Nebraska?

Yes, you can submit your trade name registration form online at the state’s Corporate Document eDelivery website.

How do I change my DBA in Nebraska?

You can change the owner’s name, address, and state of incorporation or organization by filing an application to amend trade name registration form. The fee is $10, and you can mail the completed form to:

Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-4079

How can I insure my Nebraska 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 withdraw your Nebraska trade name by filing a voluntary request for cancellation with the Secretary of State.

How often should I renew my Nebraska DBA?

Your Nebraska trade name expires 10 years after its registration date. You must call

(402) 471-4079 to receive a renewal form. The fee is $100, and you cannot renew online.

When is a DBA required in Nebraska?

A trade name is not required in Nebraska.

How do I transfer my DBA in Nebraska?

You can transfer your trade name to a new owner by filing the assignment of registration trade name form. The fee is $5. Mail the completed form to:

Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509

Is my Nebraska 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 Nebraska. 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.