Filing a New Hampshire DBA (doing business as), also known as a fictitious name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.
Learn How to File a New Hampshire DBA 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 New Hampshire
Step 1: Start With a New Hampshire DBA Name Search
If you haven’t already, head over to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website to make sure your trade name isn’t taken by another registered New Hampshire business.
Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.
In New Hampshire, 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.
You can download and read New Hampshire’s business name availability guidelines here.
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 New Hampshire DBA
In New Hampshire, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State. You must complete the application for registration of trade name form.
The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:
- Section 3: Description of the type of business
- Section 4: Date business was organized
- Section 5: Applicant name and address
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 Application for Registration of Fictitious Name Form
Walk-In
State House Annex
3rd Floor, Rm 317
25 Capitol St, Concord, NH
Corporation Division
NH Dept. of State
107 N Main St, Rm 204
Concord, NH 03301-4989
Fees
- $50 Filing Fee
Manage Your New Hampshire DBA
DBA Questions
Call the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Corporation Division: (603-271-3246)
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your New Hampshire trade name needs to be renewed every five years. At least six months prior to the expiration date, the Secretary of State will send you a notice of renewal and the proper form. The filing fee is $50.
Change Your DBA
You will have to register a new trade name to make changes other than ownership members. You can file this form to add members and this form to remove members. The fee for each is $10.
Withdraw Your DBA
To cancel your trade name, file the certificate of discontinuance of use of trade name form. The fee is $10.
Need Help Filing Your New Hampshire DBA?
Simplify Your New Hampshire DBA Filing
Let LegalZoom’s expert team handle your DBA registration for just $99 plus state fee, so you can focus on growing your business.
Start NowFAQ DBA New Hampshire
Can I file a DBA online in New Hampshire?
No, you must file your New Hampshire trade name registration by mail or in person.
How do I change my DBA in New Hampshire?
How can I insure my New Hampshire 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 trade name, file the certificate of discontinuance of use of trade name form. The fee is $10.
How often should I renew my New Hampshire DBA?
Your New Hampshire trade name needs to be renewed every five years. At least six months prior to the expiration date, the Secretary of State will send you a notice of renewal and the proper form.
When is a DBA required in New Hampshire?
A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name.
How do I transfer my DBA in New Hampshire?
Is my New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. 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.