Filing an Ohio DBA, also known as a trade name, is a simple legal process that you complete with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Learn How to Register a Trade Name in Ohio yourself in two 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).
How To Set up a DBA in Ohio
Step 1: Start With an Ohio DBA Business Name Search
First, note that there is a difference between a “trade name” and a “fictitious” business name in Ohio. Trade names must be distinguishable from other business names, while fictitious names don’t have to be.
Because of this, trade names are protected by the state from being used by other businesses in that state. Fictitious names are not. This guide will focus on Ohio Trade Name Registration.
If you haven't already, head over to the Ohio Secretary of State website to make sure your trade name isn't taken by another registered Ohio 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 Ohio, your trade 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 read more about Ohio business name guidelines here.
Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your business name.
Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.
After registering a domain name for your DBA, consider using a business phone service to improve customer satisfaction and further establish credibility. Our top pick is Nextiva because of its affordable pricing and useful features. Start calling with Nextiva.
Step 2: Register Your DBA with the Secretary of State
In Ohio, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State. You can file online at Ohio’s online business portal, or you can complete the name registration form.
The application will ask for your new DBA name and legal information about your business, such as:
- Whether you are filing for a trade name or a fictitious business name
- The business structure of the applicant (partnership, LLC, etc.)
- General nature of the business
- Business owners’ names and addresses
A DBA does not offer any legal 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 Ohio Trade Name Registration Form Online
File Your Ohio Trade Name Registration Online
Submit Your Ohio Trade Name Registration Form By Mail
Regular Filing:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Expedited Filing:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 1390
Columbus, OH 43216
Fees
- $39 Filing Fee
- $100 additional for expedited (two business days) processing
- $200 for 1-day processing
- $300 for 4-hour processing
Manage Your Ohio DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Ohio Secretary of State: (614) 466-3910
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Ohio trade name must be renewed every five years. The renewal fee is $25. You can complete the process online or mail the completed form to:
Regular Filing:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Expedited Filing:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 1390
Columbus, OH 43216
Change Your DBA
To make changes to your certificate of assumed name, complete the change of registrant name form. Submit the form online or mail it to:
Regular Filing:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Expedited Filing:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 1390
Columbus, OH 43216
Withdraw Your DBA
To cancel your trade name, complete the name reservation/transfer/cancelation form. The fee is $25. File the form online or mail it to:
Regular Filing:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216
Expedited Filing:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 1390
Columbus, OH 43216
Need Help Filing Your Ohio Trade Name?
Have a Professional Service File Your Ohio 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.
Ohio DBA FAQ
Can I file a DBA online in Ohio?
You can file your DBA online at Ohio's online business portal.
How do I change My DBA in Ohio?
To make changes to your certificate of assumed name, complete the change of registrant name form.
How can I insure my Ohio 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, complete the name reservation/transfer/cancelation form.
How often should I renew my Ohio DBA?
Your Ohio DBA should be renewed every five years by submitting the renewal form.
When is a DBA required in Ohio?
A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name.
How do I transfer my DBA in Ohio?
To transfer your trade name, complete the name reservation/transfer/cancelation form.
Is my Ohio DBA protected from being used in other places?
If you file for a trade name in Ohio, it is protected from being used by other businesses in the state. Fictitious names are not protected. 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.