Filing an Oklahoma DBA, also known as a trade name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.
Learn How to Get a DBA in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma
Step 1: Start With an Oklahoma DBA Name Search
If you haven't already, head over to Oklahoma’s Secretary of State website to make sure your trade name isn't taken by another registered Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma, 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.
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 Oklahoma DBA
In Oklahoma, you register your DBA with the secretary of state. You can file online at the Oklahoma Secretary of State's website, or you can complete the trade name report form.
The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:
- Section 3: Type of business
- Section 4: Legal name of the owner
- Section 5: Owner’s business structure
- Section 6: State or jurisdiction where the business entity was formed
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
Mail
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th St., Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Fees
- $25 Filing Fee
Manage Your Oklahoma DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Oklahoma Secretary of State: 405-522-2520
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Oklahoma trade name does not need to be renewed.
Change Your DBA
You cannot change the name of your trade name without registering for a new one. To make other changes to your trade name registration, complete the amended trade name report form. The fee is $25. You can file the form online or mail it to:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th St., Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Withdraw Your DBA
You can cancel your trade name by filing a withdrawal of trade name report form. The fee is $25, and you can either file the form online or mail it to:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th St., Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Need Help Filing Your Oklahoma Trade Name?
Have a Professional Service File Your Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma DBA FAQ
Can I file a DBA online in Oklahoma?
You can file your DBA online at the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website.
How do I change my DBA in Oklahoma?
You cannot change the name of your trade name without registering for a new one. To make other changes to your trade name registration, complete the amended trade name report form.
How can I insure my Oklahoma 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 trade name by filing a withdrawal of trade name report form. The fee is $25, and you can file the form online or mail it to:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th St., Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
How often should I renew my Oklahoma DBA?
Your Oklahoma trade name does not need to be renewed.
When is a DBA required in Oklahoma?
A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name.
How do I transfer my DBA in Oklahoma?
You can transfer ownership of your trade name by filing the transfer of trade name report form.
Is my Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma. 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.