When a business is started, its legal name is what appears on the documents that create the business. For sole proprietorships or partnerships, the legal name is the name of the owner(s). For corporations and LLCs (Limited Liability Corporations), the legal name is what appears on the Articles of Incorporation. In most states, a company must register the name as a "Doing Business As" name (sometimes called a Fictitious Business Name). A company may wish to use additional names. For example, a chain of specialty restaurants might want different names for each location. Companies usually are required by state law to register these names, as well.
Instructions
1. Find out the regulations in your state to register a company name. Each state sets its own requirements. In most states, you register a company name with the county clerk for each location where the company does business. A few states do this at the state government level, usually through the secretary of state's office. You can find a listing of each state's requirements at Business.gov. (see Resources)
2. Do a name search to verify the name you wish to use isn't already taken. Once a business name is registered, no one else can use it. You can do this at your county clerk's office. In most states, it's much easier to do an online name search using a database provided by the secretary of state's office to verify your proposed business name is available.
3. Obtain the filing forms from the secretary of state's office or county clerk, depending on the rules in your state. Fill out the form and have it notarized. To register a company name you need to provide a copy of the articles of incorporation along with the filing fee when you file the registration.
4. Deposit a copy of your company name registration with the county records office, if required. In some localities, you also must place a legal notice of the filing in a local newspaper for a specified period of time.
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