How to file a DBA in Nevada

The abbreviation DBA means ‘doing business as.’ A DBA is a registered name that a company or person utilizes to do business under that is not the legal name.

The legal name of a company is different depending on its business structure. For LLCs, the legal name defaults to the name of the company. For sole proprietors and general partnerships, the legal name is the name of the person(s) that owns the company.

A DBA can also be referred to as a fictitious name, trade name, or an assumed business name. In Nevada, a DBA is most commonly called a fictitious business name.

A DBA only changes the name of your business. It changes nothing else.

For example, if you open a business, the legal name will be your name (e.g., Jake Smith). Jake Smith wants to open a bakery. He doesn’t want the business’s name to be his own name. So, Jake Smith registers a DBA in Nevada to change the name of his bakery to Jake’s Baked Goods. Jake’s Baked Goods is now the name of his business. The DBA changes nothing else about Jake’s Baked Goods.

By filing a DBA in Nevada, Jake Smith has the freedom to operate under a fictitious business name.

How to set up a DBA in Nevada

Step 1 – Nevada fictitious firm name search

Registering a fictitious business name in Nevada does not prevent others from using the same name. However, it is still recommended that you pick a unique name. Nevada fictitious firm names must meet the state requirements.

You will search the specific county clerk’s office where you intend to do business primarily.

Step 2 – File your Nevada DBA

You will file your Nevada fictitious firm name, or DBA, with the county or counties where your company does business.

The state of Nevada regulates DBAs which means the steps are similar from county to county.

You will file your Nevada DBA with the county clerk. You can find a complete list of County Clerks in Nevada using the Nevada Secretary of State’s website.

Example – Clark County (Las Vegas): You can register your DBA either by mail or in person. You will have to have the form signed or notarized by someone at the County Clerk’s office. You will search the Clark County fictitious firm name records for DBA name availability so you can find a unique name that best suits you. You will download the form that applies to your business and submit it to the Clark County Clerk.

Office address:
Clark County Clerk’s Office
Regional Justice Center, 5th Fl.
200 Lewis Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Mailing address:
Clark County Clerk’s Office
PO Box 551604
Las Vegas, NV 89155-1604

Clark County Clerk’s Office: 702-671-0500

Step 3 – Pay Nevada DBA filing fees

The filing fee for your Nevada DBA is $25. That includes one copy of your notarized Fictitious Firm Name Statement. It costs an additional $6 for a certified copy and $.50 for each extra copy.

You must renew your Nevada DBA every five years. You will complete and submit the same Fictitious Firm Name Statement Form for a $25 filing fee.

Nevada DBA name restrictions

In Nevada, a fictitious name can’t contain any of the following:

• Business suffixes such as LLC, Incorporated, Inc, etc., unless that is the actual business structure.
• Any words or phrases related to financial institutions such as bank, banc, credit union, etc., unless approved by the Nevada Commissioner of Financial Institutions.
• Any words related to accounting such as accountant, auditor, auditing, accountant, CPA, etc., unless approved by the Nevada State Board of Accounting.
• Any words related to mortgage lending companies such as financial, mortgage, etc., unless approved by the Nevada Commissioner of Mortage.
• Any words related to engineering such as engineer, engineering, licensed engineer, etc., unless approved by the Nevada State Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors.
• Any words related to architecture such as architect, architecture, licensed architect, interior, licensed residential designer, etc., unless approved by the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Residential Design.

You can find additional Nevada DBA naming restrictions using the state statute.

Forms needed to file a DBA in Nevada

• Clark County Fictitious Firm Name Statement Form – all business types except LLCs
• Clark County Fictitious Firm Name Statement Form – LLCs
• Complete List of Nevada County Clerks
• Washoe County Clerk
• Lyon County Clerk
• Elko County Clerk
• Clark County
• Nevada DBA naming state statute
• Clark County Certificate of Business: Fictitious Firm Name Address Change
• Clark County Certificate of Business: Fictitious Firm Name Termination

Nevada DBA tax considerations

• In Nevada, a DBA just changes the name of your business.
• A DBA has no effect on the status of a business entity for tax purposes.
• You do not have to have a separate employer identification number because a DBA is not a legal entity.
• Federally, the IRS does not require that you have a separate tax ID number.

How much does a DBA filing cost in Nevada?

The DBA cost in Nevada is $25. There is a $6 fee to obtain a certified copy. It is an additional $.50 per copy.

Nevada requires that you renew your DBA every five years. The processing fee for DBA renewal is $20.

DBA vs fictitious business name

• A fictitious business name, or DBA, is how companies operate using a name that is their legal name.
• The only difference between a DBA name and a fictitious business name is that a DBA is just an alias.
• A DBA has to be associated with a legal business entity.
• A DBA and a fictitious business name are the same things.

Who needs a DBA?

Nevada requires that all sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs file a DBA if they conduct business using any name other than the company’s full legal name.

A DBA benefits you and your business in other ways. The benefits are dependent on your business entity and personal preferences.

• New businesses. In Nevada, new businesses must register a DBA if they wish to use any name other than the legal name of the person or company.
• Sole proprietors. In Nevada, all sole proprietorships and partnerships register a DBA if they wish to operate under any name that is not the owners’ own name.
• LLCs. LLCs must register a DBA when owning and operating a new business that uses any new name other than the LLC’s name. Without a DBA, every company that an LLC operates would do so under the same name as the LLC.
• Corporations. A DBA allows corporations to operate businesses in various industries and any type of business. In Nevada, a corporation that intends to operate a business using a DBA name that isn’t the company’s name must register a DBA.
• Franchises. Most franchises utilize DBAs. For example, if you purchase a Star Buck’s franchise. Starbucks is an LLC, and a new franchise would be listed as “451 Business LLC”. You must file a DBA in Nevada to change the franchise from its numerical listing to just Starbucks.

DBA registration allows business owners and startups the creative freedom to name their businesses. Filing a DBA gives entrepreneurs the benefit of avoiding the expensive and complex process of forming a separate LLC just to use a different name.

Why do you need a DBA?

• A DBA keeps things simple for small businesses. A DBA is the best way for a sole proprietorship to operate under a fictitious business name without forming a separate LLC or corporation.
• A DBA benefits your LLC or incorporation. A DBA allows an LLC to operate various companies in different lines of business. For example, Joe’s Seeds and Plants LLC opens a flower shop. Joe’s Seeds and Plants LLC registers a DBA name in Nevada to open The Sunflower Shop’s flower shop. The flower shop can now operate using a fictitious name.
• A DBA addresses the privacy of business owners. Registering a DBA allows small business owners the freedom to use a fictitious business name on public-facing material rather than using their personal name.
• A DBA keeps business banking simple. A DBA helps protect the business owner and their personal assets and credit scores. Most financial institutions require that new businesses file a DBA before opening a business bank account using the new name. However, a DBA does not offer legal protection or liability protection by itself.
• A DBA simplifies branding and marketing in Nevada. The business name you decide on is your first impression. Your DBA name is your brand name. For example, clients would not know that Jake Smith opened a bakery without a DBA. His Nevada DBA allows him to operate under the new name, Jake’s Baked Goods.

FAQs

How long does it take to process a DBA in Nevada?

It takes Nevada 7-10 business days to process a DBA. The time includes how long it takes for the County Clerk’s office to mail it back. Nevada does not offer any expedited services.

Can I change or make amendments to my Nevada DBA?

If you change your DBA name, you must fill out a new registration form and pay the DBA filing fees. You can amend the address associated with your DBA by completing and submitting the Certificate of Business: Fictitious Firm Name Address Change to the Clark County Clerk. Nevada does not charge for making amendments to your DBA. You can find a complete list of county clerks using the Nevada Secretary of State website.

Can I cancel or withdraw my Nevada DBA?

You can withdraw your Nevada DBA by completing and submitting the Certificate of Business: Fictitious Firm Name Termination to the Clark County Clerk. The processing fee for terminating your Nevada DBA is $20.

How many DBAs can I have in Nevada?

You can register as many DBA names as you can pay for and keep up with. You must register each fictitious business name with the Nevada Secretary of State.