DBA Missouri: How To Get A DBA For An LLC In 5 Steps 2024

Many businesses (LLCs, Corporations, or Sole Proprietors/Partnerships) utilize a different fictitious name than their legally registered name. To operate this way requires registering a Doing Business As or a DBA.

If you are a business owner in Missouri who would like to operate under a different name than your legally registered name, you must file a DBA. The great news is, that filing a DBA in Missouri is simple. This guide will assist you with the process. 

It is important to understand Missouri’s requirements for filing a DBA, as the laws vary from state to state. Some states require registration at the state level only, while others allow you to file with the county or city authority. However, several states require you to register your DBA with more than one government level. Certain states have the additional requirement of publishing your DBA in a newspaper or legal publishing.

Our state-specific guides will assist you with the necessary steps to file a DBA for your company in your residing state. For Missouri business owners, simply follow the steps below to register your DBA.

What Is A Missouri “Doing Business As” (DBA) Name?

A Missouri DBA (doing business as) allows sole proprietorships/partnerships, LLCs, corporations, and any other business structure to operate under a name other than the business’s legally registered name. If you wish to open a business bank account in a name other than your legal entity, registering your DBA is a requirement.

Section 417.200 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri requires anyone doing business under a name other than their legal entity to file a fictitious name registration with the Secretary of State’s office. Once approved, you can begin using your DBA as your company’s name.

How Do You Choose A DBA Name For Your Missouri Business? 

There are various reasons why a company may want to operate publicly under a different name. Maybe the name you originally registered your business under no longer aligns with your corporate mission, or in the case of a sole proprietor, you prefer to use a Missouri fictitious name rather than your personal name. Whatever the reason, your DBA is a critical part of your company’s brand identity. Here are a few tips to help you choose a DBA for your business:

• Ensure you pick a name that is not owned (a registered trademark) by any other business whose products or services are similar to yours.
• Check to see if the URL is available; this makes it easier for your customers to find you online. Having a legal business name that is easy to spell and remember will also help your customers find you online.
• Pick a name that aligns with and reflects your company’s vision, mission, and overall brand identity and messaging.
• Choose a scalable name. You may wish to expand your products or services in the future; having a name that can scale with your business, and doesn’t limit you, will make this growth easier.

Choosing a unique and memorable name is critical to differentiate your business from the competition. While choosing your name, start by checking Missouri’s business entity database to see if other local businesses are already using your desired DBA name. A critical step (as mentioned above) is ensuring you don’t select a name that will infringe on a registered trademark. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) search tool to verify your desired name isn’t registered by a company whose products and services are in the same market/categories as yours.

Missouri Has Several Guidelines For Fictitious Names.

Your DBA Missouri must comply with the following:

• Don’t use a name that is already being used by another business or a name that is similar to one already in use. 
• Your fictitious name should not include any phrase or word that implies your business represents a government agency.
• If your company is a limited liability company, a corporation, or a partnership, you are free to include suffixes such as inc., corp LLC, Ltd among others, after your DBA name. If not, do not include a business entity suffix after your fictitious name in Missouri.
• Your fictitious name should not contain phrases or words that imply your business is a financial institution. Avoid picking names that include words like “Bank,” “Trust,” and “Savings.” That said, it is important to seek legal advice.

After Filing Your Missouri DBA

Once you have filed your Missouri DBA registration form, there is a 1–4-week processing period. After you receive the confirmation, you can start using your DBA name as your assumed name.

If your fictitious name registration marks the beginning of your business journey, then you still have a few more steps to take before you can start using your name. These steps may vary depending on the type of business you are launching but could include:

• Creating a logo, website, social media pages, and other marketing tools
• Open a business banking account
• Get business insurance

Once you have registered your Missouri DBA, you will need to maintain the registration. This requires filing a renewal every six months (there is a $7 renewal fee).

If you need to amend or correct any information associated with your DBA, including address and other contact information, you’ll have to file an amendment and pay a $7 amendment fee. To correct errors on a recently filed application, use the “Registration of Fictitious Name form. 

If there is a change in ownership of a business with an existing DBA name, Missouri requires you to cancel the existing DBA registration. The new owners must then re-file. To cancel your fictitious business name, file a “Cancellation of Registration of Fictitious Name^[3]” form. This must be done in compliance with the fictitious name act.

Conclusion

Following the guide above will ensure your Missouri DBA registration will go smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)