How to Register Your Business Name: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Starting a business and want to make your name official? Or you've been operating informally and need to get properly registered before you can open a business bank account or sign a contract? Either way, registering your business name is simpler than most people think — but the right process depends on the type of business structure you choose. Here's the complete breakdown.

DBA vs. LLC vs. Corporation: Which Structure Do You Need?

The structure you choose determines how you register your name, how you're taxed, and how much personal liability protection you have. Here's the quick comparison:

• Sole proprietorship with a DBA ("Doing Business As"): You operate as yourself but trade under a business name. No separate legal entity. Your personal assets are at risk if the business is sued. Best for very simple, low-risk operations or testing a concept. Filing a DBA costs $10–$100 depending on state/county and is the fastest option.
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Creates a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. The most popular structure for small businesses. Pass-through taxation (profits flow to your personal return, no double taxation). Costs $50–$500 to form depending on state, plus annual fees of $25–$500 to maintain.
• S-Corporation or C-Corporation: More complex structure with additional compliance requirements (board of directors, annual meetings, more formal records). C-Corps face double taxation. S-Corps have pass-through taxation like LLCs but with stricter ownership rules. Typically only worthwhile for businesses planning to raise venture capital or have 10+ employees. Costs $100–$1,000+ to form.

For most local service businesses just starting or formalizing, an LLC is the right answer. It's the sweet spot of protection, simplicity, and tax flexibility.

Step 1: Check That Your Name Is Available

Before you file anything, confirm your desired name isn't already taken. You need to check in two places:

Your state's business registry: Every state has an online database of registered business names. Search your Secretary of State's website (look for "business entity search" or "business name search"). Your name must be distinguishable from existing registrations in your state — "Smith Plumbing LLC" and "Smith's Plumbing LLC" may be considered too similar to coexist.

USPTO Trademark Database (TESS): Go to tmsearch.uspto.gov and search your name. A federally registered trademark gives its owner nationwide rights to the name in their industry. If someone has trademarked your intended name for the same type of business, you could face legal action even if your state allows the registration. Spend 10 minutes here before you print business cards.

Also check domain name availability (Namecheap or GoDaddy) and social media handles. You want consistency across your digital presence, and a .com that matches your business name is worth securing early even if your website is months away.

Step 2: File Your DBA or Form Your LLC

Filing a DBA: Go to your county clerk's website or state Secretary of State website, search for "fictitious business name" or "DBA registration," fill out the form with your legal name and the business name you want to use, and pay the fee ($10–$100). Some states require you to publish notice of your DBA in a local newspaper for several consecutive weeks — an old rule that still exists in California and a handful of other states. Your county clerk's office will tell you if this is required.

Forming an LLC: File Articles of Organization with your state's Secretary of State. You'll need: your LLC name (including "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" in the name), your registered agent's name and address (a person or service that receives legal documents on behalf of the business — you can serve as your own registered agent or use a service like Northwest Registered Agent for ~$100/year), the business's principal address, and the names of the members (owners). You can do this yourself online through your state's portal in about 20 minutes, or use an online service like ZenBusiness ($49–$199) or Incfile (starting around $0 + state fee) that handles the filing for you.

Step 3: Get Your EIN

After your business is registered, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS — it's free and takes about 5 minutes online at irs.gov. Your EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. You'll need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file business taxes, and apply for most business licenses. Even if you have no employees, get an EIN so you're not giving out your Social Security number on W-9 forms to clients.

Step 4: Open a Business Bank Account

This step is often skipped and creates a mess later. Once your entity is registered and you have an EIN, open a dedicated business checking account. Commingling personal and business funds — running business income into your personal checking account — creates accounting headaches at tax time and can undermine the liability protection your LLC provides. Most local banks and online banks like Relay or Mercury offer free or low-fee business checking accounts with no minimums.

Step 5: Register for Any Required Local Licenses

Business entity registration and local operating licenses are two different things. Most cities and counties require a general business license ($25–$200/year) to operate legally within their jurisdiction. Trade-specific businesses (contractors, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, food service) need additional state licensing on top of the business entity registration. Check your city's website and your state's licensing board for your industry. Operating without required licenses can result in fines and void your business insurance in some cases.

Cost and Timeline Summary

• DBA registration: $10–$100, same day to 1 week
• LLC formation: $50–$500 in state fees, 1–3 weeks (or same day in some states if you pay an expedite fee)
• EIN: Free, issued immediately online
• Registered agent (if using a service): ~$100/year
• Business license: $25–$200, varies by municipality
• Domain name: $10–$15/year

Final Takeaway

Most service businesses should form an LLC, not just file a DBA. The liability protection is worth the extra cost and minimal paperwork. Start by searching your state's business registry and USPTO today to confirm your name is available — then file online. The whole process from research to completed filing typically takes one week and costs under $300 total.