If you’re planning to start a business in Idaho using a specific name, you may need to register for a business name. Business name registration is commonly referred to as an Idaho DBA, “Doing Business As,” or Fictitious Business Name, but is officially called an Assumed Name.
To see if you need to register for an Idaho Assumed Name and steps on how to register, check out our guide.
Related: Starting A Business In Idaho Checklist
Who needs to register for an Idaho Assumed Name?
The requirements and need to register for an Assumed Name vary depending on the type of business structure.
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the most common business structures for registering for an Idaho DBA. By default, the name of a sole proprietorship and general partnership is the owner(s) legal name. Instead, if the small business owner wants to operate under a specific name, they will need to complete the Assumed Name registration.
For example, if Angie Smith starts an accounting service but doesn’t want to use a fictitious name, she doesn’t have to register. If Angie decides to name his business Angie’s Accounting Services, then she will need to register.
Related: How To Start A Sole Proprietorship In Idaho
A corporation, Limited Liability Company, and Limited Liability Partnership won’t typically register for an Idaho DBA since a unique entity name is created during the entity formation process. However, some will want to register for a DBA if they have another business or brand name they want to operate in addition to the legal name of the business. This can allow multiple businesses to operate with the liability protection of an Idaho corporation or Limited Liability Company without forming another entity.
Steps to Register an Idaho Assumed Business Name
Step 1: Check Available Names
In Idaho, Assumed Names are registered by the Idaho Secretary of State, Commercial Division. To register a name, the name must be unique and not similar to other registered names in the state. To verify if the name you want to use is available, you can do an Idaho business search on the Idaho Secretary of State’s name database.
Step 2: Fill out the Certificate of Assumed Business Name Form
The form to register for the Certificate of Assumed Business Name (ABN) is available from the Idaho Secretary of State (download) or (online) filing. The form should only take a few minutes to fill out. Information needed on the form includes:
- Assumed business name
- Name and address of the owners
- What the business does
- Business address
Step 3: Submit the Form
Submit the form along with the filing fee.
Something to note is that ABN filings are a public record and searchable on the Secretary of State’s website. This can be concerning for some people who may be starting their business on the side and not want their employer to know.
If you have questions about the process, contact the:
Idaho Secretary of State’s Office – Commercial Division
450 N. 4th Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-334-2301
ucc@sos.idaho.gov
Idaho DBA FAQs
How much does an Idaho Assumed Name Cost?
The cost to register for an Idaho Certificate of Assumed Business Name is $25 for online filing or $45 for mailed-in forms.
How long does it take to get an Idaho Assumed Name?
The normal turnaround for the Idaho Secretary of State to process Assumed Name forms is 3-7 business days.
Are there any naming restrictions when filing an Idaho DBA?
In addition to the name being unique, an Assumed Name can’t use a business entity suffix (such as corporation, Corp, incorporated, Inc., LLC, or Limited Liability Company can’t be used) that is different from the type of entity. For example, a sole proprietorship can’t use the words LLC or corporation in its name.
Assumed Names can’t be registered using words related to financial institutions (such as banker, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, etc.) or engineering unless the business is licensed to provide those services.
After registering the Assumed Name, can someone use my business name?
While registering your Trade Name will keep someone else from registering the exact same name in the state of Idaho, it does very little to stop someone else from operating that business name in other states. If stopping others from using your business name is important, you can protect it through a trademark.
Related: How to trademark a business name
Does a DBA need an EIN?
An EIN or Employer Identification Number (also informally called a business tax ID number) is a unique nine-digit number that businesses can register through the Internal Revenue Department (IRS). An EIN is required for partnerships, corporations, multi-member LLCs, or any business with employees.
Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs without employees can use the owner’s social security number to identify the business.
There is no cost to get an EIN when registering directly from the IRS.
