If you’re planning to start a business in Mississippi using a specific name, you may need to register for a business name. Business name registration is commonly referred to as a Mississippi DBA or “Doing Business As,” but is officially called a Fictitious Business Name.
To see if you need to register for a Mississippi Fictitious Business Name and steps on how to register, check out our guide.
Related: Starting A Business In Mississippi Checklist
Who needs to register for a Mississippi Fictitious Business Name?
Unlike most states, Mississippi does not require fictitious names to be registered. This registration is voluntary however, there are several reasons to consider, such as:
- Formally informing the public about the use of a business name
- Many banks will require the name to be registered before opening a business bank account
- Some vendors will request the filing to prove the business exists
If a name is desired, the requirements and need to register for one vary depending on the type of business entity.
A sole proprietorship and general partnership are the most common business structures to register for a Mississippi DBA. By default, the name of a sole proprietorship and general partnership is the owner(s) legal name.
For example, if John Smith started a small business cleaning gutters but didn’t want to use a specific business name, he would simply use his name. If John decides to name his business John’s Gutter Cleaning, he may want to register.
Related: How To Start A Mississippi Sole Proprietorship
A corporation and Limited Liability Company won’t typically register for a Mississippi 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 a Mississippi corporation or Limited Liability Company without forming another entity.
Steps to Register file a DBA in Mississippi?
Step 1: Fill out the Fictitious Business Name Registration Form
Visit the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website to fill out the Fictitious Business Name registration form.
Information requested on the form includes:
- Type of business entity
- Fictitious name being requested
- The Mississippi business identification number (if applicable)
- NAICS Code
- Business address
- Name of the business owner/officer(s)
Step 2: File the Form
Fill out the form and submit it with payment.
If you have questions about the process, you can contact the Secretary of State at 604-359-1633 or through their Contact form.
Mississippi DBA FAQs
How much does it cost to get a DBA in Mississippi?
The filing fee for the Fictitious Business Name Registration is $25 in Mississippi.
How long is a Mississippi Fictitious Name good for?
The name registration must be renewed by December 31st, the fifth year the form was filed.
Are there any naming restrictions when filing a Mississippi DBA name?
A Fictitious Business Name can’t use a business entity suffix that is different from the entity type. For example, a sole proprietorship can’t use the words LLC or corporation in its name.
Names can’t use words similar to those related to financial institutions such as bank, banker, savings, credit union, etc.
Can someone use my business name after registering a Mississippi DBA?
While registering your Trade Name will keep someone else from registering the same name in Mississippi, it does little to stop someone else from operating a business under that name in other states.
If stopping others from using your business name is important, you can protect it through a federal trademark through the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
Learn more about trademarking a business name.
Does a DBA need an EIN?
An EIN or Employer Identification Number (also referred to as a business tax ID number) is a unique nine-digit number that some businesses will register for 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.
