In Wyoming, a business operating under a fictitious name may want to register for a business name that is different from the legal name of the business. This name is commonly referred to as a Wyoming DBA, “Doing Business As. or Assumed Name, but is officially called a Wyoming Trade Name.
Learn who needs one, how to register, the costs, and more!
Related: Starting A Business In Wyoming Checklist
Who Needs to Register for a Wyoming Trade Name?
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the most common business structures for registering for a Trade Name. By default, the name of a sole proprietorship and general partnership is the owner(s) legal name. But, unlike most states, it is optional for a Wyoming business to register for a Trade Name1. For example, if John Smith starts a business repairing computers operating under John Smith, he doesn’t need to register for a Wyoming Trade Name. If John decides to name his business John’s Computer Repair or even John Smith’s Computer Repair, he needs to register for a Wyoming Trade Name.
Even though name registration is optional in Wyoming for a sole proprietor or partnership, it’s commonly needed, as some vendors and banks will require this registration to provide proof of business ownership.
Related: How To Start A Wyoming Sole Proprietorship
Corporations and Limited Liability Companies won’t typically register for a Wyoming Trade Name since a unique entity name is created during the entity formation process. However, some will want to register for a Trade Name 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 corporation or Limited Liability Company without forming another entity.
Steps to Register for a Wyoming Trade Name
Step 1: Verify Name Availability
A business may not register a name that is the same or similar to another business in Wyoming.
Trade Names also can’t be registered using words related to banking or insurance unless the business is licensed to provide those services.
Names can be searched on the Secretary of State’s website. Learn how to do a business name search in Wyoming.
Step 2: Fill out the Form
The Application for Registration of Trade Name form is available from the Wyoming Secretary of State. The information needed on the form includes:
- Trade Name to be registered
- Name of the applicant
- Business address
- Mailing address
- Type of business entity
- What the business does
- Date the name was first in use. The name has to be used in commerce before applying for a Trade Name
- Date and signature of the applicant
Step 3: Notarize the Form
Before signing the form, be sure to have a notary witness the signing of the documents. Most County Clerk’s offices offer notary services at no cost.
Step 4: Submit the Form
Submit the filing fee and form by mail to:
Wyoming Secretary of State
2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
If you have questions about the process, contact the Wyoming Secretary of State at 307-777-7311 or business@wyo.gov.
Protecting your Business Name
While registering your Trade Name will keep someone else from registering the exact business name in Wyoming, it does very little for someone else 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 trademark.
Related: How to protect your name through a trademark
Wyoming Trade Name FAQs
How much does a Trade Name cost in Wyoming?
The filing fee to register a Trade Name in Wyoming is $100, payable to the Wyoming Secretary of State. The registration is good for ten years and is renewable.
How long does it take to get a Wyoming DBA?
The Wyoming Secretary of State processes more Trade Name applications in up to 15 business days.
Does a Wyoming Trade Name need an EIN?
An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a unique nine-digit number that some businesses register for through the Internal Revenue Service (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.
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