Get a DBA Name for Your Indiana Business Today

If you own a business in Indiana and would like to use a different name than its legal business name, you will need to register it with the state. A DBA name, also called an assumed name, fictitious business name, or trade name is typically used when you want to use multiple names for one business, or if you are a sole proprietor wanting to be recognized as something other than your legal name.

There are many reasons you might want a DBA name for your Indiana business. Typically, DBA names are used to distinguish different portions of a business or allow them to operate under a shortened form of their registered business name. Read on to learn the ins and outs of obtaining, maintaining, and renewing a DBA name in Indiana, and how we can help make the process easy.

What is an Indiana “doing business as” (DBA) name?

Indiana uses the term “assumed business name” to refer to the use of an alias. Indiana requires the official filing of DBA names for businesses, as do most states. The reason behind the official filing requirement is that the public has a right to know the name of the entity they are dealing with.

Whether the entity using the DBA name is a sole proprietor, C corporation, or any other formal business structure, the DBA name does not influence the payment of taxes. It is not a business structure; it is a business identity. 

Two primary business structures that commonly make use of DBA names are: 

• Partnerships and sole proprietorships frequently opt for an alias in place of using their personal names. Sole proprietors and partnerships must complete a Certificate of Assumed Business Name and file it in the county where they conduct their business. Business owners must identify the appropriate County Recorder office in which to file their application in Indiana. Forms vary across counties, so you will need to make inquiries to access the correct form to complete your application.
• C corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) also derive business benefits from aliases, prompting many to file for DBA names to boost growth. Simply condensing legally registered names by the omission of the legal identifier improves the recognizability of the name. Registered companies are also required to file their DBA names in Indiana but must file the Certificate of Assumed Business Name with the Secretary of State. 

Benefits of using a DBA

• Credible business name: Choosing an assumed business name is more likely to be easily recognizable by customers than the use of an individual or official business entity name.
• Trade with confidence: Trading locally and across state lines is boosted by the credibility of having an acceptable business name that describes the nature of the operations.
• Financial benefits: Financial institutions will typically require a DBA name when business owners want to open a separate bank account.
• Privacy: The use of a DBA name is particularly useful for sole proprietors and partnerships that want to keep their personal names private.
• Marketing: Business owners opt to use DBA names when additional product lines need to be kept separate.

Indiana business owners have a diversity of motivations for electing to use an assumed business name. Coming up with a suitable DBA name and initiation of filing can be quite a chore, however.

Our guide contains comprehensive details for entrepreneurs to realize their dreams of trading under a name that fully expresses their business aspirations. Industry tips on how to select the ideal business name for commerce in Indiana, registration of the new alias, and ongoing compliance advice follow.

How do I choose an Indiana DBA name?

Best business practices recommend that names are short, memorable, easy to search online, and reflect the nature of the business. Good business names are also uncomplicated and easy to spell.

Generally, DBA names are not exclusive but can be used in a variety of forms across Indiana. Any name you select can be altered to embody your business’s character. For example, an existing name might be “Lord’s Photographer, LLC.” If your surname is “Lord,” and you specialize in photography, you could conduct a search for “Lord’s Portrait Photography.” 

Aim at picking a name that is distinctive and makes your business stand out among the competition. Note that even if you choose a name today, someone in another city in Indiana might duplicate your name tomorrow.

Conduct an online search to see whether your desired business name is available before following the filing process below.

How do I register an Indiana DBA name?

DBA filing in Indiana state differs for sole proprietors and partnerships compared to legally registered companies, as noted earlier. 

1. Sole proprietors and partnerships should access a list of their counties or go directly to the County Recorder where the business is located to obtain a Certificate of Assumed Business Name to register their DBA name.
2. Some counties offer online filing services. For example, Marion County’s form is obtainable online. Conduct a search to determine whether your county also provides forms online.
3. Complete the form as indicated, and it will be notarized at the County Recorder’s office. Fees differ by county but are typically between $10 and $35.
4. If the County Recorder does not have a form, one can be obtained from the State Information Center (1-800-457-8283) for sole proprietors and partnerships.
5. All corporations must access their Certificate of Assumed Business Name from the Indiana Secretary of State. Applicants can register with INBiz to complete the application unless a registered agent is appointed to act on their behalf. Alternatively, a form is accessible from the Secretary of State’s office, Business Srvs. Div., 317-232-6576. Fees for filing range between $10 and $30, depending on the corporation type.
6. Typical information to include on these forms is full names, physical addresses, telephone numbers, and business details that include EINs for corporations.
7. Once the forms have been completed and submitted, a notarized copy of the application can be requested.
8. Pay the fees associated with the application and for certified copies, where applicable.
9. No newspaper publication of the DBA name is required in Indiana.

How do I manage ongoing DBA name compliance in Indiana?

You do not need to file any newspaper notices to the effect that you are trading under an assumed business name once your DBA name has been registered. Indiana also doesn’t require you to renew your DBA name once approved. However, businesses may find that they need to make changes to the Certificate of Assumed Business Name.

Changes can be made by completing the same form that was used for registration of your DBA name. Also, the same process will need to be followed up with the County Recorder’s office, where the name was first registered. Amendment costs will vary by county but range between $10 and $35. Withdrawal of the DBA name can be made by completing the Cancellation of Assumed Business Name, for which there is no charge.

We can help!

While these steps may appear simple in theory, they can be time-consuming in practice. We help prospective DBA name applicants with the registration process of your new DBA.

If your Indiana business is still in the formation phase, our LLC Formation Services or Corporation formation Services can help you get started.