How to Register a DBA in Indiana (Step-by-Step Guide)

It’s important to know that sole proprietors and general partnerships must file their DBA with the County Recorder where the business is located. Real estate investment firms and estates must file with the county.

For formally incorporated businesses, the Indiana Secretary of State is responsible for receiving the Certificate of Assumed Name. This applies to:

• For-profit and non-profit corporations
• Limited liability companies and partnerships
• All foreign filing entities

The next step is to think of the name of your business. Following the state rules around naming regulations is vital to ensure your DBA registration is passed through.

Businesses operating in Indiana are required to avoid using specific terms:

• Any words that may cause confusion between the business and a government agency, such as the FBI, Treasury, or State Department.
• The word “bank” or its variations is prohibited without prior approval from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
• Businesses are prohibited from using “medical” unless they are a professional corporation and all shareholders hold a medical license.
• You need to be aware of additional naming rules for corporations and LLCs.
• Names in Indiana do not have to be unique, but there are many benefits to choosing a unique name.

• Renewing the business’s name in Indiana is not required after approval.
• To make changes to your name, you can complete the same form used for registering your DBA name, and you must follow the same process with the County Recorder’s office where the name was first registered.
• The cost of amendments will vary depending on the county, but it usually ranges between $10 and $35.
• If you want to withdraw your DBA name, you can complete the Cancellation of Assumed Business Name form, and there is no charge for this.

• Indiana Secretary of State’s website
• Inbiz home page
• Indiana business entity search page
• Indiana county recorders
• Marion county certificate of assumed business name form
• Electronic DBA filing
• Register with INBiz
• Certificate of Assumed Business Name (Form 30353)
• Cancellation of Assumed Business Name form
• EIN application

There are many advantages to registering a DBA:

• Brand flexibility: A DBA name can be more versatile than a legal business name. It can be changed if needed, allowing businesses to adapt to product or market changes. A business owner can use multiple DBA names for marketing different products or services, which can help expand their reach and target new customers.
• Improved financial management: By opening a business bank account under a DBA name, business owners can use their business name on bank transactions, making it easier to keep one’s personal and business finances separate.
• Better marketing opportunities: A well-chosen name can be more memorable and descriptive than a legal name, making it easier for customers to recognize and remember the brand.
• Cost-effective option: Compared to other business structures, such as incorporating or forming an LLC, registering a DBA is often less expensive and more manageable, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

There are a few drawbacks to registering a DBA name:

• Limited legal protection: Unlike other business structures like Limited Liability companies or corporations, DBAs do not provide personal liability protection. The business owner is then personally responsible for all debts, obligations, and legal issues associated with the business. The business owner’s personal assets could be at risk if the company is sued.

• Sole proprietors: Business owners who operate without creating a separate legal entity. A DBA allows them to use a different name for marketing their products or services, allowing them to adapt to market changes more effectively.
• Partnerships: Joint ventures between two or more individuals who want to operate under a name other than their partners’ names. Filing a DBA can help partners represent their partnership and increase brand recognition.
• Corporations: Companies that wish to use a name different from their legal name or diversify their business activities under multiple names. For example, suppose a corporation has a subsidiary that sells software named “Tech Solutions LLC” but also wants to sell hardware. In that case, it can file a DBA for “Tech Hardware” to differentiate between the two business activities.

You would need a DBA if:

• Operating under a different name: If you plan to use a name that differs from your legal or company name, then a DBA may be necessary.
• Multiple business names: Corporations, LLCs, sole proprietorships, and partnerships that operate under numerous business names may need a DBA to keep their branding and legal structures distinct.
• Test new products or markets: A DBA can be useful for testing new products or entering new markets without changing your legal name.

When a DBA may not be necessary:

• Operating under the legal or personal name: A DBA may not be necessary if you operate under your or your company’s legal name.