Frequently Asked Questions # 19

19. How do I know if my business name is being used? How do I register my business name?

A Doing Business As Certification (DBA) is required for any sole proprietorship or general partnership operating under a fictitious name or names other than the owners. There is a nominal fee that varies from county to county. The DBA Certificate records the full name and address of the business owner and the fictitious name and is kept on file at the county clerk's office. To do a business name, search for a sole proprietorship or partnership, contact the county clerk's office in the county where the business is located. To do a business name search for a corporation, contact the Arkansas Secretary of State's office at 1-888-233-0325.

The term "trade name" is a word, name, symbol, device, or any combination used to identify a business, vocation, or occupation from someone else's. Registration provides protection from someone else using your business name. You can register your name with the Secretary of State. There is a $50 registration fee and it is valid for 5 years.

Refer to: Arkansas Office of the Secretary of State

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