How to Get a Trade Name aka
DBA in Arizona FAQ
Richard Keyt (Rick, the father at 480-664-7478) and his son, former CPA Richard C. Keyt (Ricky at 480-664-7472), are Arizona limited liability company attorneys who have formed 10,000+ Arizona LLCs. They have 294 5-star Google reviews and 407 5-star Google, Facebook & Birdeye reviews. They want to form your new LLC. Call, email, or book a free office, phone or Zoom video meeting.
We've written a free library of in-depth articles covering virtually every aspect of forming and operating Arizona LLCs at:
Arizona Trade Names & DBAs:
What Every LLC Owner Needs to Know
Your LLC's Legal Name vs. Its Trade Name
When the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approves your LLC's Articles of Organization, it assigns your company an official legal name — typically your chosen name followed by "LLC." That is the name on every state filing, every bank account, and every contract your company signs.
An Arizona trade name is any name your company uses to conduct business in Arizona that is different from that ACC-approved legal name. Trade names go by several terms: trade name, DBA, "doing business as," and fictitious name all mean the same thing.
Here is a simple example: if your LLC's legal name is Sunrise Ventures, LLC but you run a bakery called Desert Bloom Bakery, then "Desert Bloom Bakery" is your trade name.
Does Your Legal Name Need to Be Registered as a Trade Name?
No. Your LLC's legal name is automatically protected when the ACC approves your Articles of Organization. The ACC will not allow any other Arizona company — or any out-of-state entity that wants to do business in Arizona — to use a company name or trade name that is the same as your legal name. You do not need to register your legal name anywhere else to get that protection.
Trade names are a different story, and that is what the rest of this article is about.
Do You Have to Register an Arizona Trade Name?
Arizona law does not require you to register a trade name. But if you use a trade name and do not register it, you get none of the protections that registration provides. Someone else can come along, register the same trade name, and then have the legal right to stop you from using it — even if you have been using it for years.
Registration is inexpensive and quick. There is almost no good reason to skip it.
Three Important Benefits of Registering an Arizona Trade Name
-
1ACC protection. The Arizona Corporation Commission will not allow another company to form in Arizona — or allow a foreign entity (an out-of-state company) to register to do business in Arizona — under the same trade name you have registered.
-
2Secretary of State protection. The Arizona Secretary of State will not allow any other person or entity to register the same trade name once yours is on file.
-
3Constructive notice. Registration is legal notice to the entire world that your company is the owner of the trade name — and gives you the legal right to prevent others from using it in Arizona.
Which Agency Handles Arizona Trade Names?
The Arizona Secretary of State is the state agency responsible for registering and overseeing trade names and trademarks in Arizona. You can learn more from the Arizona Secretary of State's Trade Name and Trademark Handbook.
How to Search the Arizona Trade Name Database
Before you file a trade name application, search the Arizona Secretary of State's database to confirm the name is available. You can also search the database to find out who already owns a particular registered trade name.
Search the database here: Arizona Secretary of State Trade Name & Trademark Search
The search tool allows you to:
- ✓Check whether a specific trade name is already registered in Arizona.
- ✓Look up the name and contact information of the holder of any registered Arizona trade name.
How to Register an Arizona Trade Name / DBA
Registering a trade name in Arizona is straightforward. Here is how to do it:
-
Search first. Use the Arizona Secretary of State's trade name database to confirm your desired trade name is not already taken.
-
File online. Go to the Arizona Secretary of State's online trade name application system and complete the application.
-
Pay the fee. The standard fee is $10. We recommend paying the $35 expedited filing fee — it is money well spent for faster processing and review.
-
Receive your certificate. After paying the expedited fee, you have two options: (a) wait 2–3 weeks for the Arizona Secretary of State to mail your registration certificate, or (b) go in person to the Arizona Secretary of State's office and receive your certificate the same day.
Can an LLC Have More Than One Trade Name?
Yes. An Arizona LLC may use as many trade names as it likes — for example, if it operates multiple brands or divisions under different names. Each trade name should be registered separately with the Arizona Secretary of State to receive independent protection.
Quick Reference: Arizona Trade Name at a Glance
| Topic | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| What is a trade name? | Any name your LLC uses in Arizona that differs from its ACC-approved legal name |
| Also called | DBA, "doing business as," fictitious name |
| Registration required? | No — but strongly recommended |
| Registration agency | Arizona Secretary of State |
| Standard fee | $10 |
| Expedited fee (recommended) | $35 |
| Expedited processing time | Same day (in person) or 2–3 weeks (by mail) |
| Online application | apps.azsos.gov/apps/tntp/na.html |
| Database search | azsos.gov/business/trade-names-and-trademarks |
| In-person pickup location | 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ (2nd floor) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Trade Names
What is the difference between a trade name and a trademark?
A trade name (DBA) is simply the name under which you conduct business in Arizona — it identifies your business. A trademark identifies a product or service and is protected under both federal and state law. Registering a trade name with the Arizona Secretary of State does not give you trademark rights. If you want broader intellectual property protection, you should consult an attorney about federal trademark registration through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
What happens if I use a trade name without registering it?
You can still use the name, but you have no legal protection. Another business could register the same trade name and then have the right to prevent you from continuing to use it in Arizona — even if you started using it first. Registration is inexpensive ($10–$35) and quick, so there is little reason not to protect yourself.
Does registering an Arizona trade name protect me nationally?
No. Arizona trade name registration only provides protection within the state of Arizona. It does not protect you in other states or at the federal level. For national protection, you would need to apply for a federal trademark through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Can I register a trade name that is the same as my LLC's legal name?
You do not need to. Your LLC's legal name is automatically protected by the ACC when your Articles of Organization are approved. The ACC will not allow any other Arizona company or foreign entity to use the same name. There is no benefit to also registering it as a trade name with the Secretary of State.
How long does an Arizona trade name registration last?
Arizona trade name registrations must be renewed periodically. The Arizona Secretary of State's office will notify you of renewal deadlines. Keep your contact information current with the Secretary of State so you do not miss renewal notices and lose your registration.
Where is the Arizona Secretary of State's office located for in-person pickup?
The Arizona Secretary of State's office is located on the second floor of the Arizona Capitol building at 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona. If you pay the $35 expedited fee online and visit in person, you can receive your trade name registration certificate the same day instead of waiting 2–3 weeks for it to arrive by mail.
Do I need an attorney to register an Arizona trade name?
You do not need an attorney to register a trade name — the Arizona Secretary of State's online application is straightforward and the fee is low. That said, if you have questions about whether your intended trade name conflicts with an existing name or trademark, or if your business situation is complex, consulting with an Arizona business attorney is a smart step. Call KEYTLaw at any time if you have questions — we are happy to help.
Questions About Your Arizona LLC?
KEYTLaw has formed more than 10,000 Arizona LLCs. Whether you need help choosing a trade name, forming a new LLC, or understanding how your company should operate, we are here to help.
Schedule a Free ConsultationSee the Contents of Our Estate Plan
To protect your most valuable assets—your loved ones— read our article that describes the 36 documents and services you will get if you hire us to prepare your comprehensive estate plan with a revocable living trust or watch our video about the documents and services.
Questions? Book a free meeting or call or email one of our Arizona estate planning attorneys. We don't charge to talk to people.
Call, email or text Richard Keyt, father
Direct phone: 480-664-7478
Email: [email protected]
Call, email or text Richard C. Keyt, son
Direct phone: 480-664-7472
Email: [email protected]