How To Register Your Business Name In Ohio

Reserving a name prevents another business from registering that same name while you decide whether and when to register for a business license.

How to register your business name in ohio. A dba doing business as name can also be used by a sole proprietor but it must be registered with the secretary of state to. The filing fee is 99. The department offers two methods to accomplish this through the ohio business gateway or by telephone. A dba also known as doing business as also commonly refers to a trade name and fictitious name in ohio. Ohio law allows a domestic or foreign business to reserve a business name prior to actually registering the business and obtaining a license.

Any entity planning to transact business in ohio using a name other than their personal name must register with the secretary of state. Choose a business idea. Write a business plan. Business name the current name of the business as it appears on our records. If the name you want is available this name can be registered and no other business can register it.

Open a business bank account. For a sole proprietor the legal name of the business is your personal full legal name. To register a business name in ohio you must first check to make sure your name is available by doing a business search a domain name search and a federal trademark search. Starting a business in ohio simple step by step guide. First register with the ohio secretary of state.

Simply submit your choice of name to the secretary of state via the official form. What is somewhat confusing in ohio is that a business can register either a trade name or fictitious name. File a fictitious business name with the secretary of state. Obtain a federal employer identification number ein. Organizational meetings aren t necessary for forming your business but they re advisable.

It is a charter number for domestic corporations. All business taxpayers must be registered with the ohio department of taxation. Registration information as well as forms are available online or at 877 sos file. A trade name is a name that must be distinguishable from the other names that are registered with the secretary of state. How do i register a business name in ohio.