How to Get a DBA in Arkansas


Registering an Arkansas DBA (doing business as), also known as a fictitious or assumed name, is a simple process, and it’s done at the Arkansas Secretary of State and at the county level, depending on your business structure.

Learn How to Get a DBA in Arkansas yourself. Choose your business structure to get started:

You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).

Image of a man looking up how to file an Arkansas DBA D B A

Register an Arkansas DBA for a Sole Proprietorship

Sole proprietorships are required to register an assumed name with the appropriate County Clerk’s office(s).

A sole proprietorship is a business owned by a single individual that isn't formally organized. If you run a business and file taxes under your own name, you are a sole proprietor.

A DBA doesn't offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company, visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.


SKIP AHEAD

If you need to create a DBA for an LLC or Corporation, you can click here to skip ahead.

Step 1: Start With an Arkansas DBA Name Search

If you haven't already, head over to the Arkansas Secretary of State's website to make sure your name isn't taken by—or too similar to—another registered Arkansas business.

TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address. You can also use our free logo generator tool to make a logo yourself! No design experience necessary!

Make sure your name complies with Arkansas naming rules :

  • Your name cannot include words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business.

Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.

Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your Arkansas DBA.

If you need extra guidance with naming your business, we can help.

Find a Domain Now

After registering a domain name for your DBA, consider using a business phone service to improve customer satisfaction and further establish credibility. Our top pick is Nextiva because of its affordable pricing and useful features. Start calling with Nextiva.

Step 2: Register Your DBA with the County Clerk

If your business is a sole proprietorship, then you are required to file an assumed name form with the county.

We will give you directions to get a Pulaski County DBA. If you need to file in a different county than Pulaski County, you’ll have to get in touch with the county clerk for instructions. You can find your counties' contact information online.


How to File a Pulaski County DBA

At this point, you should’ve already chosen a name for your business and completed the name searches in Step 1 above.

Pulaski County suggests searching their assumed name records before you start the DBA filing process. You can search the database online.

Submit Your Assumed Name Form

Fill out the Pulaski County Assumed Name Form and submit it at the address below:


Pulaski Circuit/County Clerk
401 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201


Filing Cost:
$25

Manage Your Pulaski County DBA

DBA Questions

Call (501) 340-8500 for general questions about assumed names

Renew Your DBA

Your assumed name does not expire.

Change Your DBA

You will need to file a new assumed name registration to change your assumed name.

Register an Arkansas DBA for Corporations, LLCs, & Partnerships

Corporations, LLCs, and partnerships file their fictitious name with the Arkansas Secretary of State. These business entities must also deliver a copy of the registration to their local county clerk (unless registered in Pulaski County).

Step 1: Start With an Arkansas DBA Name Search

If you haven't already, head over to the Arkansas Secretary of State's website to make sure your name isn't taken by—or too similar to—another registered Arkansas business.

TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address.

Make sure your name complies with Arkansas naming rules:

  • Your name cannot include words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business.

Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.

Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.

If you need extra guidance with naming your business, we can help.

Find a Domain Now

Step 2: Register Your Arkansas DBA

Corporations, LLCs, and partnerships file their fictitious name with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

After registering with the state, these businesses must deliver a copy of the registration to their local county clerk (unless registered in Pulaski County).

You can file online or print a copy of the Application for Fictitious Name.

The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:

  • Entity type of owner
  • Description of the type of business
  • Business address


Submit Your Application for Fictitious Name Form

Online: Arkansas Corporations Online Filing System

Mail or In-Person Delivery:
Arkansas State Secretary of State
Business Services Division
1401 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201

Filing Cost: $25 for corporations and LLCs; $15 for partnerships

Manage Your Arkansas DBA

DBA Questions

Call the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Business and Commercial Services office: (501) 682-3409

Renew Your DBA with the State

Your fictitious name registration does not expire.

Change Your DBA

You must complete a new registration to change your fictitious name.

Need Help Filing Your Arkansas DBA?

Have a Professional Service File Your Arkansas DBA For You

A professional service will handle filing your DBA on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the other needs of your new business.

We recommend using LegalZoom ($99 + state fee) for a personalized DBA service.

Arkansas DBA FAQ

Can I file a DBA online in Arkansas?

Yes, you can file state-level DBAs online using Arkansas's Corporations Online Filing System. Filing options for county-level DBAs vary by county.

How do I change my DBA in Arkansas?

To change your state DBA name, you will have to file a new registration. To make other changes to the registration, fill out the Articles of Correction form.

Contact your county clerk for specific instructions for changing your Sole Proprietorship DBA at the county level.

How can I insure my Arkansas DBA?

DBAs don’t require insurance because DBAs aren't a business entity. However, the business entity that the DBA is under will need protection from losses that can happen naturally in the course of business, such as property damage or lawsuits.

We recommend Tivly because they provide coverage for a large variety of businesses. Get a free quote from Tivly or call 855-965-3168 to learn more.

How can I withdraw my Arkansas DBA?

State-level fictitious names can be withdrawn with a Cancellation of Fictitious Name form. Contact your county clerk for county-specific instructions for withdrawing your DBA for your Sole Proprietorship.

How often should I renew my Arkansas DBA?

Your Arkansas DBA does not need to be renewed.

When is a DBA required in Arkansas?

A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name.

How do I transfer my DBA in Arkansas?

Most state-level transfers can be completed by filing a Notice of Transfer of Fictitious Name form. Contact your county clerk for county-specific instructions for transferring a Sole Propietorship DBA.

How many DBAs can I have?

You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Each one will come with additional incremental expense and paperwork, so you will want to make sure you have a good reason for each one you have.

Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?

DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.

To learn more about EINs and when you would need one for your business, read What is an EIN from our friends at TRUiC.

Can a DBA become an LLC?

Your DBA is just a name. A DBA is often confused with a sole proprietorship. If you mean “can my sole proprietorship become an LLC?” then the answer is “Yes. Absolutely.”

To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.

Can a DBA have "Inc." in the name?

A DBA can only have "Inc." in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.

How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?

It’s always best to consult an attorney. Usually, the best option is to Form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. Holding the rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection.

Is my DBA protected from being used in other places?

There are some state-level laws that prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible to trademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.