Registering a Mississippi DBA (doing business as), also known as a fictitious name, is a simple process that you complete with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Learn How to Establish DBA in Mississippi yourself in two simple steps:
You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).
DBA Mississippi - Filing a Mississippi DBA Is Easy
Step 1: Start With a Mississippi DBA Name Search
If you haven't already, head over to the Mississippi Secretary of State website to make sure your fictitious name isn't taken by another registered Mississippi business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.
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!
In Mississippi, your fictitious name should not include:
- Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp., etc unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, or etc.
- Any terms given to financial institutions, including: "bank," "banc," "banco," 'banque," "banker,``''trust company," "savings and loan association," "savings bank," "credit union" or other similar words.
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.
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 State
A DBA does not 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.
Submit Your Application
You can only file your fictitious name registration online in Mississippi. The form should include the following information:
- Business ID and name (if already registered)
- Applicant’s name and address
- Fictitious name
- Address of business using the fictitious name
Fees
- $25 Filing Fee
Manage Your Mississippi DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Mississippi Secretary of State: (601) 359-1633
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Mississippi fictitious name needs to be renewed by December 31 of the year of the name’s fifth anniversary. The filing fee is $25, and you must file online.
Change Your DBA
To make changes to your fictitious name, you must fill out the Fictitious Business Name Amendment form and submit it online.
Withdraw Your DBA
To cancel your Mississippi fictitious business name, you must fill out the Fictitious Business Name Withdrawal form and submit it online.
Need Help Filing Your Mississippi DBA?
Have a Professional Service File Your Mississippi 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.
FAQ DBA Mississippi
Can I file a DBA online in Mississippi?
Yes, you must use Mississippi’s online portal to file business documents.
How do I change my DBA in Mississippi?
To make changes to your fictitious name, you must fill out the Fictitious Business Name Amendment form and submit it online.
How can I insure my Mississippi 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 DBA?
To cancel your Mississippi fictitious business name, you must fill out the Fictitious Business Name Withdrawal form and submit it online.
How often should I renew my Mississippi DBA?
Your Mississippi fictitious name needs to be renewed by December 31 of the year of the name’s fifth anniversary. The filing fee is $25, and you must file online.
When is a DBA required in Mississippi?
A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name. In the case of a sole proprietorship, you will need a DBA if you are operating under a name other than your own personal name.
How do I transfer my DBA in Mississippi?
To make changes to your fictitious name, you must fill out the Fictitious Business Name Assignment form and submit it online.
Is my Mississippi 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 your name is not protected in Mississippi. It is possible to create a federal trademark for a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.
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.