How to File a New Hampshire DBA


Filing a New Hampshire DBA (doing business as), also known as a fictitious name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.

Learn How to File a New Hampshire DBA 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).

Image of a man searching how to file a D B A online.

How to Set up a DBA in New Hampshire

Step 1: Start With a New Hampshire DBA Name Search

If you haven't already, head over to the New Hampshire Secretary of State's website to make sure your trade name isn't taken by another registered New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, 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.

You can download and read New Hampshire’s business name availability guidelines here.

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.

Find a Domain Now

Once you reserve a domain name for your DBA, consider setting up a business phone system to help strengthen your customer service and boost credibility. We recommend Phone.com because of its affordable pricing and variety of useful features. Start calling with Phone.com.

Step 2: Register Your New Hampshire DBA

In New Hampshire, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State. You must complete the application for registration of trade name form.

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

  • Section 3: Description of the type of business
  • Section 4: Date business was organized
  • Section 5: Applicant name and address

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 for Registration of Fictitious Name Form

Walk-In

State House Annex
3rd Floor, Rm 317
25 Capitol St, Concord, NH

Mail

Corporation Division
NH Dept. of State
107 N Main St, Rm 204
Concord, NH 03301-4989

Fees

  • $50 Filing Fee

Manage Your New Hampshire DBA

DBA Questions

Call the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Corporation Division: (603-271-3246)

Renew Your DBA with the State

Your New Hampshire trade name needs to be renewed every five years. At least six months prior to the expiration date, the Secretary of State will send you a notice of renewal and the proper form.

Change Your DBA

You will have to register a new trade name to make changes other than ownership members. You can file this form to add members and this form to remove members. The fee for each is $10.

Withdraw Your DBA

To cancel your trade name, file the certificate of discontinuance of use of trade name form. The fee is $10.

Need Help Filing Your New Hampshire DBA?

Have a Professional Service File Your New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire

Can I file a DBA online in New Hampshire?

No, you must file your New Hampshire trade name registration by mail or in person.

How do I change my DBA in New Hampshire?

You will have to register a new trade name to make changes other than ownership members. You can file this form to add members and this form to remove members. The fee for each is $10.

How can I insure my New Hampshire 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 trade name, file the certificate of discontinuance of use of trade name form. The fee is $10.

How often should I renew my New Hampshire DBA?

Your New Hampshire trade name needs to be renewed every five years. At least six months prior to the expiration date, the Secretary of State will send you a notice of renewal and the proper form.

When is a DBA required in New Hampshire?

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

How do I transfer my DBA in New Hampshire?

Most transfers can be completed by filing an amendment to change the owner’s name. You can file this form to add members and this form to remove members. The fee for each is $10.

Is my New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. 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.