Filing a Wyoming DBA (doing business as), also known as a trade name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.
Learn How to File a DBA in Wyoming 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).
How to Set up a DBA in Wyoming
Step 1: Start With a Wyoming DBA Name Search
If you haven't already, head over to the Wyoming Secretary of State website to make sure your trade name isn't taken by another registered Wyoming 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 Wyoming, your trade 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 find more information about the Wyoming business name 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.
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 Wyoming DBA with the State
In Wyoming, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State. When you are ready to register your name, you can complete and return the notarized application for registration of trade name form. Note that the trade name must be in use before it can be registered.
The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:
- Name and address of the applicant
- The business structure of the applicant
- Applicant’s state of incorporation (if an incorporated entity)
- The business address of trade name
Wyoming gives you the option to reserve a trade name for up to 120 days by completing this reservation form. It's not mandatory, but it could be useful if you aren’t yet ready to file your trade name but want to keep it from being registered by someone else. The fee is $30.
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 Trade Name Form
Wyoming Secretary of State
2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
Fees
- $100 Filing Fee
Manage Your Wyoming DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Wyoming Secretary of State: (307) 777-7311
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Wyoming DBA needs to be renewed every ten years. The renewal fee is $50. Complete this renewal form and mail it to:
Wyoming Secretary of State
2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
Withdraw Your DBA
To cancel your trade name, complete this cancellation form. Mail it and the $10 cancellation fee to:
Wyoming Secretary of State
2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
Need Help Filing Your Wyoming Trade Name?
Have a Professional Service File Your Wyoming 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 Wyoming
Can I file a DBA online in Wyoming?
No.
How can I withdraw my DBA?
To cancel your trade name, complete this cancellation form. Mail it and the $10 cancellation fee to:
Wyoming Secretary of State
2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
How can I insure my Wyoming 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 often should I renew my Wyoming DBA?
Your Wyoming DBA needs to be renewed every ten years. The renewal fee is $50. Complete this renewal form and mail it to:
Wyoming Secretary of State
2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
When is a DBA required in Wyoming?
Trade names are optional in Wyoming.
How do I transfer my DBA in Wyoming?
You can transfer your trade name in Wyoming by submitting the assignment of trade name registration form. Mail the form and the $25 filing fee to:
Wyoming Secretary of State
2020 Carey Avenue, Suite 700
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020
Is my Wyoming 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 Wyoming. 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 expenses 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.