How to Register an Assumed Business Name in Idaho

Learn how to file a DBA in Idaho.

Registering an Idaho DBA (doing business as), also known as an assumed business name, is a simple process that you complete with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Learn How to Register an Assumed Business Name in Idaho yourself in two simple steps:

Fast-Track Your DBA Registration

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

Get Started

How to Set up a DBA in Idaho

Step 1: Start With An Idaho DBA Name Search

If you haven’t already, head over to the Idaho Secretary of State website and do a business search and trademark search to make sure your assumed business name isn’t taken by another registered Idaho business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.

In Idaho, 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. 

Domain Name Search

Step 2: Register Your Idaho DBA

To register your DBA, Idaho State law requires you to submit an application with the Secretary of State. You can file online, or you can complete the certificate of assumed business name form.

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

  • Section 2: Names of individuals or entities doing business under the assumed name
  • Section 3: Type of business
  • Section 4: Mailing address for future correspondence
  • Section 5: Address for acknowledgment of registration (if different than #4)

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 Form

Walk-In or Mail

Office of the Secretary of State 450 N 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

File Online

You can file online at the Idaho Secretary of State’s website.

Fees

  • $25 Filing Fee
  • Additional $20 Manual Processing Fee (if not filed online)

Manage Your Idaho DBA

DBA Questions

Call the Idaho Secretary of State: (208) 334-2301

Renew Your DBA with the State

Your Idaho assumed business name does not need to be renewed. It remains valid until canceled by the owner.

Change Your DBA

You can make changes to your assumed business name in Idaho online or by filling out and returning this form. The fee is $10, plus a $20 manual processing fee if you are not filing online. Forms can be mailed to or dropped off at the following address:

Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

Withdraw Your DBA

You can cancel your assumed business name in Idaho online or by filling out and returning this form. The fee is $10, plus a $20 manual processing fee if you are not filing online. Forms can be mailed to or dropped off at the following address:

Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

Need Help Filing Your Idaho Assumed Business Name?

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DBA Idaho FAQ

Can I file an Idaho DBA online?

You can file your DBA online at the Idaho Secretary of State’s website.

How Do I Change My DBA in Idaho?

You can make changes to your assumed business name in Idaho online or by filling out and returning this form. The fee is $10, plus a $20 manual processing fee if you are not filing online. Forms can be mailed to or dropped off at the following address:

Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

How can I insure my Idaho 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?

You can cancel your assumed business name in Idaho online or by filling out and returning this form. The fee is $10, plus a $20 manual processing fee if you are not filing online. Forms can be mailed to or dropped off at the following address:

Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

How Often Should I Renew My Idaho DBA?

Your Idaho assumed business name does not need to be renewed. It remains active until canceled by its owner.

When is a DBA required in Idaho?

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

How Do I Transfer my DBA in Idaho?

You can add and remove names of individuals or entities doing business under the assumed name online or by filling out this form. The fee is $10, plus a $20 manual processing fee if you are not filing online. Forms can be mailed to or dropped off at the following address:

Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

Is my Idaho 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 Idaho. 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 when seeking specific legal advice for your business. 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.

Idaho Business Resources