How to Get a DBA in Louisiana

Learn how to file a DBA in Louisiana.

Filing a Louisiana 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 Get a DBA in Louisiana 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).

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How to Set up a DBA in Louisiana

Step 1: Start With a Louisiana DBA Name Search

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

In Louisiana, 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.

Louisiana allows you to reserve a trade name before actually registering it. If you would like to reserve a DBA for your company, you can do so online or by filling out and returning this form. There is a $25 fee to reserve a trade name, and it will be reserved for 120 after the application is processed.

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

Domain Name Search

Step 2: Register Your Louisiana DBA

When registering a DBA, Louisiana State law requires that you apply with the Secretary of State. You can file online at Louisiana’s geauxBIZ website or you can 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 2: Applicant’s state of incorporation (if applicable)
  • Section 5: Type of business
  • Section 7: Date trade name first used
  • Section 8: Date trade name first used in Louisiana

It’s important to know that a DBA doesn’t protect 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

8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Mail

Commercial Division
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125

Fees

  • $75 Filing Fee
  • $30 24-Hour Expediting Fee

Manage Your Louisiana DBA

DBA Questions

Call the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Division: (225) 925-4704

Renew Your DBA with the State

Your Louisiana trade name expires after ten years. You can renew it online or by filling out and returning this form. The filing fee is $75. You can mail the completed form to:

Commercial Division
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125

Or deliver it in person to:

8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Withdraw Your DBA

Call the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Division: (225) 925-4704

Need Help Filing Your Louisiana DBA?

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DBA Louisiana FAQ

Can I file a DBA online in Louisiana?

You can file your DBA online at Louisiana’s geauxBIZ website.

How do I change my DBA in Louisiana?

You can get help changing your DBA by calling the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Division: (225) 925-4704

How can I insure my Louisiana 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 get help withdrawing your DBA by calling the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Commercial Division: (225) 925-4704

How often should I renew my Louisiana DBA?

Your Louisiana trade name expires after ten years.

When is a DBA required in Louisiana?

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

How do I transfer my DBA in Louisiana?

You can transfer your trade name in Louisiana by filling out this form. The fee is $75. You can mail the completed form to:

Commercial Division
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125

Or deliver it in person to:

8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Is my Louisiana 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 Louisiana. 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.

Louisiana Business Resources