Filing a Minnesota 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 DBA in Minnesota yourself in three simple steps:
- Step 1) Choose and Search for Your DBA Name
- Step 2) Register Your DBA
- Step 3) Publish Notice of Your New DBA
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 StartedHow to Set up a DBA in Minnesota
Step 1: Start With a Minnesota DBA Name Search
If you haven’t already, head over to the Minnesota Secretary of State website to make sure your assumed name isn’t taken by another registered Minnesota business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.
In Minnesota, 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 find more information about Minnesota 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.
Step 2: Register Your Minnesota DBA
In Minnesota, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State. You can file online, or you can complete the certificate of assumed name form.
The following information is needed on the form:
- Section 1: Assumed name.
- Section 2: Address of principal place of business
- Section 3: Names and addresses of all owners of the assumed name.
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 Certificate of Assumed Name Form
Walk-In or Mail
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
Fees
- $30 Filing Fee by mail
- $50 Filing Fee if done online or for expedited in-person processing
Manage Your Minnesota DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Minnesota Secretary of State: 1-877-551-6767
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Minnesota assumed name must be renewed annually by December 31. You can renew online or by completing the annual renewal form and mailing or bringing it to:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
Change Your DBA
You can make amendments to your certificate of assumed name online or by filling out the amendment of assumed name form and mailing or bringing it to:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
The fee is $30 if filed by mail or $50 if done online or for in-person expedited service.
Withdraw Your DBA
You can cancel your Minnesota assumed name online or by filling out the assumed name cancellation form and mailing or bringing it to:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
There is no fee for canceling an assumed name.
Step 3: Publish a Notice for Your DBA
After filing, the Certificate of Assumed Name must be published for two consecutive issues in the legal notices section of a qualified legal newspaper.
The newspaper must circulate in the county where the principal place of business is located. This must be done before conducting business under your assumed name.
Please see Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333 for complete Assumed Name filing information.
Need Help Filing Your Minnesota DBA?
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Start NowDBA Minnesota FAQ
Can I file a DBA online in Minnesota?
You can file your assumed name online at Minnesota’s Secretary of State website.
How do I change my DBA in Minnesota?
You can make amendments to your certificate of assumed name online or by filling out the amendment of assumed name form and mailing or bringing it to:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
How can I insure my Minnesota 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 Minnesota assumed name online or by filling out the assumed name cancellation form and mailing or bringing it to:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
How often should I renew my Minnesota DBA?
Your Minnesota assumed name must be renewed annually by December 31. You can renew online or by completing the annual renewal form and mailing or bringing it to:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
When is a DBA required in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Most transfers can be completed by filing an amendment to change the owner’s name.
You can make amendments to your certificate of assumed name online or by filling out the amendment of assumed name form and mailing or bringing it to:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
Is my Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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.