How to File a DBA in South Dakota


Registering a South Dakota DBA, also known as a business name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State.

Learn How to File a DBA in South Dakota 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.

DBA South Dakota - Follow These Two Steps to File a South Dakota DBA

Step 1: Start With a South Dakota DBA Name Search

If you haven't already, head over to the South Dakota Secretary of State website to make sure your business name isn't taken by another registered South Dakota 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 South Dakota, 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 as well.

Find a Domain Now

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 South Dakota DBA with the State

In South Dakota, you register your DBA with the secretary of state. You can file online at the South Dakota Secretary of State's website.

The following information is needed on the form:

  • Your business’ Secretary of State ID
  • Name and address of the business’ owner

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 Form

You can register your DBA directly to the South Dakota Secretary of State's website. There is a $10 filing fee that you will have to pay in order to register.

Manage Your South Dakota DBA

DBA Questions

Call the South Dakota Secretary of State: (605) 773-4845

Renew Your DBA with the State

South Dakota business names need to be renewed every five years. The fee is $10, and you can renew online.

Change Your DBA

To change the name of your DBA, you must register for a new one. To make changes to an address or ownership, you can fill out the amendment form online. The fee is $10.

Withdraw Your DBA

You can cancel your South Dakota business name online. There is no fee.

Need Help Filing Your South Dakota DBA?

Have a Professional Service File Your South Dakota 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.

South Dakota DBA FAQ

Can I file a DBA online in South Dakota?

You can file your DBA online at the South Dakota Secretary of State's website.

How do I change my DBA in South Dakota?

To change the name of your DBA, you must register for a new one. To make changes to an address or ownership, you can fill out the amendment form online. The fee is $10.

How can I insure my South Dakota 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 South Dakota business name online. There is no fee.

How often should I renew my South Dakota DBA?

South Dakota business names need to be renewed every five years. The fee is $10, and you can renew online.

When is a DBA required in South Dakota?

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

How Do I Transfer my DBA in South Dakota?

To transfer your business name to new owners, fill out the amendment form online. The fee is $10.

Is my South Dakota 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 South Dakota. 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.