Last Updated: February 16, 2024, 12:13 pm by TRUiC Team

How to File a DBA in Idaho

Registering a DBA, known in Idaho as an assumed business name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.

We’ll show you how to register an Idaho DBA below.

Or, you can save time and use a trusted DBA service.

Recommended: Register your DBA and establish your brand with LegalZoom. Packages start at $99 (plus state filing fees).

Learn how to file a DBA Idaho

Register an Assumed Business Name in Idaho

Registering an Idaho assumed business name, also known as a DBA, is easy!

Your Idaho assumed business name must be unique and must also meet Idaho’s business name requirements.

First, visit the Idaho Secretary of State's Business Search and search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.

Next, review the Idaho naming requirements. In Idaho, your assumed business name should NOT include:

  • Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp, etc., unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, 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.
  • Language falsely stating or implying government affiliation.

We recommend checking if your name is available as a web domain (URL). You might not plan on starting a business website today, but you may want to prevent others from acquiring your URL.

Find a Domain Now

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Need Help Creating a Brand Name and Logo?

If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try our business name generator. Then, create a unique logo for your brand with our free logo generator.

Step 2: Register Your Idaho DBA

Your Idaho assumed business name can be filed online or by mail with the Secretary of State. You can file online on the Secretary of State’s website or you can complete the Certificate of Assumed Business Name form.

Some important sections of the form include:

  • 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)

Recommended: Use a reputable service. LegalZoom offers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.

File an Idaho Assumed Business Name

Option 1: File Online With the Idaho Secretary of State SOSbiz Website

File Online

- OR -

Option 2: File the Certificate of Assumed Business Name by Mail or In-Person

Download Form

Cost:
$25 Filing Fee
$20 Additional processing fee if filing a hard copy by mail or in-person

Mailing Address:
Office of the Secretary of State
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

Office Address:
Office of the Secretary of State
450 N. 4th Street
Boise ID 83702

Manage Your Idaho DBA

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

Renew Your Assumed Business Name With the State
Your Idaho assumed business name does not need to be renewed. It remains valid until canceled by the owner.

Change Your Assumed Business Name
You can make changes to your assumed business name in Idaho by filling out and returning the Cancellation or Amendment of Certificate of Assumed Business Name. 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
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

Withdraw Your Assumed Business Name
You can make changes to your assumed business name in Idaho by filling out and returning the Cancellation or Amendment of Certificate of Assumed Business Name. The fee is $20. Forms can be mailed to or dropped off at the following address:

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

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After Filing Your Idaho DBA

If filing a DBA marks the beginning of your business journey, then there are a few more steps that you should take before getting started:

  • Create your Business’s Website - Every business needs a website. Luckily, drag-and-drop builders like GoDaddy and Wix make the job quick and easy. Check out our Best Website Builder article to find the tool that’s best for you.
  • Get your Business Finances in Order - You’ll need to separate your business finances from your personal ones. This is accomplished by opening a business bank account. If your business has long lead times or other cash flow irregularities, you can also look into a business credit card.
  • Protect Your Business - While an LLC will help to protect your personal assets in the case of a lawsuit, your business’s assets also need protection. Having the right business insurance will ensure that you’re covered if the worst happens. Most businesses start with general liability insurance as their base coverage.

DBA Idaho FAQ

You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. Each one comes with additional incremental expenses and paperwork, meaning more is not necessarily better.

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 need one for your business, read our What is an EIN guide.

No. An LLC is a business entity, while a DBA is just a name for a business.

Sole proprietorships are often confused with DBAs, but they are not the same: a sole proprietorship is a business entity, therefore it can choose to become an LLC.

To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.

A DBA can only have Inc. in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.

Holding a rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection. The best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. In any case, it is always best to consult an attorney.

Getting a DBA is often a better choice than changing your business’s legal name. If you want to rebrand your company or focus on another line of business, filing for a DBA is a simpler process than filing for a legal name change.

Some state-level laws prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible to trademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.