How to File a DBA in Missouri
Registering a DBA, known in Missouri as a fictitious name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register a Missouri 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).
Register a Fictitious Name in Missouri
Registering a Missouri fictitious name, also known as a DBA, is easy!
Step 1. Start with a Missouri Fictitious Name Search
First, visit the Missouri Secretary of State's Business Entity Search and search for your new DBA name to make sure it is unique. When you register your Missouri fictitious name, you are essentially letting other business owners know that the name is in use. Your fictitious name isn’t protected from being used by others.
Next, review the Missouri naming requirements. In Missouri, fictitious names 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.
Need Help Choosing a DBA Name?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try our business name generator. You can use this tool to generate both business names and domain names.
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.
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 Missouri DBA
Your Missouri fictitious name can be filed online or by mail with the Secretary of State. You can file online with the Missouri Corporations Online Portal, or you can complete the Registration of Fictitious Name form.
The following information is needed on the form:
Type of filing (registration, renewal, amendment, correction)
Name being registered
Owners’ names and addresses
Owners’ charter number (if a business entity)
Recommended: Use a reputable service. LegalZoom offers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
File a Missouri Fictitious Name
Option 1: File Online With the Missouri Corporations Online Portal
File Online- OR -
Option 2: File the Registration of Fictitious Name by Mail or In-Person
Download FormCost:
$7 Filing Fee
Office Address:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Mailing Address:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Manage Your Missouri Fictitious Name
General Questions
Call the Missouri Secretary of State: (866) 223-6535
Renew Your Fictitious Name With the State
Your Missouri fictitious name expires five years after its registration date. You can renew online, or by completing and returning the Registration of Fictitious Name form with the “Renewal” box checked. The renewal fee is $7.
Mail the completed form to the address below:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or, drop off the form in-person at the office address below:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Change Your Fictitious Name
You can make address changes to your fictitious name registration online or by filling out this Registration of Fictitious Name form with the “Amendment” box checked. The fee is $7. You cannot make changes to the name itself or ownership without filing for new registration.
Mail the completed form to the address below:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or, drop off the form in-person at the office address below:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Withdraw Your Fictitious Name
You can cancel your Missouri fictitious name online or by filling out the Cancellation of Registration of Fictitious Name form. There is no fee for canceling your Missouri fictitious name.
Mail the completed form to the address below:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or, drop off the form in-person at the office address below:
Corporations Division
600 W. Main St., Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
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After Filing Your Missouri 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 Missouri 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.