How To Get a DBA in Nebraska in Five Steps

By Kathy Burns | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq. | Last reviewed October 04, 2024

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In Nebraska, a DBA (Doing Business As) is known as a trade name. Registering a trade name allows businesses to operate under a name different from their legal name. A trade name can be useful for sole proprietors, partnerships, or corporations looking to brand themselves with a different name without forming a separate business entity.

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If you’d like to operate your business under a name other than your personal name or the registered name of your corporation or LLC, you must file a trade name with the Nebraska Secretary of State. This registration ensures that your business name is legally recognized for use in marketing, customer interaction, and opening bank accounts.

Do I Need a Trade Name in Nebraska?

Whether or not you need to register a trade name in Nebraska depends on how you plan to operate your business. If you are a sole proprietor and want to open a business bank account or conduct business under any name other than your personal legal name, you are required to register a trade name. Similarly, if you own a corporation or LLC and want to do business under a different name than the one registered with the state, you will need to file a trade name.

Registering a trade name offers flexibility in branding and allows you to open bank accounts and sign contracts under your chosen business name. However, it’s important to note that registering a trade name does not provide legal protection for the name, and it requires a filing fee and periodic renewal.

What Happens if I Don’t Register My Nebraska DBA?

Nebraska does not impose a penalty or fine for failing to register a trade name. However, if you don’t register the name properly, you may not be able to enforce Nebraska business contracts or open commercial bank accounts legally. Operating under an unregistered name may also lead to branding or trust issues with your customers or cause confusion in the marketplace.

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5 Steps To Get a Trade Name in Nebraska

1

Choose Your Business Name

Before registering a trade name, you need to decide on a unique name that represents your business. The name should not be misleading or too similar to existing business names in Nebraska, so ensure it aligns with Nebraska’s business naming guidelines.

2

Check Name Availability

Once you’ve chosen a name, you must check its availability by searching the Nebraska Secretary of State’s online business name database. This step helps ensure that the name you want isn’t already in use or too similar to another registered name.

3

File the Trade Name Application

After confirming the availability of your desired name, you’ll need to file an application for registration of a trade name with the Nebraska Secretary of State. You can file the trade name registration form online through the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website, or you may submit it by mail to the Secretary of State’s Office Business Services Division (Corporations) P.O. Box 94608 Lincoln, NE 68509. Make sure to include all necessary information, such as your legal business name, business address, registered agent if applicable, and owner details.

4

Pay the Filing Fee

The current filing fee for DBA registration in Nebraska is $100 (subject to change), which can be paid online or by check if filing by mail. Be sure to confirm the latest fees before submitting your application.

5

Publish Your Trade Name

In Nebraska, you must publish notice of your trade name in a local newspaper within 45 days of registration. The notice must run for at least three consecutive weeks. Once published, you will need to file an affidavit of publication with the Secretary of State.

By following these five steps, you can successfully register your trade name in Nebraska and begin operating under your chosen business name.

Managing Your Trade Name in Nebraska

Once your trade name is registered, you must follow a few rules to ensure your business stays compliant in Nebraska.

Renewing Your Trade Name

Trade names in Nebraska are valid for ten years from the date of registration. After that period, you must renew your trade name to continue using it legally. The Nebraska Secretary of State will usually send a renewal notice before your trade name expires, but it’s important to keep track of the renewal date yourself. If you fail to renew on time, you could lose the rights to your business name.

Updating Business Information

If any of your business details change after registering your trade name—such as your business address or ownership structure—you must update this information with the Nebraska Secretary of State. This helps ensure that your business records are accurate and that you remain in good standing.

Canceling a Trade Name

If you decide to stop using your DBA Name, you’ll need to officially file a cancellation form with the Nebraska Secretary of State to ensure there is no future confusion or liability associated with the name.

Performing these simple management tasks ensures that your business continues to operate smoothly under its registered name.

FAQs About Nebraska DBAs

Frequently Asked Questions

To get a DBA (or trade name) in Nebraska, you need to choose a business name, check its availability, file the trade name registration with the Nebraska Secretary of State, pay the required fee, and publish your trade name in a local newspaper.

The filing fee for a trade name in Nebraska is $100 (subject to change). Be sure to check the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website for the most up-to-date fee information.

Yes, if you plan to operate under a name different from your personal name or the legal name of your corporation or LLC, you must register a trade name with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

Yes, you will need to provide certain information, such as your business name, address, and ownership details, when filing your trade name. Depending on your business structure, additional documentation may be needed.

Yes, in Nebraska, a trade name functions the same way as a DBA (Doing Business As) in other states. Both terms refer to the practice of operating a business under a name different from the legal entity name. Elsewhere, this is also known as an assumed name or fictitious business name.

Yes, business owners can submit their DBA filing online through the state of Nebraska’s Secretary of State website. The process is straightforward: You’ll need to provide your business details and pay the applicable filing fee.

Nebraska does not limit the number of trade names a business can register. You may file multiple trade names for different business activities or brand names as long as each name is unique and follows the state’s guidelines.

No. Registering a trade name does not protect your personal assets. The type of business structure you choose determines whether personal assets are protected. You can form a limited liability company, for instance, or file articles of incorporation instead of operating as a sole proprietorship or as an entrepreneur. For more help with liability protection options, take a look at our business formation services.

No. A trade name is simply a registered business name and does not require its own employer identification number or Tax ID from the IRS. However, you may need an EIN if your business entity requires one for tax purposes.

You can register a Nebraska trade name by filing the appropriate application with the Nebraska Secretary of State, either online or by mail. Be sure to check the availability of the name and follow the required steps for publication.

To get a local business license in Nebraska, you’ll need to check with the city or county where your business is located. Each locality may have different requirements for obtaining a license, so it’s important to contact the relevant municipal office.

To register a small business name in Nebraska, you’ll need to file a trade name registration with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The process is the same for all business types, including small businesses.

Need Help with Nebraska Trade Names?

Registering a trade name in Nebraska is an essential step if you plan to operate your business under a name that’s different from your legal name or the name of your corporation or LLC. By following the simple steps of selecting a unique name, filing with the Nebraska Secretary of State, paying the required fee, and publishing your trade name, you can ensure your business name is legally recognized. While a trade name offers branding flexibility, remember it doesn’t protect your personal assets—only forming a legal business entity like an LLC or corporation can do that.

If you’re unsure about the process or whether a trade name is right for your business, consulting with an attorney can provide valuable guidance. You can explore our attorney directory to find a qualified business attorney near you. Or you can let our trusted partner LegalZoom handle your name search, DBA application filing, and publishing for $99 plus filing fees.

Disclaimer: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.

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