How to File a DBA in Oklahoma

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What’s in a name? Claiming the name of your business in Oklahoma for use in formal and informal settings is a significant step to take. The “doing business as” (or DBA) process allows you to find a unique name among state business entities and ensure another business cannot use it.

The process of registering your name during the DBA process has many advantages. It’s a straightforward, easy-to-complete process that ensures no other business can lay claim to the name. While it’s not required to complete the DBA process in Oklahoma, it’s a smart move for businesses of all types.

This post will detail what an Oklahoma DBA is, what it’s used for, the state requirements, and how to complete the process.

What is a DBA?

When you start a business in Oklahoma, you may choose to create a unique name, often referred to as a “trade name” or “fictitious name,” that is different from your formal legal name. The trade name can be used in your signage, advertisements, and even your business cards. Trade names differ from legal names in that they are traditionally used in the day-to-day operations of businesses.

The Oklahoma DBA process can be used for businesses of all types—sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. It’s a helpful tool for businesses to use when establishing their brands.

It’s important to note that a DBA is not a business entity type, such as an LLC or partnership. It is a valuable tool on the marketing and branding side, but it is not a substitute for filing your business as an LLC, for example—nor will having a DBA provide you with any liability or tax benefits.

Benefits of a DBA

There are several key advantages to having a DBA (sometimes called an “assumed business name”), especially for certain business entity types.

Business name registration: You can use the DBA to register your business name even if you do not have a formal business entity. For example, you can operate a sole proprietorship using the DBA name instead of using your own name for the business. Sole proprietors often need to obtain a certificate of assumed or fictitious name to secure financing.
No need for an EIN: For sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs without employees, there’s no need to apply for an employer identification number (EIN) if you have a DBA.
Flexibility: With a legal business name and a trade name, you have choices. You can position and market your business using the legal business name or the DBA name.
Financing: A trade name may be necessary to secure a business bank account using that name.
Multiple names: In Oklahoma, your business can have as many DBAs as you want. For example, a retail operation may have multiple stores that cater to different audiences, and each store can have its own DBA name.
Privacy: With a trade name, the business owner’s identity can remain protected.
Prevention: A trade name can dissuade or prevent competitors from using that name or profiting off of it.

Disadvantages of a DBA

If you are looking to protect yourself from liability by using a name other than your own, the DBA process is not appropriate. Only filing as an LLC or other business entity that addresses personal liability will protect personal assets in the case of an unfavorable judgment.

Consequences for operating with a DBA without registration

Because having a DBA is optional in Oklahoma, there is no penalty or fine for not having one.

Tax considerations

Having a DBA does not change your tax status. Because the DBA is used solely for branding and not as a taxable entity, and a DBA is not a business structure, having one does not affect your tax status or filing requirements.

Filing for a DBA in Oklahoma

If you choose to file for a DBA in Oklahoma, here are the steps to take to complete the process.

Oklahoma's Name requirements

Before deciding on a name, you need to be aware of Oklahoma’s guidelines and requirements on trade names. A trade name cannot contain any of the following:

A suffix that represents a business entity, such as “LLC,” “LP,” “Corp.,” or “LLP”.
Words or phrases that imply the business is a financial institution, such as “bank” or “credit union”.
Words that can be confused with a government agency, such as “FBI,” “IRS,” or “Secretary of State”.
Services that are against the law.
Professional services you do not provide (For example, if your business does not provide legal counsel, you cannot use “lawyer” or “attorney.”)

Begin with an Assumed Name search in Oklahoma

You want to be sure your preferred name is not already taken. Fortunately, there’s an online database to help. You can navigate to the Corporate Entities Search page for free access to the database.

There, you can search by filing number, name availability, and active companies. You can also search for banks, churches, domestic cooperatives, registered agents, and individuals’ names.

You can click on records to find whether the name is a listed name or a trade name.

Register your Oklahoma DBA

There are several ways to register your Oklahoma DBA.

File online

To file online, visit the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website and click on “File Business Documents Electronically.” There you’ll have the option to file a trade name, whether or not you’ve already registered the business with the state.

The state form, both electronically and in print, asks for the following:

Trade name (which must be different from the legal name)
Address where the business operates
A brief description of the business being operated under the trade name
The legal name of the business
The type of business entity
The state or jurisdiction where the business was formed
Month and day
Signature, date, and printed name

The cost to file is $25.

Note that the office also has links to file for amended trade name, transfer of the trade name, and withdrawal of the trade name.

File by mail

To file your trade name by mail, you can mail the document to:

Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13^th St., Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Conclusion

If you’re looking to have a recognizable, catchy, or clever name for your business, establishing a DBA name is a smart choice. It’s a great way to help customers understand what your business is and what it does. Filing is a simple process and can help you project the right brand identity to drive business success.

FAQs

Is having a DBA in Oklahoma a must?

No, there is no legal requirement to have a DBA when operating a business in Oklahoma. It is merely an option for you and should be contingent on your business strategy. If your business will be highly public and have a storefront or web presence, for example, you may choose to create a trade name that’s more resonant with your customer base.

Learn more about Business in Oklahoma

How to Dissolve an LLC in Oklahoma

How Much Does an LLC Cost in Oklahoma

How to Do a Business Entity Search in Oklahoma

5 Best LLC Formation Services in Oklahoma

Shai Shmarel

Shai Shmarel started his life as a corporate lawyer before switching to being an SEO and Content Manager at Tailor Brands. He has experience in managing companies, rankings SERPs and covering a content-driven approach for all things legal, business and marketing. When off work, you’ll usually find him chilling with a cup of coffee and a book in the desert.

Disclaimer

This portion of our website is for informational or educational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and the information on this website does not constitute legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Tailor Brands and any other brands, services or logos on this page.

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