How to Set Up a DBA in Kansas

DBA meaning

A DBA is an acronym for “doing business as,” sometimes known as a fictitious name, trade name, or DBA name, depending on which state you live in. Simply put, a DBA is just another name you can use for your business.

Sole proprietors can benefit from using a DBA because instead of using their personal name to run their business, they can use a DBA to operate under a different name. 

However, Kansas does not register any DBAs in the state.

Besides a DBA, what are your other options?

If you want to run your business under a different name than your own name, you need to set up a different kind of business entity. For example, you can set up a:

How to search for available business names in Kansas 

All business names in Kansas must be unique. No two businesses can have the same name. To ensure no duplicates, each business owner must check on name availability before registering it with the state. 

Here’s how to pick an available name in the state of Kansas:

If you haven’t already, come up with a list of potential names for your business. Instead of choosing just one, you can create a list of names that you like. You’ll check each one for availability.

Visit the Kansas Secretary of State website and use the simple business name search tool to see if any businesses with your proposed name already exist. All you need to do is input the name you want to use for your business.

If there are no exact matches to your search, the name you have selected is free for you to use. If there’s already a business with your proposed name, you need to pick another name. 

Remember that you can’t make a name plural or adjust the name’s spacing to make it unique. If there’s a chance the two businesses can get mixed up, the state will reject your application.

If you see a name you want but aren’t ready to register it yet, you can reserve it here. 

You can reserve the name for 120 days for a filing fee of $30. When filing online, you can pay with a credit card. 

Reserving a name is temporary. Once your register the name with the state as part of your business formation paperwork, the name is yours. You won’t reserve the name anymore. 

How to register an LLC in Kansas

Since DBAs aren’t registered in Kansas, you’ll need to register a different business entity, likely an LLC. With an LLC, you’ll create a business name that’s different than your legal name and register it with the state.

If you plan to go this route, you can follow the directions below. 

Check the steps above to learn how to select an appropriate name for your business. Your business name must be available. If it’s unavailable and you try registering your LLC, your application will be rejected.

The official LLC formation documents are called Articles of Organization. You can find them online through the Secretary of State Business Portal here. You will need to create an account, but having an account means you can submit, edit, and track the status of your application anytime. 

You can also file paper documents. If you are filing via mail or in person, you will need to download and fill out this form here.

Either way, you’ll be asked to provide the business name, address, company description, date established, and contact information. 

To file Articles of Organization for an LLC in Kansas, the filing fee is $165. If you submit the paperwork online, you can submit your payment online at the same time via debit or credit card.

It might take several weeks to process your application, but it will usually be completed within 10 to 14 business days. Once you have your name certificate and LLC established, you can start operating your business as soon as you complete the next steps.

What comes next

The next thing you should do after filing your articles of organization forms is to get the other necessary requirements to run your business. Here are the next steps to follow:

LLCs that plan to hire employees and file taxes with the IRS need an Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can get one online through the IRS website. Once you have this 9-digit code, it will serve as a number for your business, similar to your SSN. 

Having one allows you to hire employees, get worker’s compensation and insurance, and open a business bank account. 

Now that your business has an EIN and is registered with the Secretary of State, you can open a business bank account. You can accurately track your expenses and earnings with a separate bank account.

Some small businesses are required to obtain business licenses and permits, depending on the nature of the business. You can visit the Kansas State Business website, which will give you more information about permits.

You’ll need a business website to succeed in today’s digital world. If you’re trying to start your business on a budget, there are many DIY builders you can try. If you have a startup budget, you can hire a website designer to get your site up and running.

Before you start designing, you need to buy the domain name. Ideally, the domain and business names match to avoid customer confusion.

Take the time to plan out your website design, navigation, and the features you want it to have.

In states other than Kansas, who typically sets up a DBA?

A DBA is best for a sole proprietorship that wants to operate or do business under a different name other than its legal name. For sole proprietors, a DBA allows them to work under an assumed name of your business without having to file or open a separate LLC business structure.

Note that a DBA differs from an LLC or any other business entity. While your LLC is a formal business structure, a DBA is just another name your business can operate under. 

Since Kansas does not register DBAs, you’ll need to set up a different type of business to establish a company name. No DBA filing exists.