How to Set Up a DBA in Nevada

When you think of businesses in Nevada, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a large casino and bright flashing lights on the Las Vegas Strip. But outside of the city, Nevada is a burgeoning haven for new businesses, from corporations to sole proprietorships. Whether you want to be a part of Sin City or the more modern-day old west of the rest of Nevada, you can choose to start a business under a name that best fits you through the DBA filing process. Here’s how to start a DBA in Nevada:

What is a DBA?

The acronym “DBA” stands for “doing business as” and is used to refer to a business operating under a different name from its legally registered name. Different states use a variety of terms to refer to this concept, like “fictitious name”, “assumed name”, or “trade name”, but they all amount to the same concept. 

A DBA is the name that will be used for operations of your business. It’s what you may see on signage and business cards, what customers will know you by, and what you will use on most documents. But with a DBA in place, your business’s true legal name remains something else, usually the legal name of the owner. 

How to search DBA names in Nevada

The naming regulations in Nevada are slightly different than in other states. Registering your fictitious business name doesn’t give you exclusive use of the name, even within the state. Instead, the purpose is to put your name on record and notify others of the name. It is still recommended to choose a unique name, but the state does not enforce this. There are still other important things to check, however. 

Since you will register your DBA with a county clerk, you should always check their website to see if they maintain a name database. Most counties will not have additional naming regulations, but you can double-check with the county clerk’s office to be sure. 

While there are no restrictions on businesses sharing a name in Nevada or across states, you want to be sure the name you choose stands out for customers. Searching a potential name online can help you see what a customer might experience when looking for you and determine if you may struggle to appear on searches. Look for what website domain URLs, social media usernames, and branding materials are still available to determine if a name is a viable fit from a marketing perspective. 

How to register a DBA in Nevada

After choosing a name, you can file for a fictitious firm name, as it is called in Nevada. While the Secretary of State regulates the process, filing is done through the county or counties where you do business. Each county has a very similar process, though they may vary slightly. You will need to complete registration in every county where you may do business. 

As an example, the following steps are how you can register a DBA in Clark County: 

There are two forms in Nevada that act as a Fictitious Firm Name Statement Form, one for all types of business except LLCs and one for LLCs. 

You can either choose to complete the form in person at the county clerk’s office or to complete it on your own and have it notarized. If you do the latter, you will then need to mail the form to the clerk or bring it in personally. There is no option to do so online. 

This process needs to be replicated in every county where you may do business. Different counties may require additional records, notarization, or publication in local newspaper circulations. 

What comes next

With names finalized and papers filed, you’re ready to launch your business. Before making your first sale, review this to-do list:

The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for federal taxes, including those paid by businesses. In order to track all the taxes due to them and paid, each business can be issued an Employer Identification Number (EIN) that acts as a unique tax ID.

You will want to determine whether your business requires an EIN. If you have any employees or pay excise taxes, for example, this will be required. Business structures that are separate legal entities, like a corporation, must also have an EIN. 

But even if you do not need an EIN, it can be useful to have one. They are free to obtain and offer a less risky way to share a tax ID than using your personal Social Security Number; it is also likely you may need an EIN to open a business bank account or credit card, as well as to apply for some licenses. 

The majority of businesses in Nevada will need to have a general state business license to operate. Some exceptions exist, like nonprofit corporations and home-based businesses that make less than two-thirds of the average annual wage. If your business does not qualify for an exception, you can obtain a state-level business license online through SilverFlume.

Nevada also requires a sales tax permit or seller’s permit for businesses that intend to sell or lease taxable goods. This can also be obtained on SilverFlume. 

Each city and county can also create its own rules and requirements for licensing. For example, the City of Las Vegas requires even home-based businesses that are exempt from state business licenses to have a city business license. Always check with the town or county government where your business operates to be sure you are not missing any important documents.

While opening a business bank account can be helpful and make your accounting processes smoother, it can also offer some businesses a range of legal protections. 

When you form a business as an LLC, one of the benefits is personal asset protection. This means that if your LLC owes fees or debts, your personal assets cannot be seized to pay them. Part of this separation is afforded because it is assumed your business is a separate legal entity from yourself and other owners. If you are found to be combining your finances, this can be degraded, and you may end up responsible for the business’s obligations. Having a business bank account is a great way to show division here. 

Along with a basic checking account for income and expenses, many business owners also choose to establish credit in their business’s name. Just like your personal credit score, a company can also have a credit score. Using these bank accounts can help you attract creditors and investors as your business grows. 

Across all Nevada counties, a fictitious firm name is good for five years after it has been filed. To renew it, you must complete the same Fictitious Firm Name Statement Form and submit a $25 filing fee to the county or counties where you filed originally. Most counties also have forms allowing you to withdraw or change your name. 

Who is a DBA best for? 

Not all businesses will need to use a DBA. Along with state-specific requirements, the legal structure of your business and the owners’ personal preference will be major factors in whether this is necessary. 

When it comes to business structures, the legal process for registering your business may indicate whether a DBA is useful. The most common uses of a DBA are:

Why would entrepreneurs choose to set up a DBA in Nevada?

Companies may need to operate under a different name than their legal name for various reasons, some logistical and some about marketing or branding. The process of using a fictitious firm name in Nevada is simple so that this is accessible to businesses of all sizes and needs.

Some common reasons an entrepreneur may choose a DBA to include the following:

Cost to get a DBA set up

The basic filing fee for a DBA in Nevada is $25, which is applied to all counties. You can also pay $6 for a certified copy of your name certificate and $.50 for each additional copy you request.