In Oklahoma, if you are running a sole proprietorship or partnership under your legal name, a DBA (Doing Business As) is not necessary. However, you must file a DBA with the Oklahoma Secretary of State if you are using a business name that is different from your legal name. This will guarantee that customers can quickly recognize and find your company.
It is relatively easy to register a DBA in Oklahoma, and you may do it online through the Secretary of State’s website. A DBA is good for five years and costs $25 to file. It is crucial to remember that filing a DBA does not give your company name any legal protection. You might want to think about trademarking your company name if you want to keep it safe. While we’re on the subject of trademarks, it’s crucial to recognize the distinction between a DBA and an LLC (Limited Liability Company). A DBA is only a name you use to do business, whereas an LLC is a formal corporate entity that shields its owners from personal liability. You are personally responsible for any debts or legal problems that result from your business activities whether you run it as a solo proprietor or partnership. In the event that your company is sued or has financial issues, forming an LLC can protect your personal assets.
There are a few steps you must do in Oklahoma if you choose to form a sole proprietorship. Prior to starting your business, you must register it with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and secure all essential licenses and permits. Even if your company is using your personal social security number, you might want to think about establishing a separate tax ID number for it.
Finally, you must submit a trademark application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) if you wish to register your company name in Oklahoma. Working with an attorney who specializes in intellectual property law is frequently a smart choice because this may be a difficult and time-consuming process.
In conclusion, even though sole proprietorships and partnerships using their legal names are not required to establish a DBA in Oklahoma, it is nevertheless crucial to do so if you are using a different company name. You might want to think about trademarking your company name if you want to keep it safe. And becoming an LLC might be your best bet if you want to limit your personal liability.
The filing fee for forming an LLC in Oklahoma is $100.
It depends on the way your firm is set up and what name you are employing. You must apply for a DBA (Doing Business As) with the Oklahoma Secretary of State if you are a sole proprietorship or partnership and utilizing a name different than your legal name. However, since the legal name of the entity is already registered with the state if you are doing business as a corporation or LLC, you do not need to submit a DBA application.