Oklahoma DBA

What is an Oklahoma DBA?

Every business has a legal business name, but if you want to operate under any other name, you need a DBA. Whether you’re a sole proprietor working out of your garage or a Fortune 500 company, all types of businesses can use DBAs. DBAs can be used in much the same way a legal business name can be used, including to:

• Create websites and social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, etc…)
• Advertise on billboards, print media, radio, television, etc…
• Engage with customers on business cards, company letterhead, hats, coffee mugs, T-shirts, etc…
• Open a business bank account
• Set up a point-of-sale system
• Pay vendors

DBAs are often used by franchise businesses. For example, if you own a Pizza Hut franchise, the legal name of your business might be “Pizza Galore, LLC,” but you’ll need to get a DBA in order to use the Pizza Hut name.

Keep in mind, your DBA is just a name for your business and not a business itself. This means you’ll still file taxes using your legal business name and existing EIN (or SSN for most sole proprietors).

Why Register an Oklahoma DBA?

For one, it’s the law. Oklahoma’s 18 OK Stat § 18-1140 makes it clear that any business that uses a name that isn’t its legal name needs to register the name with the state. Beyond abiding by Oklahoma law, here are a few reasons that business owners choose to use DBAs:

You’re an Oklahoma Sole Proprietor

Sole proprietors are single owner businesses that don’t have to formally register with the state. In the eyes of the law they are their businesses. This means that the legal name of the business is their full name (ex: Conner Jenkins).While there’s nothing wrong with using your name to do business, a professional business name might attract more customers. For instance, if you’re a plumber, you might want to use a DBA like “Big Time Plumbing” instead of just your name.

Use a Different Business Name

DBAs aren’t just for sole proprietors. LLCs and corporations can also use them to operate under a different business name. For example, if an LLC or corporation has a legally registered business name that no longer describes the services or products the business sells, a DBA allows them to get a new name without having to register a brand new business and file costly state paperwork to amend their name.

Expand or Change a Brand

Getting a DBA can be the right course of action if you want to expand or rebrand your business. Let’s say you own a clothing brand but want to branch out into basketball shoes. A DBA can make the expansion easy. Instead of forming a whole new business for your shoe line, you can register a DBA. With your new DBA, you’ll be able to operate two businesses with two distinct names and brands, all for the low cost of registering an Oklahoma DBA.

Use a Domain Name as a Business Name

Whether you need a DBA for your domain name depends on how you’re using it. the domain name. If you’re only using your domain as an address for your company’s website, you won’t need a DBA. However, if you’re using your domain name as a business name (for example, if customers are writing checks addressed to your domain name) you’ll need to register your DBA.

Will a DBA keep my personal information off the public record?

Not really. Oklahoma’s DBA application requires you to list a business address and the name and title of whoever fills it out. This information will be public. If you’re running your business from home as a sole proprietor, this could mean listing not only your name but also your home address. If you want to keep as much of your information private as possible, your best bet is to hire an Oklahoma registered agent and to form an Oklahoma LLC. When you hire Northwest as your registered agent, we’ll list our name and address (instead of yours) on all state documents allowable. We do this to keep your private information out of the public eye and help you live privately as a business owner.

Registering a DBA vs. Starting a Business in Oklahoma

Starting a business in Oklahoma is not the same as registering a DBA. First off, a DBA is simply a tool businesses can use to give themselves a different business name. Starting a business is an entirely different undertaking. In short, you can’t get a DBA without a business.

There are two ways to start a business in Oklahoma:

1. Sell a product or service: Whether your friend just paid you $50 to tutor them in math, or you sell jewelry on Etsy, you’re in business. If you work for yourself and haven’t formally organized your business as an LLC, corporation, or other entity, then you’re a sole proprietor. If you have a business partner (or multiple), you’re in a general partnership. Both are popular because they’re easy to start and require no state paperwork (other than any required business licenses or permits) or filing fees.

2. Register your business with the state: If you want to create a formal business entity like an LLC or corporation, you’ll need to file documents with Oklahoma’s Secretary of State and pay the required filing fee.

DBA vs. LLC in Oklahoma

While both LLCs and DBAs are registered with the state, only one protects your assets in the event of a lawsuit or bankruptcy: an LLC. An Oklahoma LLC is an actual legal entity that is registered with the state. It is this registration that creates legal separation between the business and the business owner. A DBA is just a name and not a separate business entity, and as such, it won’t protect your personal assets should your business get sued for a slip and fall or if it owes a bunch of money to creditors.

If you’re a sole proprietor, ask yourself what you want for your business. Do you just want a business name that will help drive customers to your door, or are you looking for a business name and asset protection? If the second option sounds more up your alley, then an LLC is the perfect fit, and Northwest can help you get one.