Wyoming DBA / Trade Name

A trade name is any name used by a business that differs from the legal name it has registered with the Secretary of State. There are a number of reasons why a corporation may choose to use a trade name, such as for advertising or trade purposes. The trade name is the name of the business that the public sees. It does not require its own registered agent as the applying company will already have one.

Once approved, the business is allowed to use the name as its official name for:

• Opening a business bank account
• Advertising and/or directories, e.g. flyers and the yellow pages
• Undertake transactions, e.g. signing contracts

A Trade Name is also called a DBA, or Doing Business As, which is also using a name different from the one registered with the state. An individual may choose to use a trade name or DBA to operate under in order to protect their personal information. If a sole-proprietorship or general partnership does not choose a DBA to operate under, the individual’s name (or partner’s name) is used by default. Different states use these terms interchangeably. Wyoming technically does not have a DBA, just a Trade Name Registration.

If your corporation has decided to use a trade name, it must follow the rules set forth by the state of Wyoming. The trade name is not allowed to be deceptive in nature, meaning that it cannot be purposefully similar to an already existing service mark or trademark. Additionally, the trade name cannot contain words that offer misconceptions. For example, the trade name cannot contain words that would allude to your company being an insurance company, unless it was legally registered to conduct such business. Insurance companies are one of the few companies which require a business license in Wyoming.

Registering your trade name in the state of Wyoming will require that you complete the following steps:

• Complete an Application for Registration of Trade Name.
• File this form with the Secretary of State’s office. A filing fee of $100 must accompany your application.
• Make sure your application contains a signature and is notarized.
• Your choice of trade name must have been in use before registering.
• Mail your application to the following address:

  Wyoming Secretary of State
  State Capitol Building, Room 110
  200 West 24th Street
  Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020

It is important to keep in mind that your trade name must be renewed every 10 years. If you would like to renew your trade name, you must complete a renewal application and submit a renewal fee of $50. This application should be submitted 6 months before your trade name’s expiration and must be notarized.

Should you have the need, you can also cancel your trade name at any point. In order to cancel your trade name, you must complete a Cancellation of Trade Name form and submit an accompanying $10 fee.

However, keep in mind that there are several scenarios in which your trade name could be cancelled by the Secretary of State without your intention. For example, if it is determined that your trade name is no longer in use, or if the registrant of your trade name is not legal owner of your trade name. Additionally, if it is determined that your trade name registration was fraudulently obtained or improperly issued, it is possible that your trade name be cancelled.

A “doing business as” (DBA) filing enables a business to operate under an assumed name, fictitious business name or trade name. This is useful for when you wish to use multiple names for one business, or for sole-proprietors who wish to operate under a name which isn’t their own without having to file for a formal corporation. Though, incorporating a Wyoming company online is so easy there’s little reason to avoid it.