How to file a Colorado DBA

Updated: October 30, 2023

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Colorado DBA name Registration

Registering a trade name in Colorado is an easy process.

#1 Start with a Colorado DBA Name Search

Choose a unique Colorado trade name that meets all the Colorado business name requirements. You can visit the Colorado Name Availability Search website and look for a new DBA name and ensure it is not in use. Your Colorado trade name shouldn’t include the following:

A word or phrase that breaches Colorado law. For example: The business name should not include any references to illegal activities.
Words that confuse your business with the government agency like Treasury, FBI, State Department, etc.

You can check if your name is available as a web domain (URL). You may not start a business today but you can prevent others from taking the URL.

Also, if you haven’t thought of a DBA name yet, try using a free business name generator and create a free logo generator.

#2 Registering the Colorado DBA

You must file a DBA in Colorado online at the Secretary of State’s website. Depending upon the type of business structure(LLC, Partnership, or Corporation), you can choose the form. You must include the following information in the form:

The trade name.
Business Description.
Effective date of business.

The online filing of DBA in Colorado with the Secretary of State costs $20.

Manage Colorado Trade Name:

General Questions-

Contact the Colorado Secretary of State’s office at (303) 894-2200 or (855) 428-3555 (toll-free).

Renewal of Trade Name with the State-

The Colorado DBA for sole proprietorships and partnerships expires on the first day of the month after one year of the filing anniversary. For example, If a trade name is registered on October 10 it will expire on November 1 of the following year.

Trade names must be renewed online before the expiration date approaches. It is better to renew it at any point during the three months before the expiration date. The renewal fee costs $5.

The trade name for Limited Liability Company and corporation don’t expire till the time the company remains in a good position. If the company falls off the position, the trade name expires after one year. If the company regains its good standing, the expiration of the trade name will be canceled.

If your trade name has expired and you want to use one, you will have to file for a new Colorado DBA.

Change the Business Trade Name-

You can change or make corrections to the trade name registration online. It involves a fee of $10.

Withdrawal of Trade Name-

Colorado trade names can be withdrawn online with a fee of $10.

After filing a DBA in Colorado

A DBA filing marks the beginning of a business journey but you should consider some steps before kick-starting your business.

Create a Business Website-

Every business no matter how small or big requires a website to build up credibility. You can use GoDaddy and Wix to make the job easy for you.

Streamline your business finances-

You must separate your business finances from your personal ones. It can be achieved by opening a business bank account and getting a business credit card.

Safeguard the Business-

Just as an LLC helps you to protect your personal assets against any lawsuit, a business needs protection as well. Business insurance provides safety if anything bad happens. You can start with General liability insurance to provide some protection for your business assets.