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It varies by state, but the standard time frame is two to three weeks from when the state receives your documents, whether online or by mail, but can be expedited for an additional fee.

No. You can register your business name by yourself. There is no requirement to use a lawyer. Sign up with ZenBusiness today for expert help navigating the process.

Naming your business starts with figuring out whether the name you want is available. You also need to name your business in adherence to the laws regarding its structure. For instance, if you’re forming a corporation, your name will need to include a corporate identifier, such as “Inc.,” “Incorporated,” “Corp.,” etc.

If you want to operate under a name that’s different from your legal business name, you’ll also need to register your DBA name (for instance, if your legal name is “ABC Corp.,” and you want to sell online as “ABC Puzzles”). You’ll need to decide whether you want to trademark your name. This starts with searching the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to make sure the name isn’t already federally trademarked. If it isn’t, you can apply to trademark it for yourself.

Every state is slightly different, but there is usually one form that you use to file to change your company’s name, whether it is an LLC or a corporation, or some other type of business structure. We can help you change your business name if needed.