How to file a DBA in Arizona
Filing a DBA (Doing Business As, also called a fictitious or trade name) in Arizona costs $10 in state fees, lasts 5 years, and is registered with the Arizona Secretary of State. We file it for you at the state cost, no service fee.
Arizona DBA at a glance
| State filing fee | $10 |
|---|---|
| Filing authority | Arizona Secretary of State |
| Term length | 5 years (renewable) |
| Renewal required | Yes, before expiration |
| File.Business fee | $0 |
When you need a DBA in Arizona
You need a DBA in Arizona when your business operates under a name different from its legal name. Common cases:
- A sole proprietor in Arizona doing business under a brand name instead of their legal name
- An LLC or corporation in Arizona marketing under a brand different from the registered entity name
- An out-of-state company doing business in Arizona under a different name
- Multiple brands operated under one parent LLC in Arizona
How to file a DBA in Arizona: 5 steps
- Choose your DBA name. Search the Arizona business name database to confirm the name is available. It must not be deceptively similar to existing registered names.
- Verify name compliance. Arizona prohibits names that imply a corporation (Inc., Corp.) unless your entity actually is one. Avoid restricted words.
- Prepare the DBA filing. The Arizona Secretary of State requires the legal name of the owner, the DBA name, business address, and a description of business activities.
- Pay the $10 state fee and submit. File online with the Arizona Secretary of State or use File.Business to handle it for you at the state cost.
- Track the 5-year renewal. Arizona DBAs expire and require renewal. We track this for you automatically with our compliance calendar.
File your Arizona DBA now
Our team prepares the filing, submits it to the Arizona Secretary of State, and tracks renewal. You pay only the $10 state fee. No service charges.
Start my Arizona DBADBA vs LLC in Arizona: which do you need?
A DBA is a name registration, not a business structure. It does not provide liability protection, separate tax treatment, or formal recognition as a business entity. If you want personal liability protection while operating under a brand name in Arizona, you typically form an LLC and then optionally file a DBA for additional brands.
Compare your options: Form an LLC in Arizona or Form a Corporation in Arizona.
Arizona DBA frequently asked questions
How long does it take to file a DBA in Arizona?
Processing time with the Arizona Secretary of State varies. Online filings are typically processed within 2 to 5 business days. We submit the filing the same day you order.
How long is an Arizona DBA valid?
5 years from filing date. You must renew before expiration to keep the name registration active.
Do I need an EIN if I file a DBA in Arizona?
Only if you have employees, file certain tax forms, or open a business bank account in the DBA name. Sole proprietors with no employees can use their SSN. Get an EIN.
Can I file a DBA in Arizona for an out-of-state LLC?
Yes. If your LLC is registered in another state and does business in Arizona, you typically need to foreign-qualify in Arizona first, then file the DBA.
Does an Arizona DBA protect my brand from others using the same name?
A DBA only reserves the name with the Arizona Secretary of State. For broader brand protection, file a federal trademark with the USPTO.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.