How to file a DBA in Indiana
Filing a DBA (Doing Business As, also called a fictitious or trade name) in Indiana costs $20 in state fees, lasts 5 years, and is registered with the Indiana Secretary of State. We file it for you at the state cost, no service fee.
Indiana DBA at a glance
| State filing fee | $20 |
|---|---|
| Filing authority | Indiana Secretary of State |
| Term length | 5 years (renewable) |
| Renewal required | Yes, before expiration |
| File.Business fee | $0 |
When you need a DBA in Indiana
You need a DBA in Indiana when your business operates under a name different from its legal name. Common cases:
- A sole proprietor in Indiana doing business under a brand name instead of their legal name
- An LLC or corporation in Indiana marketing under a brand different from the registered entity name
- An out-of-state company doing business in Indiana under a different name
- Multiple brands operated under one parent LLC in Indiana
How to file a DBA in Indiana: 5 steps
- Choose your DBA name. Search the Indiana business name database to confirm the name is available. It must not be deceptively similar to existing registered names.
- Verify name compliance. Indiana prohibits names that imply a corporation (Inc., Corp.) unless your entity actually is one. Avoid restricted words.
- Prepare the DBA filing. The Indiana Secretary of State requires the legal name of the owner, the DBA name, business address, and a description of business activities.
- Pay the $20 state fee and submit. File online with the Indiana Secretary of State or use File.Business to handle it for you at the state cost.
- Track the 5-year renewal. Indiana DBAs expire and require renewal. We track this for you automatically with our compliance calendar.
File your Indiana DBA now
Our team prepares the filing, submits it to the Indiana Secretary of State, and tracks renewal. You pay only the $20 state fee. No service charges.
Start my Indiana DBADBA vs LLC in Indiana: 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 Indiana, you typically form an LLC and then optionally file a DBA for additional brands.
Compare your options: Form an LLC in Indiana or Form a Corporation in Indiana.
Indiana DBA frequently asked questions
How long does it take to file a DBA in Indiana?
Processing time with the Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana?
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 Indiana for an out-of-state LLC?
Yes. If your LLC is registered in another state and does business in Indiana, you typically need to foreign-qualify in Indiana first, then file the DBA.
Does an Indiana DBA protect my brand from others using the same name?
A DBA only reserves the name with the Indiana 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.