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In Arkansas the paperwork for a DBA depends on what you are. An LLC uses a Secretary of State form. A corporation adds a county step. A business that never filed with the state is told to go to the circuit clerk. This page sorts those cases.
What does Arkansas call a DBA?
A fictitious name. The Secretary of State's LLC forms and fees page lists the Application for Fictitious Name for a Domestic Limited Liability Company as form DN-18. The listed fee is $22.50 online and $25 on paper.
Its business services FAQ states the rule for corporations. No corporation, domestic or foreign, can do business in the state under a fictitious name unless it first files with the Secretary of State. The FAQ adds that the fee varies by entity type.
Where else might you have to file?
A domestic corporation also files with the county clerk of the county where its registered office is located. The exception is Pulaski County. The FAQ gives no matching county step for LLCs, and we did not read one, so confirm with the county clerk before you rely on this page.
Sole proprietors and others who are not on file with the state are covered by a different line. Businesses not required to file with the state may file with the circuit clerk of the county where the business is located. Records of that kind are county records. The state office does not hold them, so a statewide search will not show them.
How does the LLC filing work?
Pick the name you want to use. It should not clash with names on record, so run it through LLC name search and the entity search described in our Arkansas business search guide. The Secretary of State says a name on file is not an exclusive right to use it.
Then file form DN-18 online or on paper. The FAQ on forms also lists cancellation and transfer filings for fictitious names, so you can end a DBA you no longer use.
Your LLC must already exist. If it does not, read the Arkansas LLC guide first. The formation form is the Certificate of Organization, form LL-01.
What is the order of steps for an LLC?
- Form the LLC with the Certificate of Organization, form LL-01. Paper costs $50 and online costs $45.
- Choose the extra name and check it against records.
- File form DN-18 for $22.50 online or $25 on paper.
- Keep a copy of the stamped filing for banks and vendors who ask for proof of the name.
- If you stop using the name, file the cancellation form instead of just letting it sit.
The yearly Arkansas franchise tax report is a separate duty tied to the LLC. A fictitious name filing does not replace it.
How do you search for a fictitious name in Arkansas?
The state's tool is the Corporation Entity Search on Arkansas.gov, and it is for entities. We did not read a statement that it indexes fictitious names, so do not assume it does. For county-held names, ask the county clerk or circuit clerk. Our DBA search guide shows what to try in each case.
Does a fictitious name replace an LLC?
No. It lets a company use another name. It does not create the company. Read DBA vs LLC and how to file a DBA. For tax numbers and licenses, see the Arkansas business license guide.
What this page does not cover
It does not cover renewal terms, since we did not read one. It also leaves out county fees and the rules for sole proprietors beyond the circuit clerk line above.