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Colorado does not use the word DBA in its own filings. The state term is trade name, and the filing is a Statement of Trade Name with the Secretary of State. The fee schedule lists it at $20 online, and the paper column shows n/a. Our general walk-through is in how to file a DBA.
Who has to file a trade name in Colorado?
A for-profit business that does not use its true name has to file. So does an individual who does not use their legal first and last name to do business. The state's trade name FAQ says so directly.
A nonprofit may file for a name other than its true name, but it does not have to.
If your LLC does business under its exact name from the Articles of Organization, there is nothing to file. The trade name matters when you sell under a brand that differs from the LLC name. Our DBA vs LLC guide explains why an LLC is a separate step.
What does a trade name give you?
Not much protection. Colorado trade names do not have to be unique, so a second business can file the same one. The Secretary of State suggests you read the Statement of Trade Name on each filing to tell the businesses apart.
You also cannot reserve a trade name. A Statement of Reservation of Name is for entity names only.
A trade name cannot turn into an LLC either. If you want a company, you withdraw the trade name and form the entity. For the LLC steps, see our Colorado LLC guide. To check whether an LLC name is free, use LLC name search.
How long does it last and what does renewal cost?
The term depends on the filer.
- A reporting entity such as an LLC. The trade name is effective while the entity is in Good Standing or Noncompliant. If the entity goes Delinquent or Dissolved, the name stays effective for one year from that date unless the entity cures or reinstates first.
- An individual or a non-reporting entity. The trade name lasts one year.
For the one-year kind, you can file a renewal in the three months before it expires. The fee schedule lists Trade Name Renewal at $5. An expired trade name cannot be renewed. You file a new one and the old record stays separate.
The office sends a free reminder email if you signed up for notices. The state still says you are responsible for renewing on time.
What other filings and fees are there?
Per the same fee schedule:
- Trade Name Statement, $20
- Trade Name Renewal, $5
- Trade Name Withdrawal, $10
- Change or correction of trade name information, $10 each
Trade names cannot be transferred, so a sale means the buyer files fresh.
How do I search for a Colorado trade name?
Use the business database search. The Secretary of State says processed filings turn up when you search by business name, trademark or trade name. Open the record to see the Statement of Trade Name. Our DBA search guide covers searching in other states too.
Older records are different. Trade names used to sit with the Department of Revenue. If a document number starts with 1448, contact the Department of Revenue, not the Secretary of State.
The Name Availability search does not include trade names, because any trade name can be filed even if it matches one on record.
What else do you need besides a trade name?
A trade name is not a license. For state tax numbers and local permits, see our Colorado business license guide. This page covers the state filing only. It does not cover city or county rules, and we did not read any local Colorado DBA source.