How to Register a Business

Starting a business involves several key steps that can vary depending on your state. From choosing the right business structure to obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, each decision plays a vital role in the success of your venture.
Below is a guide to the overall process, which includes a state-by-state guide and associated fees, along with detailed, state-specific information and links to helpful resources.
Note: This guide is not legal, tax, or accounting advice but is simply offered as general information about the various options available.
General Steps to Start a Business
Choose a Business Name
Conduct a name search to ensure your desired business name is unique and complies with state regulations.
- What Makes a Good Business Name?
Your business name should be memorable, easy to spell, and relevant to your products or services. Having a matching domain and social media handles can strengthen your brand identity. - Conduct Thorough Checks:
- Ensure no trademark conflicts exist by checking the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Check availability on social media platforms to ensure consistent branding.
- Search domain name availability if you plan to have an online presence.
Select Your Business Structure
Decide on a legal structure that suits your goals, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has different legal, tax, and financial implications.
Sole Proprietorship
- Easiest and least expensive to set up.
- Owner is personally liable for all debts.
- Income is taxed as personal income, simplifying tax filing.
Partnership
- Shared ownership between two or more individuals.
- Profits and liabilities are split among partners.
- Draft a partnership agreement to define roles, profit-sharing, and dispute resolution.
LLC
- Combines personal liability protection with operational flexibility.
- Popular among small businesses for its ease of setup and tax advantages.
Corporation
- A separate legal entity offering strong liability protection.
- Ideal for businesses seeking to raise significant capital or go public.
- Requires more regulatory compliance, including filing annual reports and holding shareholder meetings.
Register Your Business
File the necessary formation documents with your state. Requirements and fees vary depending on your chosen structure and location.
- What Are Formation Documents?
Examples include:- Articles of Incorporation (for corporations).
- Articles of Organization (for LLCs).
- “Doing Business As” (DBA) registrations for sole proprietorships or partnerships operating under a name different from the owner(s).
Many states offer online portals for streamlined filing.
Obtain an EIN
Most businesses need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is required for:
- Hiring employees.
- Opening a business bank account.
- Filing taxes.
Why Get an EIN Even if It’s Not Required?
An EIN can help you:
- Build business credit.
- Simplify your financial processes.
- Meet requirements for certain state or local licenses.
You can apply for an EIN for free via the IRS EIN application page.
Check Licenses and Permits
Depending on your industry and location, you may need local, state, or federal licenses or permits.
Examples Include:
- Health permits for food-related businesses.
- Zoning permits for home-based businesses.
- Professional licenses for services like real estate, law, or healthcare.
For assistance, visit the SBA’s License and Permit Finder or contact your local government office.
Open a Business Bank Account
Keeping personal and business finances separate is essential for managing your income and expenses effectively.
Benefits of a Business Bank Account:
- Simplifies tax preparation and financial recordkeeping.
- Enhances credibility with vendors, lenders, and customers.
- Helps establish business credit.
What You’ll Need to Open an Account:
- Business name registration documents.
- EIN (if applicable).
- Personal identification (e.g., driver’s license).
Contact your bank in advance to confirm the required documentation.
State-by-State Guide
Alabama
Business Name Search: Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file trade names at the county probate office.
- LLCs and corporations register through the Alabama Business Services Portal.
- Fees: $28-$100 depending on entity type.
Licensing: Alabama Department of Revenue.
Alaska
Business Name Search: Alaska Business Name Database and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships register trade names through the Alaska Division of Corporations.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $250 for LLCs and corporations.
Licensing: Alaska Department of Commerce Business Licensing.
Arizona
Business Name Search: Arizona Corporation Commission Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with the Arizona Secretary of State.
- LLCs and corporations file through the Arizona Corporation Commission.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $85 for LLCs, $60-$95 for corporations.
- Licensing: Arizona Commerce Authority.
Arkansas
Business Name Search: Arkansas Secretary of State Business Name Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the county clerk.
- LLCs and corporations register through the Arkansas Secretary of State.
- Fees: $25-$50 for LLCs, $50 for corporations.
- Licensing: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
California
Business Name Search: California Business Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file Fictitious Business Names at the county level.
- LLCs and corporations register with the California Secretary of State.
- Fees: $70 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and CalGOLD.
Colorado
Business Name Search: Colorado Secretary of State Business Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships register trade names online through the Colorado Secretary of State.
- LLCs and corporations file Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
- Fees: $20 for trade names, $50 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
Connecticut
Business Name Search: Connecticut Business Registry Search
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with their town clerk.
- LLCs and corporations register through the Connecticut Secretary of State.
- Fees: $10-$60 for trade names, $120 for LLCs, $250 for corporations.
- Licensing: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
Delaware
Business Name Search: Delaware Division of Corporations Database
- Register Your Business:
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents through the Delaware Division of Corporations.
- Fees: $75 for trade names, $90 for LLCs, $89 for corporations.
- Licensing: Delaware Business First Steps.
Florida
Business Name Search: Florida Division of Corporations Search
Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with the Florida Division of Corporations.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents online.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $125 for LLCs, $70 for corporations.
- Licensing: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Georgia
- Business Name Search: Georgia Corporations Division and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with their local county clerk.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Georgia Secretary of State.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $100 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Georgia Department of Revenue for licensing and tax registration.
Hawaii
- Business Name Search: Hawaii Business Express Database and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships register trade names through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
- LLCs and corporations file online.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $51 for LLCs, $51 for corporations.
- Licensing: Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing Division for licensing requirements.
Idaho
Business Name Search: Idaho Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the county clerk.
- LLCs and corporations register through the Idaho Secretary of State.
- Fees: $25 for trade names, $100 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing:
Visit the Idaho State Tax Commission for permits and licenses.
Illinois
Business Name Search:
Illinois Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs (also called Assumed Names) with the county clerk.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $150 for LLCs, $150 for corporations.
- Licensing:
Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for permits and licenses.
Indiana
Business Name Search:
Indiana Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with the county recorder’s office.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents through the Indiana Secretary of State.
- Fees: $20 for trade names, $100 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing:
Visit the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency for licensing requirements.
Iowa
- Business Name Search: Iowa Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names at the Iowa County Recorder’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents with the Iowa Secretary of State.
- Fees: $5 for trade names, $50 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Iowa Department of Revenue for tax and licensing requirements.
Kansas
- Business Name Search: Kansas Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file trade names with the Kansas County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Kansas Secretary of State.
- Fees: $30 for trade names, $165 for LLCs, $90 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue for licenses and permits.
Kentucky
- Business Name Search: Kentucky Business Name Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the Kentucky County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
- Fees: $20 for trade names, $40 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal for permits and licenses.
Louisiana
- Business Name Search: Louisiana Business Filings Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Louisiana Parish Clerk of Court.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
- Fees: $75 for trade names, $100 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue for licenses and tax registration.
Maine
- Business Name Search: Maine Business Name Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file trade names with the Maine County Registrar’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register through the Maine Secretary of State.
- Fees: $125 for LLCs, $145 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development for permits and licenses.
Maryland
- Business Name Search: Maryland Business Express Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents through the Maryland Business Express Portal.
- Fees: $25 for trade names, $100 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Maryland OneStop Portal for permits and licenses.
Massachusetts
- Business Name Search: Massachusetts Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Massachusetts Local City or Town Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- Fees: $65 for LLCs, $275 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Massachusetts Business Portal for licensing requirements.
Michigan
- Business Name Search: Michigan Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the Michigan County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register through the Michigan Corporations Division.
- Fees: $25 for trade names, $50 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Michigan Business One Stop for licensing requirements.
Minnesota
- Business Name Search: Minnesota Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file trade names with the Minnesota County Recorder’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $135 for LLCs, $155 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Minnesota Elicensing Portal for permits and licenses.
Mississippi
- Business Name Search: Mississippi Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships register DBAs with the Mississippi County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
- Fees: $25 for trade names, $50 for LLCs, $50 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Mississippi State Tax Commission for licenses and permits.
Missouri
- Business Name Search: Missouri Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Missouri County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register with the Missouri Secretary of State.
- Fees: $7 for trade names, $50 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue for licensing requirements.
Montana
- Business Name Search: Montana Business Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Montana County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register through the Montana Secretary of State.
- Fees: $20 for trade names, $70 for LLCs, $70 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Montana Department of Revenue for permits and licenses.
Nebraska
- Business Name Search: Nebraska Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with the Nebraska Secretary of State.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents online.
- Fees: $100 for trade names, $110 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Nebraska Department of Revenue for tax and licensing information.
Nevada
- Business Name Search: Nevada Business Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register DBAs with the Nevada County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file through the Nevada Secretary of State.
- Fees: $20 for trade names, $75 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Nevada Department of Business and Industry for licensing information.
New Hampshire
- Business Name Search: New Hampshire Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the New Hampshire Town Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register through the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
- Fees: $50 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for permits and licenses.
New Jersey
- Business Name Search: New Jersey Business Records Service and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the New Jersey County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue.
- Fees: $50 for DBAs, $125 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the New Jersey Business Action Center for licensing requirements.
New Mexico
- Business Name Search: New Mexico Business Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file trade names with the New Mexico County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register with the New Mexico Secretary of State.
- Fees: $50 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for permits and licenses.
New York
- Business Name Search: New York Division of Corporations Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the New York County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register through the New York Department of State.
- Fees: $25 for DBAs, $200 for LLCs, $125 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the New York Business Express for licensing requirements.
North Carolina
- Business Name Search: North Carolina Business Registration Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register DBAs with the North Carolina County Register of Deeds.
- LLCs and corporations file with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
- Fees: $26 for trade names, $125 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the North Carolina Department of Revenue for permits and licenses.
North Dakota
- Business Name Search: North Dakota Business Records Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the North Dakota County Recorder’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register through the North Dakota Secretary of State.
- Fees: $25 for trade names, $135 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for permits and licenses.
Ohio
- Business Name Search: Ohio Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the Ohio County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register with the Ohio Secretary of State.
- Fees: $39 for DBAs, $99 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Ohio Business Gateway for permits and licenses.
Oklahoma
- Business Name Search: Oklahoma Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Oklahoma County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register through the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
- Fees: $25 for trade names, $100 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Oklahoma Tax Commission for licensing and permits.
Oregon
- Business Name Search: Oregon Business Name Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the Oregon County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents with the Oregon Secretary of State.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $100 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Oregon Business Xpress for licenses and permits.
Pennsylvania
- Business Name Search: Pennsylvania Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file Fictitious Name Registrations with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents online.
- Fees: $70 for DBAs, $125 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for permits and licenses.
Rhode Island
- Business Name Search: Rhode Island Business Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with the Rhode Island City or Town Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register with the Rhode Island Department of State.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $150 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Rhode Island Division of Taxation for permits and licenses.
South Carolina
- Business Name Search: South Carolina Business Entities Online and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with their South Carolina County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file formation documents with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
- Fees: $50 for trade names, $110 for LLCs, $135 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the South Carolina Department of Revenue for tax registration and permits.
South Dakota
- Business Name Search: South Dakota Business Information Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the South Dakota County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
- Fees: $10 for trade names, $150 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue for licenses and permits.
Tennessee
- Business Name Search: Tennessee Business Name Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the Tennessee County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
- Fees: $15 for trade names, $300 for LLCs (minimum), $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Tennessee Department of Revenue for permits and licenses.
Texas
- Business Name Search: Texas SOSDirect Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships file DBAs with the Texas County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Texas Secretary of State.
- Fees: $25 for trade names, $300 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Texas Business Permits Office .
Utah
- Business Name Search: Utah Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors and partnerships register DBAs with the Utah County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Utah Division of Corporations.
- Fees: $22 for trade names, $70 for LLCs, $70 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Utah Department of Commerce for licenses and permits.
Vermont
- Business Name Search: Vermont Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register trade names with the Vermont Town or City Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Vermont Secretary of State.
- Fees: $50 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Vermont Department of Taxes for tax registration and permits.
Virginia
- Business Name Search: Virginia State Corporation Commission Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Virginia County or City Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Virginia SCC.
- Fees: $10 for trade names, $100 for LLCs, $75-$100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for licensing requirements.
Washington
- Business Name Search: Washington Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with their Washington County Office.
- LLCs and corporations register with the Washington Secretary of State.
- Fees: $24 for trade names, $200 for LLCs, $180 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Washington Department of Revenue for tax registration and licenses.
West Virginia
- Business Name Search: West Virginia Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors register DBAs with the West Virginia County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations file with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
- Fees: $25 for trade names, $100 for LLCs and corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the West Virginia One Stop Business Portal for permits and licenses.
Wisconsin
- Business Name Search: Wisconsin Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Wisconsin County Register of Deeds.
- LLCs and corporations file with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
- Fees: $15 for trade names, $130 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax registration and licensing information.
Wyoming
- Business Name Search: Wyoming Business Entity Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database.
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Wyoming County Clerk’s Office.
- LLCs and corporations register with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
- Fees: $100 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Wyoming Department of Revenue for permits and tax requirements.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business is an exciting yet complex process that requires careful planning and adherence to regulations.
While this guide provides a solid foundation and comprehensive state-by-state resources, it’s essential to conduct your own research and stay updated with current regulations, as requirements can change over time.
By understanding your responsibilities and leveraging available resources, you’ll be better equipped to turn your entrepreneurial vision into a successful reality.
Always consult with legal or financial professionals if you’re unsure about any steps.
Good luck with your business journey!

Iowa
- Business Name Search: Louisiana Business Filings Search and check trademarks at the USPTO Trademark Database .
- Register Your Business:
- Sole proprietors file DBAs with the Louisiana Parish Clerk of Court .
- LLCs and corporations file with the Louisiana Secretary of State .
- Fees: $75 for trade names, $100 for LLCs, $100 for corporations.
- Licensing: Visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue for licenses and tax registration.