How to Register Trade Names
- 1). Determine whether your preferred trade name is available. Visit your state's Secretary of State website. Perform a corporation search at the business services page. This will inform you whether the desired trade name has been taken.
- 2). Download and print out the trade name registration form from the Secretary of State website after you verify that no other business has the name you want to register. The business.gov website provides access to many states' registration forms.
- 3). Complete the registration application form. Use your credit card information to pay fees. Fax the form to the number listed on the form. If you do not have access to a fax machine, mail the form to your state's Secretary of State corporations divisions at the address listed on the form. Include a check for the required fee. Some states allow you to complete and submit registration application forms online. Your trade name will be registered when you receive confirmation that the application has been approved. This usually takes about a week.
