Louisiana doesn't use the term "DBA" in its statutes. A Louisiana DBA is officially called a "trade name," and the filing rules depend on your business structure. Sole proprietors and general partnerships must complete both a state-level registration with the Louisiana Secretary of State and a separate filing with their local parish Clerk of Court. LLCs and corporations file only at the state level.
What is a DBA in Louisiana?
A DBA in Louisiana is officially called a trade name—any name a business uses that differs from its legal name. Louisiana statutes (LA RS §51:212) require businesses to register trade names with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Registering doesn't create a new legal entity or provide liability protection; it simply discloses to the public that you operate under that name.
"Trade name," "fictitious name," and "assumed name" all describe the same concept. Louisiana uses "trade name" in its statutes.
Who needs to file a DBA in Louisiana?
Any business that operates under a name other than its legal name needs to register a trade name in Louisiana. For formal entities like LLCs and corporations, the legal name is the name on their formation documents. For sole proprietors, it's the owner's legal name. For general partnerships, it's either the partners' last names or a name established in a written partnership agreement.
A sole proprietor named Marie Thibodaux who wants to run a catering company as "Bayou Table" can file a trade name but isn't legally required to. An LLC named "Gulf Coast Catering, LLC" that wants to market itself as "Bayou Table" has no choice: all corporations, nonprofits, LLCs, and partnerships must register a trade name if they intend to do business under any name other than their legal name.
If you're a sole proprietor wondering whether to file even though it's optional, the practical case is strong. Without a registered trade name, banks will typically require you to open accounts under your personal name, and customers and vendors may question invoices or contracts that don't match a recognizable business name. The filing costs $75.
A DBA lets you open a business bank account, sign contracts, and market under a recognizable name. What it doesn't do is protect your personal assets from business liabilities. For many early-stage sole proprietors, a DBA is a practical starting point—but not a substitute for an LLC if your business carries meaningful financial or legal risk.
Requirements by entity type
| Entity type | Trade name required? | Where to file | Parish clerk filing also required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietor | Optional (but recommended) | Louisiana Secretary of State | Yes, if you file |
| General partnership | Required if using a name other than partners' legal names | Louisiana Secretary of State | Yes |
| LLC | Required if operating under a name other than the registered entity name | Louisiana Secretary of State | No |
| Corporation | Required if operating under a name other than the registered entity name | Louisiana Secretary of State | No |
| Nonprofit | Required if operating under a name other than the registered entity name | Louisiana Secretary of State | No |
Sole proprietors and general partnerships carry an obligation LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits do not: a second, parish-level filing on top of the state registration.
Where do you file a Louisiana DBA: Secretary of State or parish clerk?
For some businesses, the answer is both. It depends on the type of business entity you choose when starting your business and registering with teh state.
Tier 1: Louisiana Secretary of State (all businesses)
Every business that registers a trade name files with the Louisiana Secretary of State through the GeauxBiz portal or by mail. This is where the $75–$80 filing fee is paid.
Tier 2: Parish Clerk of Court (sole proprietors and general partnerships only)
Sole proprietors and general partnerships must also file with the Clerk of Court for the parish where the business has its principal place of business. This is an independent requirement—not a copy of the state filing. Completing only the state registration does not satisfy the parish requirement, and vice versa.
There is also a newspaper publication requirement tied to the parish process: a notice must run once a week for three successive weeks in a parish newspaper. Publication typically costs $200–$500. Contact the Clerk of Court for your parish to confirm which paper to use and the current cost. Parish Clerk of Court filing fees typically range from $25 to $50.
LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits: state filing only. No parish Clerk of Court filing and no publication requirement applies to these entity types.
| Entity type | Trade name required? | Where to file | Parish clerk filing also required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietor | Optional (but recommended) | Louisiana Secretary of State | Yes, if you file |
| General partnership | Required if using a name other than partners' legal names | Louisiana Secretary of State | Yes |
| LLC | Required if operating under a name other than the registered entity name | Louisiana Secretary of State | No |
| Corporation | Required if operating under a name other than the registered entity name | Louisiana Secretary of State | No |
| Nonprofit | Required if operating under a name other than the registered entity name | Louisiana Secretary of State | No |
How to check Louisiana DBA name availability
Before you file, confirm your preferred trade name is available. Louisiana can reject a registration if the name conflicts with an existing filing, and a rejected application still costs you time.
Step 1: Search the Louisiana Business Entity Database
The Louisiana Secretary of State's business entity search tool lets you check name availability and access filing histories at coraweb.sos.la.gov. Enter your desired name and review results for exact matches and similar-sounding names. Click "Details" to check each business's current status—an inactive registration can still block your name in some cases.
Names are checked by spelling variants and phonetically. "Kajun Kitchen" and "Cajun Kitchen" could conflict, so plan your search accordingly.
If your name passes that search, you can optionally reserve it for 120 days for $25 through the GeauxBiz portal while you prepare your application.
Step 2: Search the USPTO Trademark Database (TESS)
A clean state-level search doesn't mean you're clear everywhere. A federally registered trademark can block you from using a name even if it's open in Louisiana's database, because federal trademark rights generally take precedence over state trade name registrations. Run your proposed trade name through the USPTO's Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) before you file, especially if you plan to operate beyond Louisiana's borders.
Step 3: Check domain availability and social handles
State approval doesn't guarantee your name is available online. If someone already owns the .com domain or matching social media handles, you'll face a branding problem the moment you try to market your business. Check major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn) before you file.
Common reasons a Louisiana trade name gets rejected
- The name is identical or deceptively similar to an existing registration. Louisiana checks names by spelling variants and phonetically.
- The name includes a restricted word without authorization. Words like "bank," "insurance," "university," or "trust" require approval from a relevant state regulatory authority.
- The name implies a different entity type. A sole proprietor's trade name generally shouldn't include "LLC," "Inc.," or "Corp." No trade name shall contain "doing business as" or "d/b/a."
- The name suggests government affiliation. The name shall not imply the business is an administrative agency of any parish, the state, or the United States.
- The name belongs to a recently revoked entity. Names of revoked Louisiana corporations and LLCs are unavailable for three years after revocation.
How to file a DBA in Louisiana: Step-by-step
Filing a Louisiana trade name requires a notarized application, a $75–$80 state filing fee, and—for sole proprietors and general partnerships—a separate parish-level filing.
Step 1: Choose and clear your trade name
Confirm your name is available and meets Louisiana's naming rules. Louisiana requires you to be using your trade name before you can register it. If you haven't started using it yet, reserve the name first. Run availability checks through the Secretary of State's database, the USPTO trademark system, and domain registrars.
Step 2: Select the correct form
Fill out the Application to Register Trade Name, Trademark, or Service Mark, available on the Louisiana Secretary of State's website. You'll need your legal name, address, entity type, and a description of the goods or services the trade name covers. The trade name must be in use on the date of the application. The form must be notarized before submission—an un-notarized application will be rejected.
Step 3: File online through GeauxBiz or by mail
Louisiana business owners can file for a DBA in several different ways.
- Online through GeauxBiz: Create an account at geauxbiz.sos.la.gov, complete the filing electronically, and pay at checkout. Online filing is generally processed faster, with immediate confirmation of submission.
- By mail or in person: Mail your completed, notarized application to: Louisiana Secretary of State Commercial Division, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125. In-person filing: 8585 Archives Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
- Parish-based online filing requirement: If your business is located in one of the following parishes, you must file online through GeauxBiz. The mail option is not available in Ascension, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Livingston, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne counties.
This requirement has been in effect since January 1, 2018.
Step 4: Pay the filing fee
The standard state filing fee is $75 for mail or in-person submissions and $80 online. Expedited options: same-day processing (+$50) or 24-hour processing (+$30), in addition to the base fee.
| Filing method | Base fee | Expedite option | Total with expedite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (GeauxBiz) | $80 | +$30 (24 hrs) or +$50 (same day) | $110 or $130 |
| Mail / in-person | $75 | +$30 (24 hrs) or +$50 (same day) | $105 or $125 |
Confirm current fees at sos.la.gov before filing.
Step 5: Complete the parish Clerk of Court filing (sole proprietors and general partnerships only)
File with the Clerk of Court for the parish where your business has its principal place of business. Fees typically range from $25 to $50—confirm the current amount before you submit. A newspaper notice must also run once a week for three successive weeks; publication typically costs $200–$500. Contact the Clerk of Court to confirm which paper to use.
LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits stop at the state-level filing.
How long does a Louisiana DBA take?
Louisiana takes 2–3 business days to process a standard trade name registration. Online filing is generally faster; mail adds transit time on both ends.
| Filing method | Standard processing | Expedited options |
|---|---|---|
| Online (GeauxBiz) | 2–3 business days | Same-day (+$50) or 24-hour (+$30) |
| Mail / in-person | 2–3 business days (or longer for mail) | Same-day (+$50) or 24-hour (+$30) |
- The state clock doesn't start until your application is complete. A missing notarization will delay processing.
- Parish filings run on a separate timeline. The newspaper publication must run for three consecutive weeks, so factor that in if you need your registration complete before a specific date.
- For sole proprietors and general partnerships, the publication window is typically what extends the overall process, not the state registration.
Louisiana DBA renewal, amendment, assignment, and cancellation
Once your trade name is registered, you may eventually need to manage its status. Whether you are maintaining your current registration, updating details, or transferring ownership, understanding the formal processes ensures your business name remains compliant and protected.
Renewing your Louisiana trade name
A Louisiana trade name registration lasts 10 years. Renew it before it expires or risk losing the name.
The renewal window opens six months before expiration. The Secretary of State will send a notice to your last known address in the year before expiration, but set your own calendar alert. Don't rely on that notice.
To renew, submit another Application to Register Trade Name, Trademark, or Service Mark, checking "renewal" at the top. Renewal costs $75 and can be completed by mail, in person, or online through GeauxBiz. All renewal applications must include a statement that the trade name is still in use in Louisiana.
If you let your registration lapse, the name becomes available for another business to register immediately—there is no grace period. You'd need to re-register as a new filing, and if another business claims the name first, you may not get it back.
Confirm current renewal fees at sos.la.gov before filing.
If your trade name is connected to a Louisiana LLC or corporation, annual report obligations are a separate filing with their own deadlines.
Amending or assigning a trade name
Amendments cover changes to existing registration details, most commonly an address change. If the underlying business changes significantly—for example, a sole proprietor converts to an LLC—that typically requires a new registration rather than an amendment. Contact the Louisiana Secretary of State's Commercial Division if you're unsure.
Assignment transfers your trade name registration to another party, most often when a business is sold. Use the Assignment of Trade Name, Trademark, or Service Mark form, which costs $75. The assignment transfers ownership of the registration only—not the underlying business or any other assets. If you're assigning a trade name as part of a larger sale, coordinate the assignment with your purchase agreement.
Canceling a Louisiana trade name
If your business closes or you stop using the trade name, you can cancel the registration online through GeauxBiz for $75.
- An expired or unused registration doesn't automatically disappear. If you stop using a trade name without formally canceling it, it remains listed under your name in the Secretary of State's database.
- Once canceled, the name becomes available for another business. Cancellation is permanent. You'd need to re-register to use the name again.
- Canceling a trade name doesn't dissolve your LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship. Your underlying business structure stays intact until you separately dissolve it.
For questions about amending or canceling a specific filing, contact the Louisiana Secretary of State's Commercial Division at (225) 925-4704.
DBA vs. LLC in Louisiana: Which one do you need?
A DBA is cheaper and faster to set up, but it doesn't protect you the way an LLC does.
| Feature | DBA (trade name) | Louisiana LLC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to form | $75 state filing fee | $100 Articles of Organization; online filing adds a $5 convenience fee |
| Ongoing fees | None (renew every 10 years for $75) | Annual report fee of $30 |
| Liability protection | None—personal assets remain exposed | Yes—owners are protected from business liabilities |
| Name exclusivity | No | No statewide exclusivity, but the registered entity name must be distinguishable from others on file |
| Creates a legal entity | No | Yes |
| Tax treatment | No change—sole proprietor still files on Schedule C | Profits flow to personal return; Louisiana does not impose annual franchise taxes on LLCs |
| Complexity | Low—one form, one filing (plus parish step if applicable) | Higher—Articles of Organization, registered agent, annual report |
| Best for | Testing a brand name or operating under a customer-facing name with low legal/financial risk | Anyone who wants liability protection, a more credible structure, or plans to take on partners or investors |
If a customer, vendor, or employee ever sues your business, a DBA offers zero separation between your business debts and your personal finances. An LLC creates a legal wall between you and your business liabilities. For most small business owners serious about growth, that protection is worth the difference.
What to do after your Louisiana DBA is approved
Getting a DBA is just the first part of the process. There are still things you’ll need to do before you open your doors.
Open a business bank account
Bring your trade name registration certificate from the Louisiana Secretary of State when you open a business account. It confirms you're legally authorized to conduct business under the name.
Your EIN is tied to your business structure, not your trade name. You keep the same EIN for every DBA associated with that structure. Sole proprietors without employees aren't required to have an EIN and can use their Social Security number, but some banks require one to open a business account, and having one reduces identity theft risk. You can apply through the IRS at no cost.
Update business licenses and permits
A trade name registration is not a business license. If you already hold a license under your legal name, update the business name on file with the issuing agency. If you're starting fresh, review Louisiana business license requirements for your industry and location before you begin operating.
Use the trade name on contracts and marketing
With a registered trade name, you can invoice customers, sign contracts, and market under the trade name while retaining your original legal name when needed. The trade name is an alias, not a separate legal entity. Be consistent across contracts, invoices, and marketing materials. If you're a sole proprietor named Marie Thibodaux operating as "Bayou Table," a contract might read "Marie Thibodaux d/b/a Bayou Table" to make the relationship explicit.
Understand tax implications
A trade name does not change your business's tax classification. The IRS does not recognize DBAs for tax purposes. Your EIN is tied to the legal entity. If you're unsure how your trade name affects your tax obligations, consult a tax professional before filing season.
How LegalZoom can help you file a Louisiana DBA
Between the name availability search, notarization requirement, state filing, and parish-level step for sole proprietors and general partnerships, there are several places where an error can delay your registration or require a refiling. LegalZoom handles the Louisiana trade name filing process for you, including name search support and form preparation. LegalZoom has over 20 years of experience helping small businesses navigate state compliance requirements across all 50 states.
Louisiana DBA FAQs
How do I get a DBA in Louisiana?
File the Application to Register Trade Name, Trademark, or Service Mark with the Louisiana Secretary of State, online through GeauxBiz ($80) or by mail ($75). The form must be notarized before submission. Sole proprietors and general partnerships must also file with their parish Clerk of Court and run a newspaper notice for three consecutive weeks.
How much does a Louisiana DBA cost?
The state filing fee is $75 by mail or in person, or $80 online. Expedited processing costs an additional $30 (24-hour) or $50 (same-day). Sole proprietors and general partnerships also pay parish Clerk of Court fees ($25–$50) and newspaper publication costs ($200–$500). Confirm current fees at sos.la.gov before filing.
Is a DBA cheaper than an LLC in Louisiana?
Yes, upfront. A trade name registration costs $75–$80 versus $100–$105 to form an LLC. But a DBA provides no liability protection—your personal assets remain exposed to business debts and lawsuits. An LLC costs more and requires annual reports ($30/year), but creates a legal separation between you and your business.
Can I start a business with just a DBA in Louisiana?
Yes. A sole proprietor can operate legally under a registered trade name without forming an LLC or corporation. A DBA lets you open a business bank account, sign contracts, and market under a business name. It does not protect your personal assets—that requires an LLC or corporation.
Does a Louisiana DBA protect my personal information?
No. Trade name registrations are public record and list the owner's legal name and address. If privacy is a concern, an anonymous LLC structure may be a better option.
Do I need an EIN to file a Louisiana DBA?
No. However, some banks require an EIN to open a business account under the trade name, and you'll need one if you hire employees. You can apply free through the IRS.
Can I have more than one DBA in Louisiana?
Yes. Each registration is a separate filing with its own $75–$80 fee and 10-year renewal date. There is no stated limit on the number of trade names a single entity can hold.
Does a Louisiana DBA give me exclusive rights to the name?
No. A Louisiana trade name registration is a disclosure filing, not a name reservation. It does not prevent another business from registering or using the same name. For exclusive rights, you need a federal trademark through the USPTO.
Can a foreign LLC or out-of-state corporation file a Louisiana DBA?
Yes. A foreign entity registered to do business in Louisiana can register a trade name if it wants to operate under a name other than its legal entity name. The same state-level filing process and fees apply.
Does a sole proprietor in Louisiana need to file a DBA?
It depends on the name. If you operate under your own legal name, no filing is required. If you use any other name, you must register it as a trade name. Even when optional, filing is strongly recommended: it enables business banking, adds credibility with customers and vendors, and establishes a public record of your name use.
What is the difference between state-level trade name registration and parish-level filing in Louisiana?
These are two separate, independent filings. All businesses register with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Sole proprietors and general partnerships must also file with the Clerk of Court in their parish and publish a notice in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits have no parish-level requirement.
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