Colorado Fictitious Name Registration & Renewal
Registration requirements for Colorado business entities
Business entities that plan to use a name other than their legal business name may need to register an assumed
name. Assumed name registration can take place at the state, local, or state and local levels of government.
State specific registration information is available below.
Initial Application for Registration
| Agency: | Colorado Secretary of State |
| Filing Method: | Online |
| Agency Fee: | $20 |
| Is registration mandatory?: | Trade names are required for businesses (other than a nonprofit entity) or individuals transacting business in the state of Colorado under a name other than the person's true name. Nonprofits may file for a trade name if they want, but they are not required to do so. |
| County Level Filing: | Trade name registration is done at the state level, but in order to hold real property in Colorado under a trade name, obtain an affidavit from the Colorado Secretary of State and file it with your county clerk or recorder. |
| Does registration prevent others from using the name I choose?: | Trade name registration does not offer name protection. Your desired DBA may not conflict with any registered entity, but may be same as another registered trade name. Colorado will permit you to file a trade name that is the same as someone else's; however, be wary of infringement of trademark protection under common law. |
| Notes: | - After filing, set up email notification on your record to receive an expiration/renewal notice.
- Publication of registration is not required in Colorado.
|
Renewal Filing
| Agency: | Colorado Secretary of State |
| Filing Method: | Online |
| Agency Fee: | $5 |
| Due: | Annually by the end of the registration anniversary month. |
| Notes: |
- A trade name for a reporting entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.) is effective as long as the entity remains in Good Standing or in Non-compliant status.
- Non-entities (sole proprietorships, general partnerships, trusts, estates, etc.) must renew annually.
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Revised November 18, 2021. Complete data last reviewed November 18, 2021.
