How to Register a Business Name in Iowa


Updated: October 1, 2023
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In Iowa, you have three pathways to register your business name. You can establish it as an LLC or Corporation to have your business be a separate entity or you can opt for a DBA (officially recognized as an Trade Name) if you’re a sole proprietor or part of a general partnership. If you want additional protection against people using your business name across the country, you can also opt to file a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Be sure to have your business name registered before completing the other registrations you’ll need to be legally compliant in Iowa, like:

  • Applying for an Iowa Sales Tax Permit or an Iowa Withholding Permit Number from the Iowa Department of Revenue
  • Registering with the Iowa Workforce Development for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax
  • Obtaining relevant licenses and permits for your business activities
  • Securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
  • Opening a dedicated business bank account

How much does it cost to Register a Business Name in Iowa?

The cost to register an Iowa business name varies depending on the type of registration:

  • Iowa LLC cost: $50
  • Iowa Corporation cost: $50
  • Iowa DBA cost: $7

1. Check Business Name Availability

Before registering your Iowa business name, you’ll want to confirm that your business name is available. Even if the exact name isn’t in use, you should also make sure that it isn’t too similar to other names in use. If another business is using your desired business name, you’ll need to come up with another name. To be thorough, you should include three types of searches:

Iowa Business Name Search Help

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Start your Iowa business name search with the help of professionals.

Trademark Search

Federal trademarks are the highest registration level for a business name, so you should start there. Trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) supersede state and local level registrations, so verifying the name you want isn’t trademarked is crucial. If it is trademarked, you’ll need to go back to square one and come up with a new name.

Visit the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) page to search the USPTO database directly. If you find the results overwhelming or difficult to understand, you can also use the Free Trademark Search available from Trademark Engine.

Iowa Business Name Search

You can move on to verifying that your business name is available to use in Iowa after you’re sure it hasn’t been trademarked. To do a Iowa business name search, use the Iowa Business Entities Search to search the database of business names registered in the state.

You’ll want to search for your exact name and do some searches that include partial matches of your business name or use wildcard characters. This ensures that there aren’t businesses with very similar names that don’t appear from an exact name search. One of the number one reasons a business name registration is rejected is the name being too similar to an existing business.

Pro Tip: If you do a search and see your name is available but was used in the past, you should strongly consider choosing a new name. Using a previously registered name can cause issues with obtaining an EIN.

Since most businesses choose to get an EIN, it will be highly likely that an EIN has been issued with that name. If an EIN was previously issued under that business name, the IRS EIN system cannot issue an EIN online and will return a 101 reference error. When an EIN application gets a 101 error, the only way to get an EIN issued under that name is to call the IRS and fax them a copy of your business registration paperwork. So, do yourself a favor and pick a new name unless you absolutely need to use that name.

Website Domain Search

At this stage, you should have a good idea that your name is available to use in Iowa and no trademark issues, so it’s time to ensure your domain name is available. For almost every business, it’s worth it to register a business domain name to prevent competitors from taking your domain name. If you want a professional business email address, you’ll also need to register your domain.

Domain Name and Business Email

You can use Namecheap to verify if your domain name is available. They also offer a business email service that’s free to try for the first 60 days when you purchase a domain.

2. Choose a Business Structure

Before you can file a business name registration in Iowa, you need to decide on the structure your business will use. The specific registration requirements and type of filing will depend on if your business is an LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, or general partnership. Each of these business structures has its own advantages and disadvantages. It impacts important aspects of your business, including the owners’ legal liability, how taxes are paid, and how easy it can be to get loans. Below is a comparison and explanation of each structure. If you require additional guidance, be sure to check out our guide, How to Choose your Business Structure, where we cover this decision in more detail.

Recommended Business Structure:

Starting an LLC is ideal for most new businesses because they can have any number of owners and have unique benefits. LLCs provide liability protection that isn’t available to sole proprietors and general partnerships with pass-through taxation that corporations lack.

If you think an LLC is for you and want help, check out our guide to the best LLC services, to find the provider that best fits what you’re looking for.

LLC

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure allowed under Iowa law (Iowa Code § 489) that safeguards owners’ personal assets, enables multiple owners, and allows for adaptable management and taxation options.

Learn More: What is an LLC

LLC Pros

  • Personal liability protection
  • Legally separate entity
  • Default pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
  • Unlimited number of owners (members)
  • Flexible management – can be run by members or non-owner managers
  • Option for S-Corp tax status

LLC Cons

  • Upfront filing costs
  • Ongoing cost and filings to stay compliant
  • Unable to go public

Do you need to register to be an LLC in Iowa?

Yes, to be legally recognized as an LLC in Iowa, you must register with the Iowa Secretary of State.

Jump to: Register an LLC Name

Corporation

A corporation is a business structure under Iowa law (Iowa Code § 490) that is legally distinct from its owners. Stockholders own it, with limited liability protection. It’s perfect for gaining external funds and shielding personal assets.

Learn More: What is a Corporation

Corporation Pros

  • Personal liability protection
  • Legally separate entity
  • Unlimited number of owners (shareholders)
  • Easier to raise capital by selling stock
  • Able to go public
  • Option for S-Corp tax status

Corporation Cons

  • Default double taxation
  • Upfront filing costs
  • Ongoing costs and filings to stay compliant
  • Increased record keeping requirements
  • Strict management structures set by law

Do you need to register to be a Corporation in Iowa?

Yes, for official recognition as a Corporation in Iowa, registration with the Iowa Secretary of State is mandatory.

Jump to: Register a Corporation Name

Sole Proprietor

A sole proprietorship is a solo-operated business. Simple to start, minimal paperwork. Owner and business are legally indistinguishable, leading to unlimited personal liability.

Learn More: What is a Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietor Pros

  • Easy and inexpensive to start
  • Simple taxes (business income taxed once)
  • Easy to maintain
  • Complete control for owner

Sole Proprietor Cons

  • Unlimited Liability Risk
  • Hard to raise money and get loans
  • Not separate from owner
  • Difficult to sell business
  • No other tax status options

Do you need to register your sole proprietor business name in Iowa?

If you operate as a sole proprietor in Iowa and your business name doesn’t consist of both your first and last name, you’re required to register it by submitting a “doing business as” name (DBA) application. As an example, if you’re “Andrew Wilson ” and you offer accounting and bookkeeping services, the name “Andrew Wilson Accounting” doesn’t need registration, but if you wanted a more brandable name like “Precise Ledger Solutions,” you’ll be legally required to register.

Jump to: Register a DBA Name

Partnership

A partnership involves 2 or more owners sharing business responsibilities. Each partner has unlimited personal liability. Profits and losses are reported individually for tax purposes.

Learn More: What is a Partnership

Partnership Pros

  • Easy and inexpensive to start
  • Pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
  • Unlimited number of owners (partners)
  • Shared business responsibilities

Partnership Cons

  • Unlimited Liability Risk
  • Responsible for partners’ actions
  • Hard to raise outside capital
  • Not separate from partners
  • Difficult to sell business
  • No other tax status options

Do you need to register your partnership business name in Iowa?

Partnerships in Iowa are required to file a “doing business as” (DBA) name if their chosen business name doesn’t have the last names of all partners. For example, if a technology solutions company is started as a partnership by Jessica Lee, Christopher Martinez, and Amanda Stevens, they can operate under the name “Lee, Martinez & Stevens Tech Solutions” without registration. However, if they opt for a distinct and catchy name like “Innova Tech Dynamics,” they would need to file for an Trade Name (DBA).

Jump to: Register a DBA Name

3. File your Iowa Business Name Registration

Having confirmed your business name’s availability and selected an appropriate structure, it’s now time to finalize the registration of your Iowa business name. Ensure you follow the process that matches your chosen business structure. Remember, if you opted for a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’ll be filing a DBA.

Register an Iowa LLC Name

To form an LLC in Iowa, you’ll need to file a document known as a Certificate of Organization and submit it to the Iowa Secretary of State. There’s a filing fee of $50 to create an LLC. In the Certificate of Organization filing you’ll provide details about your business, such as:

  • LLC Name
  • Information about the LLC members (owners) and managers (if applicable)
  • Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
  • Name and Address of your Registered Agent

Iowa LLC Name Requirements

Iowa LLCs must use a name that follows the naming rules outlined in Iowa law (Iowa Code § 489.108):

  • Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Iowa Secretary of State
  • Must clearly denote the business is legally structured as an LLC by including the words “limited liability company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC”
  • Cannot use words or designators associated with Corporations such as “Corporation” “Incorporated” “Corp” or “Inc”
  • Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
  • Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Bank, Banker, Banking, Savings, Safe Deposit, Trust, Trustee, Insurance and Credit Union

For more in-depth information check out our How to Start an LLC in Iowa guide, where we cover all the steps needed to form an LLC in full detail.

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Register an Iowa Corporation Name

To register as an Iowa Corporation, you’ll be required to complete and submit the Articles of Incorporation to the Iowa Secretary of State, which costs $50. In your Articles of Incorporation submission you’ll need to provide details to the Iowa Secretary of State about your business, including:

  • Corporation Name
  • Names and addresses of the board of the directors
  • Number and type of authorized shares
  • Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
  • Name and Address of your Registered Agent

Iowa Corporation Name Requirements

Corporations in Iowa are required to use a name that follows the rules detailed under Iowa law (Iowa Code § 490.401):

  • Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Iowa Secretary of State
  • Clearly indicate the business is legally structured as a corporation by including the words “Corporation” or “Incorporated” or use an abbreviation such as “Corp” or “Inc”
  • Cannot use words or designators associated with LLCs such as “limited liability company” or “LLC”
  • Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
  • Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Bank, Banker, Banking, Savings, Safe Deposit, Trust, Trustee, Insurance and Credit Union

Want to Incorporate in Iowa?

If you’re interested in incorporating, you can learn more with the ZenBusiness guide on How to Start a Corporation in Iowa, which covers each step you’ll need to complete to start an Iowa corporation.

Register an Iowa DBA (Trade Name)

An Iowa DBA (Trade Name) allows a business to operate using a business name that is different than their legal name. To register an Iowa DBA you’ll need to complete a Trade Name Application and submit it to the county recorder’s office, along with the filing fee of $7. You’ll need to provide the following information:

  • Name and address of Applicant(s)
  • Business Name (Trade Name)
  • Address where business is transacted

Iowa DBA (Trade Name) Requirements

The rules for an Iowa Trade Name (DBAs) are not quite as strict as they are for LLCs or Corporations, however there are still restrictions. Mainly, your DBA can’t include designators used for legal entities like “LLC” or “Inc” in the Trade Name. DBAs also can’t contain prohibited words or words that imply association with government entities.

You’re required to register a DBA if you operate under any name other than your legal name in Iowa. Any person found to be violate Iowa code 547.1 is guilty of a misdemeanor under Iowa law.

Iowa DBA Registration Assistance

Get help registering your Iowa DBA with Swyft Filings. Packages starting at $99 (plus filing fees).

4. File a Trademark (Optional)

Trademark registration can provide increased security for your business identity. A trademark is like a safeguard for your Iowa business name, allowing you complete control over your brand. Unlike state-level registrations, trademarks offer federal-level protection that extends nationwide.

You can apply for a trademark online, but be aware that the process can be complex and time-consuming. Evaluation of a trademark application by a USPTO examining attorney takes approximately 7-9 months. Given the intricacies involved in the process, thoroughly preparing your initial application with great attention to detail is essential.

To streamline the trademark registration journey, seek guidance from a qualified attorney or specialized trademark filing service. Their expertise can save you time and simplify the complexities associated with application submission and follow-ups.

Trademark Filing Assistance

Ensure your trademark is filed properly with the help of the experts at Trademark Engine, who’ve helped file over 120,000 trademarks since 2016. Packages start at $99 (+USPTO fees).

Additional Business Resources in Iowa

For more help, check out our How to Start a Business in Iowa guide, or use these resources:

  • Iowa Secretary of State – Official government website providing business registration information and forms.
  • Iowa Department of Revenue – Offers information on taxation, permits, licenses, and other business-related matters.
  • Iowa Chamber of Commerce – Promotes and supports Iowa businesses through networking and resources.
  • Iowa SBDC – Provides free consulting and resources for small business development.
  • SCORE Iowa – Offers mentoring, workshops, and advice from experienced business professionals.
  • Iowa Finance Authority – Provides financing options, loans, and assistance for businesses in Iowa.