"Starting Your Own Creative Business: A Guide to Registering a DBA in Nebraska"

Registering a DBA (Doing Business As) in Nebraska is a relatively simple process. First, you must determine if the name you want to use is available for use by searching the Nebraska Secretary of State’s online database. Once you have confirmed that the name is available, you must file a certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State, which includes your chosen name, your business address, and the name(s) and address(es) of the owner(s). You also need to publish a notice of your intent to use the DBA in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. The publication details can be found on the Secretary of State’s website. Finally, you must obtain any required licenses and permits for your business from the state or local government where you operate. Once you have completed these steps, you will have successfully registered your DBA in Nebraska and can begin conducting business using your chosen name.

Below are the simple steps to take in the order they are laid out:

1. Choose a Name: Select a unique and distinguishable name for your business that is not already in use by another business in Nebraska. Make sure the name complies with the state's naming requirements.
   

2. Verify Name Availability: Search the Nebraska Secretary of State's website or contact their office to check if the chosen name is available for use. It's important to ensure that no other business in Nebraska is already using the name.
   Nebraska Secretary of State’s Business Name Search
   

3. Assumed Business Name Certificate: (another name for ‘Doing Business As Certificate’) Obtain an Assumed Business Name Certificate from the county clerk's office in the county where your business is located. This certificate confirms your intent to use a specific trade name in that county.
   

4. Complete the Application: Prepare the Application for Registration of a Trade Name (DBA). You can obtain the form from the Nebraska Secretary of State's website or request it by mail. The application will require your personal information, the desired trade name, and other relevant details.
   Secretary of State’s website
   
   Mailing Address:
   Secretary of State’s Office
   Business Services Division (Corporations)
   PO Box 94608
   Lincoln, NE 68509
   

5. File the Application: Submit the completed application along with the filing fee to the Nebraska Secretary of State's office. You can file the application online, by mail, or in person. Include the Assumed Business Name Certificate obtained from the county clerk. The cost of the application is $100.00.
   

6. Publication Requirement: Some Nebraska counties may require you to publish a notice of your trade name registration in a local newspaper. Contact the county clerk's office or check their website to determine if publication is necessary and comply with their instructions if applicable. Our favorite vendor to use is Omaha Daily Record. The fee is around $20.00. After the required time transpires, they will send you a the legal notice you require.

   Omaha Daily Record New Paper: (402) 345-1303
   

7. Renewal: Trade names in Nebraska need to be renewed periodically. The renewal period is typically every five years. The Nebraska Secretary of State's office will send you a renewal notice before the expiration date. Follow the instructions provided to renew your trade name registration.