You’ve saved up the money, nailed down the perfect business idea, and you’re finally ready to turn your dream into a real business. However, before you jump into action, there’s one more serious step you can’t skip, which is business registration.
It might feel a bit boring and full of paperwork, but it’s a must if you want to run your business legally and smoothly in the U.S. Don’t worry though, we weill discuss the whole process in this article, step by step. Keep reading to get it done the easy way!
Key Takeaways
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Choose a unique business name and check its availability through state databases and trademarks.
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Register your business with the state by filing necessary documents like Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
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Obtain essential licenses, permits, and an EIN to ensure legal compliance and tax registration.
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Ensure what type of registration process you have to go through according to your business structure.
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Build an online presence with a professional website and register on Google Business to enhance visibility.
How to Register Your Business?
Although in different states, the rules and requirements for the registration process are different, every state follows a general process for business registration.
However, here I will share a general step-by-step guide for registering your business. Let’s dig deep!
Step 1: Pick the Perfect Business Name
The first step of the registration process is to choose a name for your business. The name reflects your brand value, so choose it wisely.
In different states of the USA, there are three main ways to register your business name.
i. Legal entity name
The legal entity name is the official name of your business that is registered with the state. It must be unique to distinguish your business from others.
For example, if you want to start a company called Gunther Home Repairs, you need to make sure no other business in your state has the same name. You can usually check name availability through your state’s Secretary of State’s online database.
ii. Trademark
A trademark protects your business name or logo at a national level by preventing other businesses from using a similar name or logo for related products or services.
For example, if you own a bakery called Sunrise Bakery, you wouldn’t want another bakery anywhere else in the country to use the same name. Also, you don’t want your perfectly fitted logo to be stolen by others. A trademark will help protect your brand from being copied.
To check if your business name or logo is already trademarked, you can search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. If the name is available, you can apply for a trademark to secure exclusive rights to it nationwide.
iii. Doing Business as
A DBA(Doing Business As) is also known as a Fictitious Name. This name will let you operate your business under a name different from your legal entity name.
After coming up with a brand name, you have to register it. To register a DBA, you need to follow these general steps:
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First, you have to file a Fictitious Name Registration with the relevant local or state agency.
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Then you have to pay the required registration fee (fees vary depending on the location).
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After that, publish the DBA notice in a local newspaper once a week for several consecutive weeks (usually four weeks).
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Finally, you must submit proof of publication to the appropriate local or state office within the required time frame.
Source: US chamber of Commerce
Step 2: Secure a Registered Agent
A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. This ensures that you don’t miss important notices and stay compliant with state regulations.
All states of the USA made it mandatory to have a registered agent when you’re trying to register a business. You need to add the details of your registered agent in your business’s article of organization (AOA).
The agent must have a physical address in the state where your business is registered and be available during normal business hours.
You can be your own registered agent, but a professional service provides more privacy and handles important documents properly. It also helps your business appear more credible. So, you need to choose a reliable provider to keep your business organized and legally compliant.
Step 3: Apply for an EIN
The next step in the registration process is applying for an EIN. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique number issued by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes.
You need an EIN to hire employees, open a business bank account, and file taxes. The application process is simple and free, and you can apply online, by mail, or by fax through the IRS.
Once you receive your EIN, keep it safe, as you will need it for various business and financial activities.
Step 4: Register and Acquire Licenses
After getting the EIN, now it's time to apply for other permits and licenses. Most businesses need a business license to operate legally. This license is usually issued by the city or county where the business is located.
If your business is within city limits, you will need to apply through the city government. If it is in an unincorporated area, you must get a license from the county.
Additionally, certain industries require special local, state, or federal licenses and permits. These can include permits for health and safety, environmental regulations, construction, or other professional services.
Some professions, such as healthcare providers, contractors, or financial advisors, require occupational licenses before they can legally operate. If your business falls within these areas, go for the special permits.
To ensure compliance, check with your state’s business registration office and local government websites for specific licensing requirements.
Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Now that you are sorted with all the permits, it's time to think about securing your finances. A business bank account separates your personal and business finances and provides protection, credibility, and better financial management.
It helps protect your personal assets by keeping business transactions separate and makes tax filing and bookkeeping easier. Having a dedicated account also builds credibility with clients, vendors, and financial institutions. As a result, it will be easier for you to process payments and secure loans.
Additionally, it prepares your business for future growth by keeping financial records organized and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. To open a business bank account, you will need your EIN, business registration documents, and ownership details.
Step 6: Protect Your Brand with Trademarks & Copyrights
Your business name, logo, or creative work is valuable intellectual property and many will try to copy these without your permission. If you secure a trademark patent or copyright, you can avoid this issue.
There are several ways to protect your intellectual property.
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Trademarks – Want to ensure your business name, logo, or slogan is exclusively yours? A trademark protects your brand identity, such as a name, logo, or slogan, by preventing others from using a similar name or design. You have to register with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to get nationwide rights and legal protection.
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Copyrights – If you create original content, such as books, music, artwork, or software, a copyright automatically protects it. Registering with the
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Patents – If you have invented something new, a patent will give you exclusive rights to manufacture, sell, and profit from your invention for a set period. Since the USPTO patent process can take years, it’s best to start as soon as possible.
Step 7: Get a Business Insurance
The final step is to protect your business from risks that often happen to any business. Business insurance helps protect you from unexpected financial losses.
You must get business insurance related to your business to protect your company from unexpected problems. It can cover things like property damage, legal claims, or injuries at the workplace.
Do You Really Need to Register Your Business?
Whether you need to register your business or not depends on the business structure. The registration requirements and complexities also depend on the business structure. As you are starting a new business, and thinking about registration, you must have already chosen a structure for your business.
Here are some common business structures with their registration requirements.
1. Sole Proprietorship
This is the most basic form of business ownership and often doesn't require formal registration. If you're running your business on your own and haven’t selected a specific structure during registration, you're automatically considered a sole proprietor.
Keep in mind, however, that this setup doesn't separate your personal assets from your business liabilities, meaning you're personally responsible for any debts the business incurs.
2. Partnership
When two or more individuals share ownership of a business, it's considered a partnership. Depending on the type, the registration requirements and liability protections vary.
In a limited partnership (LP), one partner typically holds unlimited personal liability, while others have limited liability.
A limited liability partnership (LLP), on the other hand, provides liability protection for all partners. While not always required, partnerships often benefit from formal registration to outline roles and responsibilities clearly..
3. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC combines the flexibility of a partnership with the liability protection of a corporation. This structure shields the owners’ personal assets from the business’s debts.
In most states, forming an LLC involves registering with the state and filing certain documents, like articles of organization. LLCs also enjoy pass-through taxation, where profits and losses are reported on the individual owners’ tax returns.
4. Corporation (C Corp & S Corp)
A C corp is a fully separate legal entity from its owners. This means the business itself can be taxed, sued, or held liable independently.
While it offers the strongest protection for personal assets, forming a C corporation requires formal registration with the state, along with ongoing compliance and administrative responsibilities.
One drawback is the possibility of double taxation, once at the corporate level and again when profits are distributed to shareholders.
An S corp is similar to a C corp in terms of liability protection, but differs in its tax treatment. Instead of the company being taxed, profits and losses are passed through to shareholders and reported on their individual tax returns, which means, double taxation can be avoided.
However, there are strict requirements to qualify as an S corp, including limits on the number and type of shareholders. Registration involves filing with the state as a corporation and submitting Form to the IRS to elect S corp status.
What’s After Registering a Business?
Nowadays, nearly everything happens online, and in today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is inevitable for business success. After registering your business and securing the necessary licenses, the next critical step is to create a business website.
A professional website will help you establish credibility and provide a platform to showcase your products or services, connect with potential customers, and even sell online.
A well-designed website can significantly boost your visibility, enhance customer trust, and ultimately increase your revenue. You can also create and run a marketing blog for better promotion.
However, building a website can be an overwhelming task, especially if you don’t have technical skills or experience in web development. In this case, you can use AI website builders to simplify the process.
Dorik AI website builder is one of the best no-code website builders in the market that allows you to create a beautiful, fully functional website without any coding knowledge. You can easily design and customize your site, choose from a variety of templates, and launch it quickly to start promoting your business online.
After creating a website, register your business with Google to appear in local search and establish a strong online presence for your business.
Post Register Tips
Here are some other tips you should follow after registering the business.
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Build Relationships with Key Professionals: Form connections with a trusted attorney, accountant, insurance broker, and business mentor. Having access to expert advice can help you avoid costly mistakes and grow more effectively.
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Set Up a Business Email Address: Use a custom domain-based email (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com) instead of free email services. It adds legitimacy and enhances your brand's professionalism in client communications.
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Related Read: How to create a business email
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Create Business Profiles on Key Platforms: Set up your business on Google Business Profile, Yelp, LinkedIn, and relevant directories in your industry. This improves your visibility and helps customers find and trust your business.
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Subscribe to Industry News or Join Trade Associations: Stay informed by following industry trends, competitors, and legal changes. Joining associations or business communities can also provide support, resources, and networking opportunities.
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Evaluate Business Tools and Software: Identify tools for productivity, collaboration, customer management (CRM), invoicing, and other operations. The right tools can save you time and reduce human error.
Related Read: Best AI Tools for Productivity
FAQs
Should I put LLC after my business name?
Yes, if your business is registered as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you should include “LLC” in the name. This informs customers of your business structure and helps protect your personal assets by distinguishing your company as a separate entity.
Can I start a business without an LLC?
Yes, you can start a business without an LLC. Sole proprietorships and partnerships operate without formal registration. However, they won’t give you personal liability protection. An LLC helps protect personal assets, but it’s not mandatory to start or run a business.
How to register your business on Google
To register your business on Google, create a Google Business Profile. Enter your business details, verify ownership via mail, phone, or email, and optimize your profile with photos, services, and updates to improve visibility in local searches.
Conclusion
That was everything about the topic - how to get a business registration. However, one thing you must remember, every state has different rules and regulations. So, be sure to check your state’s official website or consult a professional to ensure you meet all legal obligations for your business.
We hope we’ve cleared up all your confusion about the business registration process. Have a nice day!
