Colorado Trade Name (DBA): Statement of Trade Name Filing

A person or entity transacting business in Colorado under a name other than its true name must file a Statement of Trade Name with the Colorado Secretary of State (C.R.S. § 7-71-101). Unlike some states, Colorado has no newspaper-publication requirement — it's just a Secretary of State filing. Fees apply; confirm current amounts on coloradosos.gov.

This is general information, not legal advice. A Colorado attorney can help if your naming situation is complicated.

A trade name — often called a DBA (“doing business as”) — is the name you use publicly when it differs from your true legal name.

When you need to register

Under C.R.S. § 7-71-101, a person or entity transacting business under a name other than its true name must file a Statement of Trade Name with the Colorado Secretary of State. For example, if “Jane Smith” runs a shop called “Front Range Books,” that storefront name is a trade name.

How to file

You file the Statement of Trade Name with the Colorado Secretary of State. Filings are done online through the Secretary of State — online filings are processed in real time and cost less than paper.

No newspaper publication in Colorado

Unlike some states, Colorado has no newspaper-publication requirement for a trade name. It’s just a Secretary of State filing — no notice needs to run in a local paper.

Fees

A filing fee applies. Amounts change, so confirm the current fee on the Colorado Secretary of State site (coloradosos.gov) before you file.

Next steps

Setting up a new business under this name? See choosing a business entity or how to form an LLC. For help, connect with a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

What is a trade name (DBA) in Colorado?

It's the name you use to do business when it's different from your true name. A person or entity transacting business under a name other than its true name must file a Statement of Trade Name with the Colorado Secretary of State (C.R.S. § 7-71-101).

Do I have to publish my Colorado DBA in a newspaper?

No. Unlike some states, Colorado has no newspaper-publication requirement for a trade name — it's just a Secretary of State filing (C.R.S. § 7-71-101).

Where do I file a Colorado trade name?

You file the Statement of Trade Name with the Colorado Secretary of State. Filings are done online through the Secretary of State, and fees apply — confirm the current fee on coloradosos.gov.

Related guides

Business Disputes in Colorado When a contract is breached in Colorado, remedies include money damages and, where damages are inadequate, specific performance. Deadlines matter: most contract actions must be brought within 3 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-101), but actions to collect a liquidated or determinable debt have 6 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5). Where there's doubt, Colorado courts favor the longer period. Confirm current deadlines before relying on them.

Choosing a Business Entity in Colorado Colorado business owners choose among sole proprietorships and general partnerships (no formation filing), LLCs (Colorado Limited Liability Company Act, C.R.S. § 7-80-101 et seq.), and corporations (Colorado Business Corporation Act, C.R.S. Title 7, Articles 101–117). LLCs and corporations are formed by filing with the Secretary of State and generally shield owners' personal assets. LLCs and partnerships are usually pass-through for tax; corporations are taxed at the entity level unless they make a federal S-corp election.

Contract Basics in Colorado A contract needs offer, acceptance, and consideration. Colorado's statute of frauds (C.R.S. § 38-10-112) requires a signed writing for certain agreements — including those not to be performed within one year, a promise to answer for another's debt, and agreements in consideration of marriage. A contract for the sale of land or an interest in land must be in writing under a separate section (C.R.S. § 38-10-108).

How to Form a Corporation in Colorado To form a Colorado corporation you file Articles of Incorporation under the Colorado Business Corporation Act (C.R.S. § 7-102-102), stating the corporate name, authorized shares, registered agent, principal office, and incorporators. The corporation must maintain a registered agent (C.R.S. § 7-90-701) and file the periodic report (C.R.S. § 7-90-501). An 'S corporation' is a federal tax election with the IRS, not a separate Colorado entity. Fees apply; confirm current amounts on coloradosos.gov.

How to Form an LLC in Colorado To form a Colorado LLC you file Articles of Organization with the Colorado Secretary of State under C.R.S. § 7-80-204, stating the LLC name, principal office, registered agent, and management structure. The LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent (C.R.S. § 7-90-701) and file a periodic report (C.R.S. § 7-90-501) — first due by the last day of the second month after the first anniversary, then annually. Filing and periodic-report fees apply; confirm current fees on coloradosos.gov.

Trade Name (DBA) Registration in Colorado