Trades and businesses register names with their state governments to establish entities separate from individuals, usually for legal reason. Although registering a trade name is not legally required in the state of Arizona, you might consider doing so as a form of traditional business practice.

Check Name Availability

Before you register a trade name in Arizona, check out the availability of the name you want to use. If you plan to register a trade name for a construction company, contact the Registrar of Contractors office at (602) 542-1525. For a mortgage company, call the Department of Banking at (602) 255-4421. Trade names for any other type of corporation or limited liability company can be checked with the Arizona Corporation Commission at its website: www.cc.state.az.us/ The state of Arizona offers many resources for anyone looking to register a trade name. The Arizona Department of Commerce Small Business Services (SBS) offers data on how to start a business, which includes information on registering company trade names.(see reference 2) The Phoenix Public Library also offers guidelines on its website that will give you tips on how to avoid trying to register a trade name that is already being used by another corporation. Another resource you may find helpful in your quest of registering a trade name is the Registered Name Information Search, which is a service provided by the Arizona Secretary of State office that allows you to check the availability of the trade name you want to register. (see reference 1 & 3) If a registered trade name conflicts with your current business name, you may want to contact a trademark lawyer to settle the dispute.

Register Your Trade Name

Once you have determined that the trade name you want to register is available, file the appropriate paperwork and pay the fee. As of December 2009, the filing fee is $10, and the application can be obtained by contacting the Arizona Secretary of State Business Services office or by downloading it online at www.azsos.gov/business_services/Forms/Tradename/apptn.pdf. Mail the application and filing fee (in money order or check form) to: Secretary of State Business Services--Trade Names and Marks 1700 W. Washington, 7th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85007 After your trade name has been registered, it will become public record and accessible through the Arizona Registered Name Information Search.

Source:

Arizona Trade Name Registration Guidelines

Arizona Department of Commerce (SBS)

Arizona Registered Name Information Search

Resource:

Arizona Application for Registration of Trade Name

Phoenix Public Library Trade Name Guidelines

Arizona Corporate Commission Public Access System