Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in Montana

A person transacting business in Montana under an assumed business name must register the name with the Secretary of State on the Secretary of State's form, giving the applicant's name and mailing address, the full assumed business name, and a description of the business. Registration lasts 5 years and may be renewed for another 5-year term; the Secretary of State cancels the registration if no renewal is filed within the 90 days before expiration. A person doing business without an effective assumed business name certificate may not bring a lawsuit in Montana courts under that name.

The name must contain "limited liability company" or "limited company" or the abbreviation "l.l.c.," "l.c.," "llc" or "lc" ("limited" may be abbreviated "ltd." and "company" "co."). It may not contain business name identifiers or other language implying it is a business other than an LLC, and it must be distinguishable on the Secretary of State's records from other registered or reserved entity names, assumed business names, trademarks and service marks. A name may be reserved by filing an application with the Secretary of State; an available name is reserved for a nonrenewable period of 120 days, and the reservation may be transferred without extending the term.