How to Change a Business Name in Nebraska 2024: Ultimate Guide

Welcome to our all-in-one guide on renaming your business in Nebraska (also known as The Cornhusker State)! We know that a name change can impact your operations, brand, and customers. We aim to make this transition as smooth as possible, offering expert advice and guidance throughout the process.

Get ready to dive in as we explore the necessary steps for a successful business name change in Nebraska. We’ll cover everything from selecting a new name to updating crucial documents and registrations, ensuring your Nebraska LLC remains compliant and thriving. At LLCBase, we’re here to support you every step of the way in this exciting journey towards a fresh business identity in Nebraska!

Change a Business Name

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

What is a Business Name
- Top Reasons for Changing a Business Name
Change a Business Name: A 4-Step Guide
Considerations When Changing a Business Name
FAQs

What is a Business Name

A business name, or trade name, is the official and unique title under which a company conducts its operations and represents itself to the public. It is essential to a company’s identity in branding, marketing, and communications. A well-chosen business name distinguishes a business from its competitors and conveys its values, mission, and services or products offered to customers.

A business name represents your company’s identity and is crucial for all branding and marketing initiatives. However, entrepreneurs often feel the need to change their business’s name at some point.

Top Reasons for Changing a Business Name

Rebranding: One of the most common reasons for changing a business name is rebranding. As businesses evolve over time, their initial name may no longer reflect the current products, services, or target audience. A new name can help create a refreshed identity and better communicate the business’s direction.
Expansion: Another reason for changing a business name is geographical or market expansion. If your company name was initially tied to a specific location or target market, a change might be necessary to reflect the new areas you’re targeting.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Adopting a new name representing both entities’ strengths may be beneficial if your business merges with or acquires another company.
Legal Issues: Trademark disputes or potential infringement can also lead to a business name change. If you’re facing legal challenges over your company’s name, rebranding might be a wise choice to avoid further issues.
Negative Associations: Suppose your business has faced negative press or unfavorable associations with its current name. In that case, a name change can help distance the company from past issues and signal a fresh start.

Change a Business Name: A 4-Step Guide

Let’s discuss the various steps and procedures involved in changing your business name effectively:

Step 1: Choose Your New Business Name

Selecting a new name is the first step in changing your business name in Nebraska. Many business owners file a DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name before registering their business with the Secretary of State (SOS). They can then change this name when filing their business. To choose a new name and file a DBA, follow the steps below:

Visit the Nebraska Secretary of State to access the Nebraska Secretary of State Corporate & Business Entity Search, where you can search for the desired name and confirm its availability.
Once you have found an available name, proceed with the DBA name filing in Nebraska. The Nebraska DBA filing method can be done through two methods, by mail and in person., which may include There is no online filing available or For filing offline, you must send the downloaded PDF form or drop it off in person at the Charter Division, Department of Assessments and Taxation, 301 W. Preston Street, Room 801, Baltimore, MD 21201 options.
Depending on the chosen filing method, you may need to submit a DBA application form and pay the associated $100. This fee may vary depending on your state and filing method.
After successfully filing your DBA, keep track of the ten years, as you may need to renew your DBA registration periodically, depending on your state’s requirements.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition in changing your business name in Nebraska while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Remember to update all relevant documents, licenses, and registrations with your new business name to avoid confusion and maintain a consistent brand identity.

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Nebraska Requirements to Change a Business Name

Before proceeding with the next step, it is crucial to know the naming guidelines when choosing a new name for your business. These guidelines may vary based on the type of business structure. For example, if you start a Nebraska LLC, the following rules must be observed when changing the name:

The name should be available for use
The name should not be in use by another business
The new name must include “LLC” if it is a limited liability company
The name should not be confused with a government entity
The name should be unique

Read the Nebraska LLC name search article to learn more about LLC naming guidelines if you are forming an LLC.

Step 2: Prepare the Documents

Once you choose a new business name, prepare the necessary documents to file the Nebraska Certificate of Amendment. Gathering all the required information and double-checking for accuracy before the submission is essential. Along with the name change form, submit the following details:

Current business name: Provide the existing name of your business as it appears on your registration documents.
New business name: Clearly state the new name you have chosen for your business, ensuring that it complies with your state’s naming guidelines.
The entity number of the business: Include the unique identification number issued by the Nebraska for your business. This number is often called the Secretary of State File Number or the Business Identification Number.
Board of Directors’ approval statement (for corporations): If your business is a corporation, provide a statement indicating that the Board of Directors has approved the name change. This statement should include the date of the meeting during which the decision was made and the signatures of the authorized representatives.
Information on shares (if applicable): For corporations, provide details on the number of authorized shares, the various classes of shares, and any changes to the share structure resulting from the name change.
Signatures of members (LLC) or Shareholders (Corporation): Obtain and include the signatures of all required parties, such as LLC members or corporate shareholders, to confirm their agreement to the name change.
Nebraska Certificate of Amendment filing fee: Include the appropriate filing fee of $30 in Nebraska. This fee may vary depending on the state and the type of business entity.

Just like the first process of starting a business in Nebraska, ensure that the details in the Certificate of Amendment are consistent with the initial filing documents. Inconsistencies may result in the cancellation of your registration or delays in processing the name change. By carefully preparing and reviewing your amendment documents, you can help ensure a smooth transition to your new business name in Nebraska.

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Step 3: File the Nebraska Certificate of Amendment

After thoroughly preparing and reviewing all the necessary documents, proceed to file the Nebraska Certificate of Amendment for your Nebraska LLC or an Amendment of Articles of Incorporation for corporations. Keep in mind the following steps to ensure a successful filing:

Attach the name reservation form: Remember to include the name reservation form with the Amendment forms. This form typically confirms that you have reserved and have the right to use the new business name.
Choose the appropriate filing method: You can file the Certificate of Amendment online or by mail, depending on your state’s available options. Each method may have specific requirements or fees, so research your state’s guidelines to determine the best option for your business.
Submit the Certificate of Amendment forms and fees: Complete the required amendments, providing accurate information and including all necessary signatures. Include the appropriate Nebraska Certificate of Amendment filing fee of $30, which may vary depending on your state and business entity type.
Keep track of processing times: Depending on your state and filing method, the processing time for your Amendment may vary. Monitor your filing status and be prepared to address any questions or concerns from the state agency.
Obtain a confirmation or updated registration documents: Once your Certificate of Amendment has been processed and approved, you should receive a confirmation or updated registration documents reflecting the new business name. Keep these documents for your records and update any other relevant materials.

By diligently following these steps and adhering to your state’s requirements, you can successfully file the Nebraska Certificate of Amendment and transition to your new business name. Remember to update all related licenses, permits, and registrations to maintain compliance and prevent confusion.

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Step 4: Update the New Business Name

Once you have successfully filed the Nebraska Certificate of Amendment, updating the new business name in various areas is crucial to maintain compliance, prevent confusion, and ensure a seamless transition.

We’ve also compiled a list of the best business attorneys in Nebraska to support you in changing and updating your business name. Please take a moment to explore their services!

But if you decided to update the new business name yourself, consider the following updates that you need to do:

Legal documents: Update the Nebraska statement of information, loan documents, active legal contracts, lease agreements, and any other relevant legal documents with your new business name.
City/local registration: If your city or local authorities require business registration, update your new business name with the appropriate departments, such as the Nebraska Secretary of State, by submitting the necessary forms and fees.
Business Licenses: Contact the relevant departments to update your new name and obtain the necessary Nebraska business licenses and permits for operating in Nebraska.
Bank Accounts: Visit your bank or financial institution to update your business accounts, credit cards, and checks to reflect the new name, ensuring a smooth financial transition.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Amend your business name with the IRS by obtaining your EIN records or filing an updated Form – 13 to maintain compliance and prevent confusion.
Other updates: If you have employees, amend your records with the Nebraska Department of Labor and the employment development authority. Update any additional business permits, insurance policies, and legal documents as needed.
Marketing materials: Update your website, signage, business cards, merchandise, social media profiles, email signatures, and other places where your business name is displayed to maintain a consistent brand identity.

Updating your business name across all relevant areas ensures a smooth transition and minimizes any potential issues arising from the name change. This comprehensive approach will help maintain your business’s credibility and reputation while adapting to the new name in Nebraska.

Considerations When Changing a Business Name

Customer Recognition: When changing your business name, it’s essential to consider its impact on your existing customers’ recognition of your brand. Ideally, the new name should maintain some connection to the old one to retain customer loyalty and familiarity.
Trademarks and Domain Name Availability: Before settling on a new name, ensure it is available for trademark registration and a corresponding domain name is available for your online presence.
Costs and Time Investment: Changing a business name involves various costs, such as legal fees and marketing expenses. The process can be time-consuming, from notifying customers and suppliers to updating documentation and signage.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Impact: Changing your business name can impact your website’s SEO rankings. Building a strong online presence using your new name and updating all online content and backlinks will require extensive work.
Notify Relevant Authorities: When changing your company’s name, ensure you notify the relevant local, state, and federal authorities, update your tax information, and obtain new business licenses and permits.

FAQs

What law governs changing a business name in Nebraska?

The Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 21 govern the change of a business name in Nebraska.

Do I have to notify the Nebraska Secretary of State to change my business name?

Yes, you must file an Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of a Designated Name form with the Nebraska Secretary of State and pay a $30 fee.

Can I change the name of my Nebraska corporation or LLC online?

Yes, you can file the application online through the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website.

What information do I need to include when completing the Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of a Designated Name form?

You need to include your current business name, the new proposed business name, your business entity type, and your contact information such as address and phone number.

How long does it typically take for my application to be processed by the Nebraska Secretary of State?

The confirmation of reservation for your new business name will generally be emailed to you within one business day after being submitted online.

Can I expedite the processing of my business name change application in Nebraska?

No, Nebraska does not offer an expedited service for the filing of the application for a new business name reservation.

What if my proposed new business name is already in use in Nebraska?

You cannot use a business name in Nebraska that is already being used by someone else. Therefore, you need to come up with a different name and submit another application.

Can I make additional changes through the name reservation application?

No, the Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of a Designated Name form only serves one purpose, which is to reserve a name for a business entity.

Will changing my business name in Nebraska affect my existing contracts, licenses, and registrations?

Changing your business name will not affect your existing contracts, but you need to update your licenses, registrations, and tax IDs under the new name.

What preventions can be taken to make certain there aren’t any other businesses with the same name as your preferred new name?

Conduct a name search in the Nebraska online database to make sure that there are no businesses nor entities using the new name. Another option is to hire a third-party search company.

How do I file a Doing Business As (DBA) in Nebraska?

You do not need to file for a DBA in Nebraska, but the business entity must be registered with the state. You may use your original business name or a new name while operating the entity.

Can a foreign corporation filing in Nebraska request a name change?

If you are a foreign corporation filing in Nebraska, you must follow the same name reservation process outlined for domestic corporations to request a name change.

Are there Nebraska-specific requirements for choosing a name for your business?

Yes. see Title 14, Chapter 162 of Nebraska Administrative Code, which defines the minimum and maximum size of a business name, includes swearing prohibitions, lists bogus use restrictions, and more.

How much does it cost to change the name of my business in Nebraska?

The fee for filing an Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of a Designated Name form is $30.

Are there other costs to consider when changing a business name in Nebraska?

You may want or be required to update business cards, stationary, marketing materials, website URL’s, signage and more.

Do I need to update my EIN with the IRS if I change my business name in Nebraska?

No, you do not need to obtain a new employer identification number (EIN) when changing your business name. However, you should notify the IRS of the name change.

Do I need to employ an attorney to change my business name in Nebraska?

Hiring an attorney is not required, but A business owner may to avoid complicated situations and ensure proper application execution.

How long do I have to change the name of my business once it has been reserved?

The reserved business name will be available for 120 days (four months) from the date the online application is submitted to change the business name.

What is the process for changing a partnership name in Nebraska?

The same steps require being followed regardless of whether the partnership is general, limited or limited liability. Fill out the Application for a Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of a Designated Name form.

Am I required to get a new business license if I change my business name in Nebraska?

Yes, if you wish to operate the business under the new name it needs to be registered with the new name and requires a new business license.

When can I begin using the new business name?

You are only able to use it after the file name request and change approval issued.

Can a business name be changed again in the future?

A business name can be changed subsequently, but requires a new reservation.

Should I inform suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies regarding name changes?

It would be the discretion as an effort should be made to prevent any misunderstanding stemming from the name change.

What other entities need to know that my business name has changed in Nebraska?

You could contact other entities such as the IRS, banks, credit card processors, suppliers, customers, post office, marketing firms, utilities, lenders e.t.c.

Can a business’ name change in Nebra impact on intellectual property?

Intellectual property impacted and any intellectual property items, such as trademarks and patents, associated with the old state name normally bought over to the new name.

What happens to the existing LLC in the event that the name gets changed?

Nothing occurs to existing LLC in continuation just that its name changes.

Is a business name change necessary for a sole proprietorship gender reassignment?

Updating name registration to reflect gender modification inside the sole proprietorship is up to discretion.

Can I change the name of my Nebraska non-profit organization?

Nebraska non-profit organizations (NPOs) have to follow the same procedure for shifting the organization’s certified name. Need to complete NGP-304 and pay the $20 filing fee.

How do I revert back to my original business name in Nebraska?

Reverting to the primary business name, the same procedure would require going through in the application for requesting name change namely NGP Form 17 or NGP Form 40.

How do I change the name of my Nebraska-based business?

You can change your business name by filing a form with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office.

What is the form that I need to file to change my business name in Nebraska?

You need to file an Application for Registration of Business Name Change with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office.

Where can I find the Application for Registration of Business Name Change form?

You can find the form on the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website.

Is it required to have a lawyer change my business name in Nebraska?

No, it is not necessary to have a lawyer to change your business name in Nebraska.

Is there a filing fee for changing a business name in Nebraska?

Yes, there is a $10 filing fee for changing a business name in Nebraska.

How long does it take for the application to be processed?

It usually takes up to two weeks for the application to be processed by the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office.

Will I be notified once the name change has been approved?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of registration once the name change has been approved.

Can I file the application for business name change online?

No, you cannot currently file your application for a business name change online in Nebraska.

Can I still operate my business while the name change application is being processed?

Yes, you can still operate your business using either the old or new name while the application is being processed.

Do I need to obtain a new tax ID number if I change my business name in Nebraska?

No, you do not need to obtain a new tax ID number if you change your business name in Nebraska.

Will my old business name still be registered in Nebraska after the name change?

Yes, your old business name will still be registered in Nebraska after the name change.

Do I need to notify my customers of my business name change in Nebraska?

Yes, it is a good idea to notify your customers of your business name change in Nebraska.

Will I need to update my business license after the name change in Nebraska?

Yes, you will need to update your business license after the name change in Nebraska.

Can I use my new business name before the name change is approved in Nebraska?

Yes, you can use your new business name as long as you make it clear that the name is pending approval.

Does a name change affect my business entity type in Nebraska?

No, a name change does not affect your business entity type in Nebraska.

Can I change my business name to a name that has already been registered in Nebraska?

No, you cannot register a business name that is already in use in Nebraska.

Can I change my business name to a name that is similar to another business name in Nebraska?

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office will consider the similarity of the business names during the name registration process.

Can I reserve a new business name while I am waiting for my name change application to be approved in Nebraska?

Yes, you can reserve a new business name by submitting a Name Reservation Request form to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office.

Can I change my business name if I have pending legal actions or judgments against my business in Nebraska?

No, you must resolve any pending legal actions or judgments before changing your business name in Nebraska.

Does changing my business name affect my liability as a business owner in Nebraska?

No, changing your business name does not affect your liability as a business owner in Nebraska.

Can I pay the filing fee for changing my business name in Nebraska by credit card?

Yes, you may pay your filing fee by credit card when filing your name change application with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office.

Is there a deadline for submitting the application to change my business name in Nebraska?

No, there is no deadline for submitting an application to change your business name in Nebraska.

Can the Nebraska Secretary of State deny my application for changing my business name?

Yes, the Secretary of State can deny an application if the desired name does not comply with Nebraska’s business naming regulations.

Can I reserve a new business name before deciding on a name change in Nebraska?

Yes, you can reserve a new business name by submitting a Name Reservation Request form to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office and pay a $15 fee.

If I change my business name in Nebraska, am I required to register any other business changes?

You may need to register other changes, such as changes to your business address or officers.

Can I make changes to my business structure when changing the name of my Nebraska business?

You may be able to make changes to your business structure at the same time as changing your business name.

Should I update my business name with the IRS after changing it in Nebraska?

Yes, you should update your business name with the IRS after changing it in Nebraska.

Can I withdraw my name change application after submitting it in Nebraska?

You may withdraw your name change application prior to approval by notifying the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office in writing.

What happens if I don’t notify the Nebraska Secretary of State about my name change?

You may face legal and financial consequences if you don’t notify the Nebraska Secretary of State about your name change.

Conclusion

Changing your business name in Nebraska is a significant decision that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide and diligently updating your business name across all relevant areas, you can ensure a seamless transition while maintaining compliance with state regulations and preserving your brand’s reputation.

We invite you to visit LLCBase for more helpful resources and guidance on navigating the complexities of running a successful business in Nebraska. Let’s make your business an enduring success story in Nebraska!