DBA

A DBA, or “Doing Business As” name, is an alternate name that an LLC can use instead of its legal name. It’s also called a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name. For example, “Smith Holdings LLC” might register a DBA as “Smith Plumbing.” Filing a DBA is usually inexpensive and allows businesses to market themselves more effectively. However, a DBA does not create a separate legal entity—liability protection comes from the LLC itself. Many LLCs use DBAs to run multiple brands under one company.