Starting a business under a name that’s not your own? You’ll need a DBA, or “Doing Business As.” This simple filing lets you use a trade name without setting up a whole new legal entity.
To get a DBA, you’ll usually register with your county clerk’s office or state agency. Fill out some paperwork, pay a fee, and sometimes you have to publish a notice in a local newspaper about your new business name.
The rules for filing a DBA change depending on where you live. In Florida, you have to register your fictitious name with the Department of State before you start doing business.
Georgia residents file their DBA with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the business is based. Virginia makes things a bit easier—you can file online through the Clerk’s Information System.
A DBA gives small business owners flexibility to operate under a catchy brand name, without forming a corporation or LLC. This trade name helps customers find you more easily and keeps your personal identity a little more private.
The registration process is usually pretty straightforward. It’s often just a couple of forms and a modest fee to get rolling.
Step-By-Step Guide to Obtaining a DBA or Trade Name
Registering a DBA (Doing Business As) or trade name lets you run your business under a name that’s different from your legal one. You’ll need to know your local requirements, pick a good name, make sure it’s available, and file with the right agency.
Understanding DBA and Trade Name Requirements
DBA requirements really do vary. Most states, counties, and cities have their own rules about when you need to register.
Sole proprietors and partnerships generally need a DBA if they’re using any name besides the owner’s legal name. Corporations and LLCs need a DBA when they want to do business under a name that’s not on their formation documents.
Some places make you renew your DBA every few years—sometimes every 3 to 5 years. The U.S. Small Business Administration lists DBA as one of four ways to register a business name.
Some states ask you to publish a notice in a local newspaper to let the public know about your new name. Fees usually range from $10 to $100, depending on your area.
Check your state’s business registration website for the details—they all have their quirks.
Selecting a Suitable DBA or Trade Name
Pick a name that fits your business and follows local rules. Most places won’t let you use names that mislead customers or step on someone else’s trademark.
Don’t pick a name that suggests you offer services you don’t—like “Medical Group” if you’re not running a medical practice.
Think about these things when choosing a name:
- Memorability: Will people actually remember it?
- Relevance: Does it make sense for what you sell?
- Simplicity: Is it easy to spell and say?
- Uniqueness: Does it stand out in your market?
- Scalability: Will it still work as your business grows?
Your DBA should work online, too. Always check if the domain name’s available before you settle on anything.
Conducting a Name Availability Search
Before you file, make sure your chosen name isn’t already taken. Search your state’s business registry database—usually on the Secretary of State’s website.
Check trademark databases at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to steer clear of infringement headaches. Look for similar names in your industry to avoid confusion.
Browse business directories, phone books, and online listings in your area. Even if a name isn’t registered, someone who’s been using it might have common law rights.
Try searching:
- State and county business registries
- Federal and state trademark databases
- Web domain registries
- Social media platforms
- Business review sites
Keep notes on your search results. It’s good to have proof you checked, just in case.
Registering Your DBA or Trade Name With the Appropriate Agency
File your DBA with the right government office. Usually, that’s the county clerk’s office where your business operates, though some states want you to register at the state level.
Fill out the required forms. They’ll usually ask for:
- Your legal name and business address
- Your chosen DBA name
- Your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.)
- A description of what you do
- Your EIN or SSN, depending on what’s needed
Pay the filing fee. Some places also make you publish a notice in a local newspaper about your new DBA.
Hold onto your registration certificate. You’ll need it for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and just about any official business under your new name.
DBA registrations expire, so don’t forget to renew yours before the deadline. Set a reminder a few months ahead so you don’t lose your registration by accident.
Getting a DBA or Trade Name in Your State
The process to register a DBA really depends on where you live. Each state sets its own rules, fees, and paperwork.
Most of the time, you’ll file with either the secretary of state or a county office. It all comes down to your local regulations.
The filing fee usually falls somewhere between $10 and $100. Not exactly pocket change, but not a fortune either.
Some states want you to publish your new trade name in a local newspaper. That’s meant to let the public know, but it does add a step and a bit of extra cost.
Here’s a state-by-state alphabetical list to help you figure out where to file:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
The DBA application process usually takes somewhere between one and four weeks. Make sure to check if your state wants you to renew your DBA—some expire after a certain amount of time.
