As a sole proprietor, your legal business name is your personal name. A DBA allows you to create a separate brand identity while keeping the simplicity of sole proprietorship intact.
Present a more professional image to customers
Open a business bank account under your business name
Market your services using a custom brand name
Meet banking and legal requirements for doing business
If you already operate a Corporation or LLC, you may want to run additional business lines,
services, or brands without creating separate entities. That’s where a DBA for an LLC or
Corporation comes in.
DBA registrations are not permanent—they require renewal. The timeline and process vary by state, but failure to renew your DBA can result in penalties, loss of name rights, and legal complications.
You are required to file a DBA renewal if:
Your existing FBN Statement is approaching its five-year expiration
You intend to continue operating under the same business name without any changes to ownership or business details.
If there have been changes to the business name, ownership, or other pertinent details, you must file a new FBN Statement instead of a renewal.
In states like California, newly filed DBAs must be published in an approved, adjudicated newspaper for 30 consecutive days to complete the registration process. This requirement promotes transparency and helps safeguard the public against potential fraud.
Identify and coordinate with an authorized newspaper
Ensure the notice is printed for the required duration
Provide proof of publication (affidavit) to complete your filing
Submit final documents to local authorities
Trust & Credibility
DBA stands for "Doing Business As." It’s the process of registering a business name that differs from your legal business name, allowing you to operate under a more recognizable or descriptive name.
Registering a DBA allows you to conduct business under a name other than your official legal entity name. It helps with branding, marketing, and creating a professional identity for your business.
If you're a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation looking to operate under a name different from your legal business name, you need to file for a DBA.
Choose a name that reflects your business and is easy to remember. Make sure it is not already in use or too similar to an existing registered name to avoid trademark issues.
The DBA registration process typically involves submitting an application to your county clerk’s office or state business registration office. The process may vary by location, and we'll guide you through every step.
BizStartup.com is not a law firm or accounting firm and does not offer legal, tax, investment, or accounting advice. If you require legal, accounting, investment, or tax advice, please seek the services of an appropriate professional such as an attorney, accountant, and or financial advisor.
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