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A DBA ("doing business as") is a second name for a business. You file it when you trade under a name that is not your own legal name or the exact name of your company. The same thing is called an assumed name, trade name or fictitious name, depending on the state.
The SBA says on its business name page that you might need to register a DBA with the state, county or city where your business is located. It also says registering a DBA does not provide legal protection by itself.
Step 1: Choose the name
Pick a name you can use. If you already have an LLC or corporation, the DBA must be a name other than its exact registered name. Read LLC name rules for the wording a state may block.
Step 2: Search for the name
Search the state register and the county records. A DBA filing usually does not give you the right to a name, so a search matters more than the form. Our DBA search guide explains where to look.
Step 3: Find the right office
States split three ways. These examples come from the offices' own pages, and each leaf is on our state guides.
- State. Florida's Division of Corporations registers fictitious names, with a $50 fee and renewal every 5 years, per its instructions. Pennsylvania's Department of State registers them under the Fictitious Names Act, per its fictitious names page.
- County. In California, a fictitious business name is filed with the county clerk or recorder where the principal place of business is, per the Secretary of State FAQ. Georgia uses the clerk of superior court, per Georgia.gov.
- Both. In Texas, corporations and LLCs file with the Secretary of State, while sole proprietors and general partnerships file with the county clerk, per the Secretary of State FAQ. South Dakota accepts the Secretary of State or the county Register of Deeds.
- Neither of those. Washington registers trade names with the Department of Revenue. Arizona's Corporation Commission says it does not register DBAs, and points to the county recorder.
See Texas DBA and California DBA for two state guides.
Step 4: Complete and file the form
Most forms ask for the assumed name, the legal name of the owner or entity, an address and a signature. Fees differ. Minnesota lists $30 by mail and $50 online or in person, per the Secretary of State. Pennsylvania lists $70. County fees are set by the county, so check the clerk's page.
Step 5: Publish if your state requires it
Some states want a newspaper notice after filing. Minnesota asks for publication in a legal newspaper for two consecutive issues. Georgia asks for notice once a week for two consecutive weeks. California counties require publication once a week for four consecutive weeks, per the Los Angeles County clerk. Pennsylvania requires notice in two newspapers where an individual is a party.
Step 6: Renew and keep records
Check how long your filing lasts and set a reminder. Texas certificates last up to 10 years. Los Angeles County says its statements expire 5 years from filing. If you stop using the name, many states let you file an abandonment or cancellation.
After you file
A DBA is not a tax ID, a license or a company. You may still need an EIN and a business license. If you want liability protection or a separate entity, compare DBA vs LLC and LLC vs sole proprietorship.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
If you want an actual company behind the name, start your LLC.