DBA Registration
A DBA or “Doing Business As” name allows you to utilize a name for business that varies from your legal business name. DBAs are a separate, optional filing that can be completed alongside or instead of formal business entity registration at the state, county, or city level.
This makes DBA filings a great option for sole proprietors looking to do business using a name other than their individual legal name. It also helps established entities diversify their products and services without sacrificing their trusted branding, creating distinction without the hassle of forming a new entity.
What Is a Doing Business As Name?
A DBA, or “doing business as” name, is any name a company uses to conduct business that is different from its registered legal name. This name may also be referred to as an assumed name, fictitious business name, or trade name. Filing for a DBA usually requires submitting a legal document in the jurisdiction where the business operates.
DBAs enable sole proprietors to operate under a business name without formal business registration. However, a DBA alone does not provide any liability protection. They also allow registered businesses to operate under a name other than their legal business name in a particular jurisdiction. Let’s take a closer look at how DBAs work.
Do I Need a DBA?
Whether you need a DBA depends entirely on how you plan to structure your business. Here are a few examples of situations which might warrant filing a DBA for your business or personal use:
You are a sole proprietor who wants to operate under a different name.
Using a DBA allows a sole proprietor to operate under a name other than their legal individual name, providing a level of privacy. For example, Sam might want to operate as Sammy’s Sweet Treats, rather than her legal name.
By utilizing a DBA, she can choose to advertise and apply for accounts under her trade name and keep her last name off advertisements. Just remember, sole proprietors operating under a DBA are not granted limited liability protection, as they would be with a registered LLC.
You are an established entity who needs distinction from your brand.
If Gary’s Garden Gnomes LLC wants to expand its business identity by branching out into selling bedding and bathrobes, it might file a DBA to operate as Big Bathrobe & Bedding Bazaar.
This allows the business to introduce a new brand identity without paying to start and maintain a separate LLC. It’s important to note that a DBA is not a business structure. It simply allows an existing business entity to operate under a different name. This means that registered corporations and LLCs operating under a DBA are not entirely separate from the actions of the business.
You want to use your domain name as your business name.
You’ve set up a beautiful and dynamic business website for your LLC. Instead of your legal business name, you’ve opted for a short, sweet, and memorable domain name. Soon your e-commerce business is booming, and customers associate your goods and services with your domain name.
It’s important to legally protect your domain name and tie your online activity to your legal business name. Establishing a DBA gives you the flexibility to operate under your domain name while still maintaining your established business structure.
Your established business name isn’t available in your new state.
Expanding your business into a new state involves a process called foreign registration. Companies registering into a new state must use the same legal name registered in their home state. Occasionally, your established business name may already be in use in your new state.
When this happens, your new state may require you to file an assumed name at the time of registration. This allows you to register your business in the new state under a unique name that meets state requirements, while still using your business name from your home state as a DBA.
Do I File a DBA or LLC First?
If you’re operating as a sole proprietor, you aren’t required to formally register an LLC. Since a sole proprietorship is not a legally recognized business entity type, you can register your DBA whenever you’re ready to take that step.
If you plan to officially register your business as an LLC, it’s recommended that you register your business before filing for a DBA. In fact, most states require you to list your legal entity name on your DBA filing form.
How Do I File a DBA?
Decide whether you need to file.
Weigh the options of filing for an assumed name, and decide whether this optional filing meets your business needs. Be sure to chat with a legal professional or business advisor before you file to understand how a DBA may affect your business structure.
Complete the DBA filing form.
Include any required evidence of name use, as well as any signed affidavits or required state notarization. Reach out to your state for form questions or field clarification, since any errors or omissions may result in longer processing times or rejection of your filing.
File in the correct jurisdiction.
Filings can be processed on the state level, but some jurisdictions require DBAs to be filed with the county or city. You may also need to file in every city or county where you do business. Make sure your filing covers every jurisdiction where you use this name.
Maintain your DBA as needed.
Filing jurisdictions require regular maintenance or renewal of your DBA filing. This varies based on where you file. Keep tabs on your renewal deadlines to keep your trade name in good standing, since failure to file may leave your name up for grabs.
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DBA Requirements By State
The process for filing a DBA (Doing Business As) varies depending on your business location. Typically, you’ll need to file online or by mail with the relevant state, county, or city office. Filing fees differ based on your chosen method and the specific requirements of your jurisdiction.
Select a state below for more specific information on how to file:
Alabama Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name (LLC & Corporations), Assumed Name (Sole Proprietors)
Where To File Online: Alabama Secretary of State
Paper Form(s): Application to Register or Renew Trademark, Service Mark or Trade Name
Filing Fee: $30 State Fee (Plus $1.20 fee for filings submitted online.)
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Your application must include 3 specimens showing your Trade Name or Assumed Name is already in use in Alabama. Paper forms must be notarized, and online filings must include electronic certification.
Alaska Requirements
Filing Name: DBA Business Name (LLC & Corporations), Unincorporated Business Name (Sole Proprietors)
Where To File Online: Alaska Department of Commerce
Paper Form(s): NEW Business Name Registration (AS 10.35)
Filing Fee: $25 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must have a business license to submit your business name registration.
Arizona Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Arizona Secretary of State
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: $10 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must list your name on the application, eliminating any anonymity.
Arkansas Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Name
Where To File Online: Arkansas Secretary of State
Paper Form(s): Application for Fictitious Name (DN-18)
Filing Fee: $15 to $25 State Fee, determined by entity type.
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Sole Proprietors must file with the county in which they do business. Domestic corporations must also file with their county, except in Pulaski County.
California Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Business Name
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted online to your county clerk.
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: Varies – Plus separate publication fees.
Renewal Frequency: Varies
Publication Requirement: Must publish in a local paper once weekly, for four consecutive weeks.
Good To Know: The county where you file depends on the primary business address provided on state registration records. Foreign registered businesses must file in Sacramento County.
Colorado Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Colorado Secretary of State
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: $20 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Yearly
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: All filings must be completed online, with distinctions for Sole Proprietors and Registered Businesses (Reporting Entities).
Connecticut Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted to your city of registration.
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: $10 City Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Each city requires a different form, which must also be notarized.
Delaware Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted to your county of registration.
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: $25 County Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Requires wet ink signature and US based notarization. Filings are public, eliminating any anonymity.
District of Columbia Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: District of Columbia Government Corporations Division Corp Online
Paper Form(s): Trade Name Registration Form (TN-1)
Filing Fee: $55 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 2 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Florida Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Name
Where To File Online: Florida Department of State Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org)
Paper Form(s): Application For Registration of Fictitious Name
Filing Fee: $50 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: Each Fictitious Name must be advertised at least once in an applicable newspaper.
Good To Know: Publications must be submitted in the county of the principal place of business.
Georgia Requirements
Filing Name: DBA (Doing Business As)
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted online to your county Clerk of the Superior Court.
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: Varies
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: Must publish in a local paper once weekly, for 2 consecutive weeks.
Good To Know: The county where you file depends on the primary business address provided on state registration records. Processing times vary by county.
Hawaii Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Hawaii Business Registration Division, Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
Paper Form(s): Application For Registration Of Trade Name (T-1)
Filing Fee: $50 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: Non
Idaho Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Business Name
Where To File Online: Idaho Secretary of State SOSBiz Portal
Paper Form(s): Certificate Of Assumed Business Name
Filing Fee: $25
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Illinois Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Name
Where To File Online: Illinois Secretary of State LLC Assumed Name Adoption, or Corporation Assumed Name Adoption.
Paper Form(s): Form LLC-1.20 for LLCs, Form BCA-4.15/4.20 for Corporations, and Form LP 108.5 for Limited Partnerships (LPs).
Filing Fee: $30 to $150
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years, Starting in years ending in 5 or 0.
Publication Requirement: County level filings must advertise once a week for 3 weeks.
Good To Know: Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships must file on the county level
Indiana Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Business Name
Where To File Online: Indiana Secretary of State
Paper Form(s): Certificate of Assumed Business Name (30353)
Filing Fee: $21 if filed online, $30 if filed manually.
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Sole Proprietors cannot register an assumed business name with the state, and must file with the county recorder in each county where they do business
Iowa Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Name
Where To File Online: Iowa Secretary of State
Paper Form(s): Fictitious Name Resolution
Filing Fee: $5 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Sole Proprietors cannot register an assumed business name with the state, and must file with the county recorder in each county where they do business.
Kansas Requirements
Kansas does not allow for the formal registration of DBAs.
Kentucky Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Name
Where To File Online: Kentucky Secretary of State
Paper Form(s): Certificate of Assumed Name
Filing Fee: $20 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Sole Proprietors cannot register an assumed business name with the state, and must file with the county recorder in each county where they do business.
Louisiana Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted to your registering parish.
Paper Form(s): Application To Register Trade Name, Trademark Or Service Mark
Filing Fee: Varies
Renewal Frequency: Varies
Publication Requirement: Varies
Good To Know: Every parish has different requirements and details for filing. Sole proprietors are exempt from state DBA requirements.
Maine Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted to your registering parish.
Paper Form(s): Application To Register Trade Name, Trademark Or Service Mark
Filing Fee: Varies
Renewal Frequency: Varies
Publication Requirement: Varies
Good To Know: Every parish has different requirements and details for filing. Sole proprietors are exempt from state DBA requirements.
Maryland Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation
Paper Form(s): Trade Name Application
Filing Fee: $25 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 years
Publication Requirement: None
Massachusetts Requirements
Filing Name: Massachusetts Business Certificate
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted online to the city clerk if applicable.
Paper Form(s): Varies
Filing Fee: Varies
Renewal Frequency: Every 4 Years
Publication Requirement: None.
Good To Know: The city where you file depends on the primary business address provided on state registration records. Some cities require in-person registration. Additionally, some registrations are actually a city-level business license.
Minnesota Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Name
Where To File Online: Minnesota Secretary of State Business Filings Search
Paper Form(s): Certificate of Assumed Name
Filing Fee: $30 State Fee ($50 Online State Fee)
Renewal Frequency: Yearly
Publication Requirement: Must publish in a local county paper for two consecutive issues.
Good To Know: Any changes to the DBA registration require another two issue publication.
Mississippi Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Business Name
Where To File Online: Mississippi Secretary of State Business Service Filings
Paper Form(s): None
Filing Fee: $25 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Mississippi only allows this to filing to be submitted online.
Missouri Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Name
Where To File Online: Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division
Paper Form(s): Registration of Fictitious Name
Filing Fee: $7 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Montana Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Name
Where To File Online: Montana Secretary of State Online Filing Portal Login
Paper Form(s): None
Filing Fee: $20 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must list the owner’s name on the application, eliminating any anonymity.
Nebraska Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Nebraska Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Paper Form(s): Application for Registration of Trade Name
Filing Fee: $100 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 10 Years
Publication Requirement: Must publish in a local paper within 45 days and submit proof to the Secretary of State.
Good To Know: Failure to submit proof of publication will result in cancellation of your DBA registration.
Nevada Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Firm Name
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office in the county where the business will be located.
Paper Form(s): None
Filing Fee: Varies
Renewal Frequency: Varies
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Filings are completed locally on the county/city level, with various requirements like notarization.
New Hampshire Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: New Hampshire Secretary of State Quickstart Filing Portal
Paper Form(s): Application for Registration of Trade Name (TN-1)
Filing Fee: $50 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
New Jersey Requirements
Filing Name: Alternate Name
Where To File Online: NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Business Charter Amendment Service
Paper Form(s): Registration of Alternate Name (Form C-150G)
Filing Fee: $50 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
New Mexico Requirements
Filing Name: DBA
Where To File Online: New Mexico Secretary of State Business Filings Search
Paper Form(s): None
Filing Fee: None
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: New Mexico does not have a formal DBA registration process, so you can add DBA names when you register a business entity. These become an extension of your company’s legal business name, and can be added or removed with amendments.
New York Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Name
Where To File Online: N/A
Paper Form(s): Certificate of Assumed Name (DOS-1338-f)
Filing Fee: $25 State Fee (Corporations only must pay an additional $25 if they are outside NYC, or $100 if they are in NYC.)
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Sole proprietors, general partnerships, and LLPs must file on the county level.
North Carolina Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Business Name
Where To File Online: Filings can be submitted to your registering county.
Paper Form(s): Varies
Filing Fee: Varies
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must file in your home county, but can list multiple other counties on the application if you plan to do business there under the assumed name.
North Dakota Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: North Dakota Secretary of State FirstStop Portal
Paper Form(s): Trade Name Registration or Franchise Name Disclosure
Filing Fee: $25 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: This form also allows for Franchise Registration on the state level.
Ohio Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name or Fictitious Name
Where To File Online: Ohio Secretary of State Business Filings Portal
Paper Form(s): Name Registration (Form 534A)
Filing Fee: $39 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Oklahoma Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Oklahoma Secretary of State Entity Filing Portal
Paper Form(s): Trade Name Report
Filing Fee: $25 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must list a specific business purpose on your trade name application.
Oregon Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Business Name
Where To File Online: Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry
Paper Form(s): Assumed Business Name – New Registration
Filing Fee: $50 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 2 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must list a specific business purpose on your assumed name application.
Pennsylvania Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Name
Where To File Online: Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
Paper Form(s): Application for Registration of Fictitious Name
Filing Fee: $70 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: Must publish in two county newspapers after the application is submitted.
Good To Know: Publication requirement only applies to sole proprietors.
Rhode Island Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Business Name
Where To File Online: Rhode Island Department of State Business Services Portal
Paper Form(s): Fictitious Business Name Statement Form 624B – Limited Liability Company or Form 624A – Business Corporation
Filing Fee: $50 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Sole proprietors must file on the city or town level.
South Carolina Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Name
Where To File Online: South Carolina Secretary of State Business Entities Online Portal
Paper Form(s): Assumed Name Certificate
Filing Fee: $10 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: This state-level filing is only required for Limited Partnerships. In most cases, a DBA can be recorded on the county or city where an LLC, Corporation, or Non Profit operates.
South Dakota Requirements
Filing Name: DBA
Where To File Online: Doing Business As (DBA) – Business Name Services
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: $10 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: South Dakota allows online filing only.
Tennessee Requirements
Filing Name: DBA
Where To File Online: Doing Business As (DBA) – Business Name Services
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: $10 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: South Dakota allows online filing only.
Texas Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Name
Where To File Online: Texas Secretary of State SOSDirect
Paper Form(s): Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503)
Filing Fee: $25 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 10 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Must list counties where DBA will be used. Sole proprietors and general partnerships must file on the county level.
Utah Requirements
Filing Name: Doing Business As (DBA)
Where To File Online: Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Paper Form(s): Business Name Registration/ DBA Application
Filing Fee: $22 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 3 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must list a specific business purpose on your DBA application.
Vermont Requirements
Filing Name: Assumed Name
Where To File Online: Vermont Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Paper Form(s): Available upon request
Filing Fee: $50 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 5 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Virginia Requirements
Filing Name: Fictitious Name
Where To File Online: Virginia State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Information System (CIS)
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: $10 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Filings are completed on the county level. LLCs, LPs, and Corporations must file with the state.
Washington Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Department of Revenue – Washington State Business Licensing Wizard
Paper Form(s): Business License Application
Filing Fee: $10 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must already have a business license registered in order to have a Trade Name endorsement added to the license. Initial business license applications have a state fee of $50.
West Virginia Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: Department of Revenue – Washington State Business Licensing Wizard
Paper Form(s): Business License Application
Filing Fee: $10 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: None
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: You must already have a business license registered in order to have a Trade Name endorsement added to the license. Initial business license applications have a state fee of $50.
Wisconsin Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Filing Portal
Paper Form(s): N/A
Filing Fee: $15 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 10 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Sole proprietors and general partnerships must file on the county level.
Wyoming Requirements
Filing Name: Trade Name
Where To File Online: N/A
Paper Form(s): Application for Registration of Trade Name
Filing Fee: $100 State Fee
Renewal Frequency: Every 10 Years
Publication Requirement: None
Good To Know: Your Trade Name must be in use prior to registration, and your filing must be notarized.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required for a DBA?
You must submit a completed DBA filing form, along with any jurisdiction specific requirements. This could include proof of prior use of the trade name, a signed affidavit of publication, or a notarized statement of intent to use the name.
How do you file taxes as a DBA?
DBA’s are not a legally recognized business entity type. Sole proprietors would report any profits and losses on their individual tax returns (Schedule C). Since DBAs are not separately legal entities, established LLC’s or corporations would default to their respective standard tax elections.
How many DBAs can an LLC have?
There is generally no federal limit to how many DBAs an LLC can have. This also extends to other registered entity types, and may vary by jurisdiction.
Do I need to trademark my DBA name?
Trademarking your DBA is not required in most States. While a DBA can protect your name and brand in your jurisdiction, a registered trademark protects your name or logo across the US. However, this is an optional and separate filing which can be completed at any time.
Does a DBA need a registered agent?
DBAs filed by legal business entities like LLCs and corporations are required to list a registered agent for the registered entity. Filings submitted by sole proprietors won’t require a registered agent to be listed.
How much does it cost to register a DBA?
The cost of DBA registration will vary based on where you file. Additional charges may apply based on the selected filing method, as well as check or electronic filing processing fees. Want us to file for you? Registered Agents Inc will file your DBA on your behalf for just the state or county filing fee, plus $125.