How to Register a DBA

If you want to start a business using a name other than your own, you may be required to file the fictitious business name you choose with your county, city or state. That filing is known as registering a DBA or registering a "doing business as" name.

Instructions

1. Establish your business structure before handling your DBA. Sole proprietorships and partnerships have the option of choosing a fictitious business name, which typically must be registered. Corporations don't have to register DBAs in many states unless they do business under a name other than the one cited on their incorporation documents.

2. Find out what your state requires regarding registering a DBA, because registration rules vary among states. Many states just require that a registration fee be paid at the county clerk's office. However, some states require that a fictitious name notice be placed in a local newspaper as part of DBA registration.

3. Prevent unnecessary work on your part by finding out how a local newspaper handles DBAs. If you're required to place a fictitious name notice in a newspaper, find out if the newspaper that prints your notice also files the necessary paperwork with your county as most newspapers do. If so, check with the county as well to make sure the registration was handled properly.

4. Consider that some companies will register your DBA for you with the necessary government agencies and publish it if required. If you choose this route, check the company's credentials first, and consider whether paying the associated costs is worth it. Any company handling your DBA registration should send you the approval and publication certificate for your records.

Tips & Warnings

• Some banks may request a DBA certificate as proof of a fictitious name registration before they will open business accounts.