How to Set Up a DBA
Your business name is your identity or brand. The name you choose is as important as the business you serve. If your brand is not your personal name, like Donald Trump, then you will have to do DBA (Doing Business As).
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Research the name you want to do business as. If the name is so similar to an existing name that customers would get confused, you cannot register it. Check phone books, official records and, most importantly, the secretary of state website for the state you want to DBA in. It will not register your name if it is the same as another on file.
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2
Get the required form from your county office
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3
Fill out the form completely. If you change your mind about the business name, you do have to fill out another form.
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4
Pay fee (if applicable). This is usually just a small fee if you don't have the form.
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5
Run the required notice, if any, in newspaper. In California, the notice has to be run within 40 days of filing. It is valid for five years. It has to be published four consecutive weeks with at least five days between notices, not counting the day of publication.
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6
If your name is unique, trademark it: If the company will be local, you would just file with the state for a small fee. Getting a national trademark will cost at minimum $248.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Unless the business is your full name, John Doe Interior Designs, you will need a DBA
Must be renewed, generally every 5 to 10 years
Corporations are required to file for a DBA if they operate aside from their business name. Example, Food Corp DBA Midnight Pizza
Cannot use Corp, LLC or any other legal entity in name unless you are registered as such.
Prepare for solicitations from salespeople when your ad appears in the paper.
