How to Secure a DBA
Once you've made the decision to start a business, you need to register in the county and state that you want to operate your business. If you want to operate under a name other than your legal name, you need to file a DBA statement. DBA stands for "doing business as" and it allows you to legally do business under a fictitious name, which is an assumed name. Once you register a DBA, you can open up a business checking account under that name. You can also get a phone listing for your business name. Setting up a DBA is a simple process.
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Instructions
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Find out whether the name that you wish to use has been taken. Visit the county clerk's office in your area or use their online search tool. Take the time to carefully research each name that you're considering using. This can really save you time and a lot of hassles. Once you have determined that your chosen name is available, you can register your business under that fictitious name.
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Obtain the proper forms to obtain your DBA. Fill out the forms, either online or in person. Provide your legal full name, the business name you have chosen and the address at which you will be conducting your business and pay the appropriate fees. Your local county clerk's office will be able to tell you what the fees are.
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Publish your fictitious business name in a local paper for the length of time required by your state. In some states, you are required to publish a notice in a local newspaper. Your county clerk's office or Secretary of State may have specific newspapers that they require you to place your notice in, so get this information from them. Check with your local county clerk's office to know how long you have to publish your fictitious name in the local newspaper.
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Take proof of the newspaper publication to your local county clerk's office. Some newspaper companies will send a certificate of publication to the county clerk's office for you.
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