How to Use a DBA Name

DBA names enable conducting business by a name other than a surname, branching out into a new market, or expanding an already established business without setting up a new business entity.

DBA stands for "Doing Business As" and may also be called a Fictitious Business Name, Assumed Business Name or Trade Name. Registering such names with your state allows you to legally conduct business for profit under a name other than the business's legal name, which by default is the personal name of a sole proprietor; the partners' last names or business name documented in a partnership agreement; or the business name registered with a business's state government for a corporation or limited liability corporation.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm names that fit the mission and identity of your company. Research the database at your county's administration office to ensure that you do not choose the same name as another business in your trade.

2. Apply to register the DBA name you've come up with in accordance with the laws in the state where your business will be operating. For instance, California requires filing a Fictitious Name Statement with the county clerk office where the business operates. The State of Kansas requires no registration at all. Some states require filing at both the state and county level. Processing takes between one and four weeks, and in some states, you must file within a specific date range (usually 30 to 60 days) of beginning to make use of the name. Filing fees vary between $10 and $100. Private companies such as LegalZoom or BizFilings will complete filing on your behalf for an additional fee.

3. Publish an ad in a local newspaper announcing that you are doing business under the DBA name once it has been approved, if your state requires this step. For instance, in California, businesses must run the ad once per week for four consecutive weeks, beginning within 30 days of filing.

4. Obtain a federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS, and fulfill any of your state's license, permits or tax registration requirements for legally operating a business in your industry.

5. If you have previously conducted business under a different name, contact your insurance company to find out whether you must update your policy to remain covered under your business's new name.

6. Optional: Open a credit card and/or business checking account using your DBA name to separate business and personal expenses for efficient bookkeeping. Banks usually require DBA registration before allowing sole proprietorships and general proprietorships to open a business account.

7. Optional: Incorporate your DBA name into your website, letterhead, business cards and advertising and promotional efforts to begin consistently establishing your company's identity.

8. Renew your DBA registration upon expiration, usually every five years.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not need to register a DBA name if your last name is included in the name of your business.

References

• U.S. Small Business Administration: Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name
• My Corporation: Doing Business As (DBA) - Fictitious Business Name
• Law Easy: Why Do Businesses Use "DBA's?" And What Is the Benefit of Using a DBA?
• Affiliate Tips; Starting Your Business; January 2008
• U.S. Small Business Administration: 5 Steps to Registering Your Business

Resources

• U.S. Small Business Administration: Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name
• IRS: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online