
You can make the process easier by going online to register a business name. In many locations, you must public your new name in the newspaper so consumers are aware. Where you need to file your DBA depends on where your business operates.

To prevent any delays, file the proper documents as soon as you decide on a name. These restrictions are in place to prevent companies from presenting themselves as something they aren’t or from performing other unscrupulous business transactions.Īlthough some cases allow you to use your DBA name for up to 60 days before the paperwork is official, most situations require you to fill out and process the paperwork before you begin operating under a non-legal name. When naming your business, you cannot use words such as “incorporated” or abbreviations such as “LLC” unless you do the paperwork to legalize your company as such.

Now that you’ve answered “ what is a DBA name,” you must understand the restrictions surrounding naming your company to avoid a prohibited DBA name. This allows the department to have a separate name and bank account among other benefits. Most corporations, LLCs and non-profit organizations also file for at least one DBA to operate.Ī DBA is also required if one of your incorporated or limited liability company’s departments files a limited liability company tax form and decides to operate separately from the rest of your business. DBAs are common for sole proprietors or partnerships that do not want to use the owners’ legal names to do business. DBA is an acronym that stands for “doing business as.” You may be wondering “ do I need a DBA ?” If you intend to do business using a name other than your legal business name, you need a DBA.
