Register a DBA
What is a DBA?
DBA means "doing business as" and is a registration of a
business name. A DBA is also known as Ficticious Names,
DBAs, Assumed Names, and Trade Names.
In essence, a DBA is the name of a business other than the
owner's personal or legal name or, in the case of a
corporation owner, a name that is different from the legal
corporate name. If your business is any name other than your
own name or your company's legal name, you must register the
Ficticious name with the appropriate government agency.
Register a DBA
Do I need to Register a DBA?
DBA registration is required if your company’s name is other
than your own name (for sole proprietors) or its legal name
(for corporations and LLCs). Banks require a DBA
registration to open a business bank account.
If I have a corporation – Do I Register a DBA for my
corporation?
You need to Register a dba if your corporation’s name is
different from the name you doing business with. Example:
Your corporation’s name is XYZ CORP, and you are doing
business as “Widgets For You” under the corporation’s name.
Register a DBA
Do I need a DBA in order to open a business bank account?
Most banks require a DBA registration and a certified copy
of the DBA before opening a business bank account.
Here is an
example of a DBA?
If your name were Tom Jackson, and the name of your business
was "Tom’s Painting Shop," you would need to register your
business as " Tom Jackson, doing business as was ‘Tom’s
Painting Shop,’” If you owned a corporation named "XYZ,
Inc.," and you used the business name "Liquors & Wines," you
would need to register your business name as "XYZ, Inc,
doing business as 'Liquors & Wines.'"
Register a DBA
What names can be DBA Names?
Almost any name can be a DBA name. However, your DBA cannot
be a corporate name such as XYZ, Inc. unless you want to
Register a dba with the exact same name: i.e, XYZ, INC.
How soon after I start my business, am I required to Register
a DBA?
In most states, it is recommended to Register your DBA before any
use of the business name. In most states, a DBA Registering is
required within 30-60 days from the start of any business
use and business activity.
Register a DBA
How long does it take to Register / register a DBA?
Most DBA Registerings take 1 day to 10 days with some exceptions.
Does Registering a DBA gives me rights in using the same name?
Normally, you acquire rights to a name you use within a
specific region selling specific products or services.
Register a DBA
