Introduction
Chances are you already know that “DBA” stands for “Doing
Business As.” But many of you still have questions about why
you need a DBA and what the process entails, so we’ve
developed a convenient guide to answer your questions.
Print out this guide and read it at a time that’s convenient.
When you’re ready – let our document experts handle the DBA
filing requirements so that you can stick to business!
DBA stands for “doing business as” and is an official registration
of your business name.
With a DBA you can:
Open a bank account under the name for business and
financial purposes
Market and advertise to increase visibility of your business
Create a professional business identity for your customers and
vendors
Advantages
Note: DBAs are also known as
- Fictitious Names
- Fictitious Business Names
- Assumed Names
- Trade Names

In most states, DBA registration is necessary if your company
conducts any business under a name other than your own name.
“Conducting business” can include marketing, advertising,
letterhead, business cards, etc., in addition to actual business
transactions.
DBAs are not just for sole proprietors. If you are a corporation or
LLC and want to do business under a name different than your
corporate name, you are also required to file for a DBA.
The Basics
If your name were Jane Brown and the name of your business was
Donuts Unlimited, you would register your business as Jane Brown,
doing business as Donuts Unlimited.
If you were a corporation named ABC, Inc., and you conducted
business under the name Express Cabinets, you would register your
business name as ABC, Inc., doing business as Express Cabinets.
Examples

Note: Many banks ask for a
certified copy of your DBA
before opening a business
banking account.
Requirements

Restrictions
A DBA can be almost any name under which you are doing
business.
You cannot, however, make your DBA a corporate name such
as XYZ, Inc. if you do not have a corporate name that is XYZ,
Inc.
In other words, when filing a DBA you cannot add “Inc.” or
“Corp.” to your name to create the impression that your
business is a corporation when, in fact, it is not.

Where to File

DBAs are usually filed at the state level and sometimes at
the county level as well. You should file your DBA in the state
and/or county in which you are conducting business under
the name.
In addition, certain jurisdictions require publication of your
DBA. If you don’t know your jurisdiction’s requirements,
you’ve come to the right place by visiting MyCorporation -
it’s what we do.
Restrictions

Note: Certain jurisdictions
require the publication of
your DBA in a local
newspaper.

Questions:

When should I file a DBA?
In most jurisdictions, it is best to file your DBA prior to beginning
any use of the name. In some cases, a DBA filing is required within
a specific period of time once you begin to use the name (usually
within 30-60 days).
How long does it take to file a DBA?
Depending on the jurisdiction, most DBA filings take 1-4 weeks with
some exceptions.
Is filing a DBA the same thing as filing for a Trademark?
No. Filing a DBA does not grant exclusivity for use of a name. In
many jurisdictions, more than one applicant can file the exact
same DBA.
The only way to legally ensure exclusive rights to the use of a name
is to register a trademark.
I have a corporation – should I file a DBA?
If you have a division or unit that is conducting business under a
name other than your corporation or LLC, then you should probably
file a DBA.
For example, a bank whose true name is “ABC Bank, Inc.”
might market their mortgage services on a web site called
“abcmortgages.com.” In this case they would most likely file a DBA
for “abcmortgages.com” in all jurisdictions in which the name is
used.

Do I need a Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) for a DBA?
Yes, our order form requires that you submit your EIN.
Legally, you are required to identify your business with one of two
numbers: either your Social Security Number or an EIN (Employer
Identification Number or Federal Tax ID Number).
If you are a sole proprietor, your Social Security Number can be
used on all of your government forms and other official
documents, but most small business advisors recommend that
you apply for an EIN and use that number instead.
If you are a corporation, LLC or other state-level entity, you must
obtain an EIN because your business is an entirely separate legal
entity.