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Doing Business As (DBA)

Most US states require you to file a DBA if you are doing business under a name different than your legal name. Contact us now and we’ll begin the document process for you—or you can read more information below.

Doing Business As or Fictitious Business Name
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 convenient guidance to answer your questions.

DBA stands for “doing business as” and is an official registration of your business name. For example, if you were a corporation named ABC, Inc., and you conducted business under the name Imperial Enterprise, you would register your business name as “ABC, Inc., doing business as Imperial Enterprise.”

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

Note that 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.

Note that many US banks ask for a certified copy of your DBA before opening a business banking account.

Restrictions
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 our site.