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Doing business as, explained

“Doing business as” is the phrase behind every DBA. Here's what it means in practice, when you need one, and how it fits alongside an LLC or corporation.

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The phrase behind the filing

“Doing business as” simply means operating a business under a name that differs from the owner's legal name or the company's registered name. The registration that makes that official is commonly called a DBA. Different states use different words for the same thing: assumed name, fictitious business name, or trade name.

DBA vs. LLC vs. corporation

These are often confused, but they do different jobs:

  • DBA — a registered name only. Quick and inexpensive, but it provides no liability protection and creates no separate legal entity.
  • LLC — a limited liability company. It's a legal entity that separates your personal assets from the business and offers flexible taxation.
  • Corporation — a more formal entity with shareholders and a board, suited to larger businesses or those raising capital.

Many business owners do both: they form an LLC or corporation for protection, then file a DBA to run a specific brand under it. Our blog breaks this down in Choosing the Right Business Formation.

When is a DBA required?

In most states, if you do business under any name other than your own legal name (as a sole proprietor) or your entity's exact registered name (as an LLC or corporation), you're required to register a DBA. A few states — Kansas, New Mexico, and South Carolina — don't register them at the state level at all.

Publication requirements

Some states, including California and Florida, require you to publish your new DBA in a local newspaper for a set period after (or before) filing. DBAform flags this for you and guides you through it so your registration isn't rejected.

Register your DBA

Find your state's exact rules in the 50-state registry, or let us handle the whole thing for $99.

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