DBA questions, answered

A DBA — “doing business as,” also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name — lets you operate under a name that's different from your legal name or your LLC/corporation's registered name. It's what you need to open a bank account, sign contracts, and market under your brand. Read the full definition →

In most states, if you do business under any name other than your own legal name (sole proprietors) or your entity's exact registered name (LLCs/corporations), 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.

It depends on your state and business type. Some file with the Secretary of State, others at the county clerk or town clerk. Use our 50-state registry — each state page shows the exact office and links to the official filing page.

Yes. Our instant name-search tool runs a preliminary screen so you don't waste a filing fee on a name that's obviously taken. The authoritative check always happens on your state or county's registry, which we link you to from every state page.

Our guides and name search are free. You can file it yourself and pay only your state's filing fee (about $5–$100, shown on each state page), or file through LegalZoom, our recommended service, which starts around $99 plus the state fee. DBAform may earn a commission if you use our partner links, at no extra cost to you.

If you file yourself, timing is whatever the office takes — from instant online approval to a few weeks by mail. If you file through LegalZoom, they prepare and submit it for you. Some states also require you to publish the name in a local newspaper, which each state page flags.

Many DBAs expire and must be renewed every 1–10 years depending on the state; some never expire. Each state page shows the renewal term so you know when to re-file.

A few states, including California and Florida, require you to publish notice of your new DBA in a local newspaper for a set period. Each state page tells you whether yours requires it.

A DBA registers your name for business and public-notice purposes, but it generally does not give you exclusive, nationwide rights to the name the way a trademark does. If protecting the brand matters, consider a state or federal trademark in addition to your DBA.

No. DBAform is an informational resource, not a law firm. It doesn't provide legal advice or act as your attorney. For done-for-you filing we recommend LegalZoom; for legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.