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Sole proprietors
Operate and bank under a business name without forming an entity yet.
One clear package. Prepared and filed by our Law Firm.
Fictitious, Assumed, Alternate or DBA Name
$98.99
Proposed and filed by our Law Firm
State or county filing fees and publication costs (where required) are separate.
No hidden fees for our legal work. Filing and publication costs vary by state.
What's included
- Name availability and compliance review
- Fictitious name paperwork prepared for you
- Filing with the correct state or county office
- Publication arranged where a state requires it
- Proof of registration for your bank
- Guidance on renewals and ongoing use
What is a DBA?
Operate under the brand people already recognize
A DBA (Doing Business As), also called a fictitious name, trade name, or assumed name, lets you use a public-facing name that differs from your legal entity or personal name.
Banks, landlords, and payment processors often ask for proof of registration before you can open accounts or sign contracts under that name.
Why businesses register a DBA
- Use a customer-facing brand while keeping your legal entity name
- Open bank accounts and process payments under the trade name
- Meet state and county registration rules before you advertise
Clarity
What a DBA is, and what it is not
A DBA is a registration to use another name. It does not create a new company or replace liability protection from an LLC or corporation.
A DBA is
- Permission to operate under a fictitious or trade name
- Often required before banking or contracting under that name
- Filed with the correct state or county office where you do business
A DBA is not
- A separate legal entity like an LLC or corporation
- Personal liability protection by itself
- A trademark that blocks others nationwide
If you need limited liability or brand exclusivity, ask us about forming an entity or filing a trademark alongside your DBA.
Compare
DBA vs LLC vs Corporation
DBA | LLC | Corporation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separate legal entity | |||
| Personal asset protection | |||
| Operate under a brand name | |||
| Own tax election options | |||
| Often required for banking under trade name |
Who needs this
Who typically registers a DBA
Sole proprietors, new brands, multi-location operators, and existing entities that want a public-facing name.
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New brands
Launch a customer-facing name while your legal name stays on filings.
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Multi-location operators
Use store or market names that differ from the parent company name.
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Existing LLCs & corporations
Add a trade name for a product line, DBA brand, or local market.
State rules
Publication, office, and renewal vary by state
We confirm where to file and what extras your state requires so nothing is missed.
State or county office
Some states file at the state level; others use county clerks. We file in the right place.
Publication when required
Where newspaper notice is mandatory, we arrange publication and keep proof with your file.
Renewals & ongoing use
We explain renewal timing so your DBA stays current after the first registration.
FAQ
DBA filing: frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Talk to our team!
A DBA (Doing Business As) lets you operate under a name different from your legal personal or entity name. It is also called a fictitious name, trade name, or assumed name depending on the state.
No. A DBA registers a name for use; it does not create an LLC or corporation or provide personal liability protection by itself.
Often yes, if you want to use a brand or store name that differs from the exact legal name on your articles. Banks and payment processors may require proof of the DBA.
It depends on the state. Some file with a state agency; others with a county clerk. We determine the correct office for your situation.
Our legal package covers preparation and filing coordination. State or county filing fees and any required publication costs are separate and vary by location.
Timing depends on the state or county office and whether publication is required. After checkout, our team collects your details and files as quickly as the jurisdiction allows.
Ready To Talk To A Real Attorney?
Our legal team is available Monday through Friday. Call us or book a free video consultation.