What is a DBA, and how to get one?

PS. It’s easy

Starting a business and thinking about using a different name than your legal one? That’s where a DBA, or “Doing Business As,” comes into play. A DBA lets business owners run their company under a name that’s different from their official one, making it easier to build a brand or launch new products.

Having a DBA keeps things simple, makes your business more recognizable, and helps you open business bank accounts without hassle. In this guide, you’ll see exactly what a DBA is, why it matters, and how to get yours set up the right way.

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DBA vs Business Structures

Assuming you already have an LLC… instead of using your personal name or the official name on your LLC or corporation paperwork, a DBA lets you show customers a fresh, brand-friendly face. It’s a shortcut to giving your business personality and flexibility, especially if you’re testing out a new product line or want to stand apart from competitors without all the paperwork of forming a new company.

A legal business structure is how you organize your actual company—it could be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. These structures:

• ProtectYour Liability: LLCs and corporations help protect your personal assets if your business gets sued.
• Affect How You Pay Taxes: Each structure comes with its own tax rules.
• Define Ownership and Management: Corporations and LLCs have more rules about how they’re managed and owned.

A DBA doesn’t change your legal structure. Instead, it’s just a name—like giving your store a sign out front. You’re still the same business under the law, but you get a new name you can put on signs, ads, and business cards. For example: if your official business is “Jane Doe Consulting, LLC,” you can open a coffee shop under “Bean & Brew” as your DBA. Customers see the fun name, but legally, Jane Doe Consulting, LLC is running the show.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Registering a DBA is not just smart—it’s often required. If your business name is any different from your legal name or that of your LLC or corporation, most states expect you to file for a DBA. Without it, you might face penalties or miss out on key business support.

A DBA helps keep you compliant by:

• Meeting state, county, or local rules for name usage.
• Preventing others in your state from using the same business name.
• Protecting your business from fines or challenges related to unregistered operating names.

Marketing and Branding Uses

A DBA can give your brand the boost it needs. Instead of being tied to a generic or hard-to-remember name, you create something that sticks with customers. It allows creative freedom for everything from your storefront to your website.

Here’s where a DBA can take your marketing up a notch:

• Run Multiple Brands: One business, many faces. A single LLC or corporation can operate several DBAs for different products or markets.
• Test the Market: Try new business ideas or product lines without forming a new business.
• Appear Professional: Customers are more likely to trust a business with a custom name. It shows you’re serious.
• Stand Out: A distinct DBA name helps your business pop in search results and ads.

Banking and Operational Reasons

Most banks need proof of your business name before you can set up a business bank account. If you plan to accept checks or payments under your DBA, the bank will ask for your registration paperwork.

Here’s how a DBA can simplify your business finances and daily tasks:

• Open Bank Accounts: Present your DBA paperwork to open accounts in your business’s chosen name.
• Take Payments: Easily cash checks or accept credit card payments under your DBA for smoother bookkeeping.
• Work with Vendors: Having a DBA helps avoid confusion with suppliers and partners when they invoice or sign contracts.
• Keep Personal and Business Funds Separate: Proper business accounts and payment processing stop money from mixing with your personal funds, which helps tax time go smoothly.

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Step-by-Step: How to Get a DBA

Registering a DBA is often simple, but the exact steps can differ based on your state and county. It might sound bureaucratic, but here’s how to get your DBA from start to finish.

LegalZoom and ZenBusiness are solid choices if you want to register your DBA online in just a few steps.

Research DBA Name Availability

Start by picking a name that matches your business style and stands apart from others in your market. Be sure to check your state or local government website for a searchable database of registered business names. Your name must be unique and meet your region’s rules. Watch for words that your state restricts (like “bank” or “insurance”), and avoid anything too close to a competitor’s name.

Here’s a quick way to check if your chosen DBA is available:

• Check with ZenBusiness or LegalZoom – or find your state or county clerk’s website and use their business name search tool.
• Double-check that there aren’t any similar names or trademarks.
• Review state rules about word usage or banned terms.
• Search online to make sure the domain and social profiles are also available if you want consistent branding.

If your name is open for use, you’re ready for the next step.

Filing the DBA Application

ZenBusiness and LegalZoom comes very handy for this step, and will do the filing for you.

Once you know your preferred name is available, fill out the DBA registration form. This can often be done online or at your local county clerk’s office. Requirements and fees vary, but most forms will ask for:

• Your legal business name and structure (sole proprietor, LLC, etc.).
• Your business and mailing address.
• Your new DBA name.
• Names of business owners or members.

Most locations charge a small filing fee, usually between $10 and $100. After submitting, you’ll get a certificate or notice showing that your DBA is official. Keep this paperwork. You’ll need it for banking, tax reporting, and other business tasks.

Renewing and Maintaining Your DBA

A DBA is not a one-and-done process. Most states require you to renew your registration every few years (typically every 1-5 years depending on your location). Mark your calendar or set a reminder to stay on track.

Keep your address and contact info updated with the local office. If anything changes about your business, like ownership or business location, let the office know. Missing a renewal or update can mean losing your rights to the name, so stay organized.

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Get it Done

If handling paperwork feels overwhelming, services like LegalZoom and ZenBusiness take the stress out of registration. Both services offer easy online filing, reminders, customer support, and extra tools for small business owners.

Thanks for reading! If you found this guide helpful, share your thoughts or questions below, and feel free to pass it along to others building their dream business.