Registering a DBA

Many state and local governments require companies to register any alternate names under which they conduct business. Governments may refer to this registration as a Doing Business As (DBA) filing, trade name, or fictitious name. Registering a DBA name alerts the public that your business intends to use that name.

Many types of businesses register DBA names:

• Sole proprietors and general partners often operate under a name other than their personal names to help identify their business. For example, John Doe might file the DBA name, "John's Electric Supply."

• Corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) may register alternate names for specific lines of business. For example, Sandy's Food Service, Inc. might register the DBA name, "Sandy's Catering."