A 'Doing Business As' (DBA) name, also known as a fictitious business name or trade name, allows an individual or a business entity to operate under a name different from their legal name. For sole proprietors and general partnerships, this means using a business name other than the owner's personal name. For incorporated entities like LLCs and corporations, a DBA allows them to use a different brand name without forming a new legal entity. This is a crucial step for branding, marketing, and even banking purposes. Understanding the purpose and process of obtaining a DBA is essential for entrepreneurs. It provides a layer of separation between your personal identity and your business operations, especially for sole proprietors. For existing businesses, it offers flexibility in branding and expansion. This guide will walk you through what a DBA is, why you might need one, how to register it across different U.S. states, and how it relates to your overall business structure.
Start your formation with Lovie — $29/month, everything included.