A "Doing Business As" (DBA) name, also known as a fictitious business name or trade name, allows you to operate your business under a name different from your legal name. For sole proprietors and general partnerships, this means using a company name instead of your personal name. For LLCs and corporations, it allows you to operate multiple distinct businesses under one legal entity, or simply use a more marketable name than the one registered with the state. Understanding DBAs is crucial for compliance and branding. Registering a DBA is a state-level requirement, and the process varies significantly depending on where your business is located. While some states require a DBA for any business operating under a name other than its legal name, others have specific rules for different business structures. Failure to register a DBA when required can lead to legal penalties, inability to open a business bank account, and even prevent you from enforcing contracts under that trade name. Lovie simplifies this process, helping you navigate the requirements for your specific state and business structure.
Start your formation with Lovie — $29/month, everything included.