What is a DBA (Doing Business As)?

A DBA (Doing Business As) is a registration that allows your business to operate under a name different from its legal entity name.

If your LLC is registered as "Smith Holdings LLC" but you want to do business as "Fresh Bakery," you file a DBA for "Fresh Bakery." DBAs are also called fictitious business names, trade names, or assumed names depending on the state. Filing a DBA does not create a new legal entity. It simply registers an alternate name for an existing entity or sole proprietorship. DBA requirements vary by state and sometimes by county. Most states require you to file with the county clerk or secretary of state and publish a notice in a local newspaper. A DBA lets you open bank accounts and accept payments under your business name.