{"id":5221,"date":"2022-08-01T13:11:06","date_gmt":"2022-08-01T18:11:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-file-a-dba-by-state.html"},"modified":"2025-05-08T08:42:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T13:42:00","slug":"how-to-file-a-dba-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-file-a-dba-by-state.html","title":{"rendered":"How To File a DBA by State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To File a DBA by State<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

A DBA, or “Doing Business As,” is a legal designation that allows a company or individual to conduct business under a different name than their legal name. Registering a DBA is necessary for opening bank accounts, marketing, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. However, where you file a DBA registration depends on where you operate.<\/p>\n

Whether forming a sole proprietorship<\/a>, limited liability company (LLC)<\/a>, or corporation<\/a>, you might need to consider DBA (doing business as) registration<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Register your DBA with confidence<\/a> through our trusted partner LegalZoom. <\/b><\/i><\/p>\n

Business Names for Legal Entities<\/h2>\n

Business names are essential marketing tools. The name you choose to do business under will help customers identify you. Your business name helps the government and customers identify you and your company.<\/p>\n

Choosing a name<\/a> and deciding on a business structure<\/a> are crucial steps in business formation<\/a>. Three popular business entities are LLCs, corporations, and sole proprietorships.<\/p>\n

To form these legal entities, you must file the appropriate organizational documents with the secretary of state or county clerk. By filing these documents, business owners also make their business’s legal name known. The name a business owner lists on organizational documents, like the article of incorporation, is the legal business name.<\/p>\n

There are no such documents for sole proprietors. Instead, the business name for a sole proprietorship is the owner’s legal name.<\/p>\n

Fictitious Business Names for Legal Entities<\/h2>\n

What happens if you form a business under one name but start doing business under a different name<\/a>?<\/p>\n

You could face legal penalties if you do business under a name other than your legal business name. To use a name other than your legal business name and avoid legal penalties, you must register the name as a DBA name<\/a>.<\/p>\n