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File a DBA or Fictitious Business Name

Doing business under a name other than your own? You’ll probably need a DBA. Luckily, Bizee can help.

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What Is a DBA?

A DBA stands for “doing business as” and is a registered name you give your business (or part of your business) that is different from its legal registered name.

DBAs are typically filed with the Secretary of State or other entity that governs business formation in your state. If your business operates in multiple states, you'll likely need to file a DBA in every single state. Want to make the process easier on yourself? You can file a DBA online with Bizee in a snap (more on that below).
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Who Needs a DBA?

If you’re a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’ll likely need a DBA. That’s because you’re unincorporated, so you didn’t file entity formation papers or choose a business name. Your legal name will be your business name unless you file a DBA.

S and C corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships typically don’t need a DBA if they’re happy with their legal business name. On the contrary, franchise owners may want to file a DBA to indicate they’re operating a business under the franchise’s umbrella.

No matter what type of business you're forming, make sure you check with your state on the proper process, or sign up for our DBA package and let us handle the rest.
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Other Terms for DBA

Whether you file a DBA yourself or work with us, you might also see DBA listed 
by a few other names, including:

Fictitious Business Name

Assumed Business Name

Trade Name

Why File a DBA with Bizee?


Our DBA package offers four key benefits that business owners should pay attention to.

Location-Specific Branding

A DBA for each location your business operates in allows them to hold distinctly separate names under the same umbrella company (for example, “Cassidy’s Cookies New York” and Cassidy’s Cookies LA”).

different name same branding

Privacy

When you form a business, it automatically takes on the name of the business owner unless you file as a certain legal entity (like an LLC or S or C Corporation). A DBA allows you to legally separate your name from your business’s name so you can maintain privacy.

protected privacy

Product Flexibility

Say you’re a jack-of-all-trades and run many businesses all under your name. Use multiple DBAs to clarify what your product offerings are (for example, “Cassidy’s Cookies” and “Cassidy’s Cakes”).

Diverse DBA Product Offerings

Streamlined Rebranding

Maybe you registered your LLC under a name that doesn’t quite fit your vibe anymore. Target your audience better by creating a DBA that aligns more with your new branding as your company evolves (rather than forming a new LLC).

Adaptive DBA Rebranding

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Get Unparalleled Value for Your Money

No subscriptions, no recurring fees. No hidden costs and clear, transparent pricing — always.

Pay Lower Costs Than with Other Providers

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How to File a DBA

Filing a DBA is a multi-step process. While you could try to tackle the following yourself — why add more work to your plate?

Let Bizee handle DBA filing for total peace of mind.

01

Find Out What Entity Controls Business Formation

Usually this is the Secretary of State. However, sometimes this is done at the county level. If that’s the case, make sure you register your DBA in each county you operate in.

02

Download, Fill Out and Send the Online Form

Visit the relevant website and find the section on DBA, trade, fictitious or assumed names. With any luck, you’ll be able to do this digitally - although some systems are woefully outdated and require faxing or mailing.

03

Pay the Filing Fee

Filing fees vary by state and depend on whether you’reregistering for an LLC, corporation, or other entity.

04

Ensure Your Business Name Is Protected

A DBA by itself won’t protect your business name. Forming an LLC or corporation is one of the best ways to secure the legal name of your business, but if you want to take an extra step, it may be worth trademarking your business name. We can help with that.


Our low-cost Trademark Search and Registration service makes it easy to protect your DBA.

05

File Your Taxes

Whether or not you have a DBA, you’ll need to file taxes. Themethod and frequency of this depend on your business structure.

DBA vs. LLC

The main difference between a DBA and an LLC is that an LLC is a legally registered business entity, while a DBA is like a formal nickname for an already existing business.

why use an llc?

We talk a lot about LLCs. They provide legal protections for the business owner, separating their personal assets from the business’s assets. LLC owners aren’t required to file a DBA.

VS

why use an DBA?

Since a DBA is just a nickname for your business, it doesn’t provide the same legal protections as an LLC. You are not protected under a DBA alone — you’ll need to form a business entity first.

States That Allow DBA Filing

Choose your state below to view specific DBA requirements, including fees, length of approval, forms needed and where to file. It’s that easy.

State of formation

Referred to as

Trade name

Required

No

Fee

$30

Length of approval

5 years

Public notice required

No

Must file with

Office of the Secretary State

Forms available online

Yes

Common Questions About Filing a DBA

need a

dba asap?

We’ll save you time by doing the paperwork for you. Just place an order and presto — you’ll have an assumed business name in no time.