Updating DBA Name
The process of changing your DBA name is exactly the same as the process for updating your tax ID, so you can use those instructions to update your DBA as well. If your business is a sole proprietorship or partnership and you want to change your DBA, you can do so by: Canceling the existing DBA and filing for a new one.
Changing Business Names
Obtaining a DBA makes it easy for business owners to add additional lines of business as the company grows and expands. Depending on the needs of your business, you may find you may be a good fit for a name change. Or, you may find it’s more advantageous to file for and register a DBA.
Naming Conventions and Regulations
It’s up to the business to determine whether or not it can benefit from using a trade name in place of their legal business name. Using a DBA or trade name has its advantages and disadvantages. A DBA is typically used for marketing purposes.
Key Differences Between DBA and Name Change
A DBA (or “doing business as”) is an alternate way of identifying your business, which does not require you to change your legal business name. Registering a DBA name is when you notify the state that your business will be operating under a fictitious trade name in addition to the legal name your business was registered under.
Company Name vs. DBA
A company name is the actual name of the business, while a trade name or DBA is a way of doing business under a particular name filed in a state or county. A DBA is an alias and is not an actual business entity.
DBA Advantages
A DBA lets you use a business name rather than your personal name as a sole proprietor, and it also gives your business credibility. Those who are on a budget can register a DBA as it’s simple and cost-effective way to start your business.
Clarification on Fictitious Names
A fictitious name has the same meaning as a DBA, and both terms are interchangeable.
Understanding Assumed Names
When a statutory business entity operates under an assumed name that means it is using a name other than the one set forth in its formation document.
Purpose of Fictitious Name
A fictitious business name, a DBA and an assumed business name are all labels that are routinely bandied about when it comes to what you should be calling your company. The big secret? They are all essentially the same, with no real difference between them.