Legal Overview
DBA requirements vary by state, county, city and business structure, but generally, registering a DBA involves paperwork and filing fees anywhere from $10 to $100.
To legally write a DBA, complete the required forms, submit them with the filing fee, and obtain a DBA certificate. Depending on the state, filing may be with a state agency, a local or county clerk’s office, or both.
Filing Process
Begin with the state agency that handles business formation; they will direct you to the appropriate county offices, such as the County Clerk or city governance.
Reasons and Benefits
A DBA is typically the easiest and most economical way to register a small business name, particularly useful when operating multiple businesses under one incorporation, overcoming marketing challenges, or using a name different from the legal name for business purposes.
When a business operates under a name that is not its legal name, this is known as a DBA or assumed business name. You must know your business’s legal name before you establish a DBA.