The cost to file a DBA in Georgia ranges from $150-$200 depending on the county. Additional fees may apply for notarization or copies. This article explains what a DBA is, how it helps secure a business name, when you might need one, and how to file a DBA in Georgia.
Filing and Fees
To file for a DBA, fill out an application through a local, state, or county agency. You may need to announce the name in a newspaper. Sole proprietors are legally required to use their personal name as their business name. Filing fees vary by county. Fulton County charges $172 total. Georgia DBAs do not expire. Before filing, you can reserve a name for $25 every 30 days while preparing.
Ensure your name is distinct before registering. Submit the form by mail or in person. Notarization is required. A service can handle filing for you.
Individuals, partnerships, and sole proprietorships regularly doing business under a different name must file a DBA with the County Clerk where they operate. Nonprofits, corporations, LLCs, and LPs do not require a DBA.
You can register multiple DBAs but each requires separate fees and registrations. Using a DBA in marketing can help reach more customers. Regulations vary by business structure.
Steps for Filing a DBA in Georgia
- Guideline for choosing a DBA name.
- Check if a DBA name is available.
- File with the County Clerk where you conduct business.
Example for Fulton County:
- Search State database
- Fill out the Application
- Submit by mail or in person
- Filing address: Clerk of Superior Court
Filing a DBA is optional in Georgia and depends if it benefits your business. To file:
- Decide on a trade name
- Describe your business
- List owners’ names and addresses
- Get owners’ notarized signatures
Business names must be distinguishable. Filing fees average $170 plus $40 publication fee. All businesses must publish a public notice.
Do You Need to Register a DBA?
Georgia law requires individuals, general partnerships, and sole proprietorships that regularly transact business under a different name from their legal name to file a DBA with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where they conduct business. To file a DBA in Fulton County, follow these steps:
- Search the State of Georgia’s trade name search to check the availability of your DBA name.
- Fill out the Application to Register a Business to Be Conducted Under a Trade Name.
- Submit it by mail or in person.
Within 30 days of starting a business, Georgia state law O.C. G.A. 10-1-490 states that a business using a fictitious name must register its Trade Name.
To file a DBA in Fulton County, you must also search the State of Georgia’s trade name search. Afterward, fill out the Application and submit it.
DBA Registration and Management
You can register as many DBAs as you want. A DBA in the state of Georgia must be renewed every five years, according to state law. Before you begin the DBA registration procedure, utilize the State of Georgia’s trade name search to ensure your name is unique. Maintain control of your Fulton County DBA.
Filing Costs and Business Registration
What are the DBA charges? To file a DBA in Georgia costs $150-$200 depending on the county. Extra charges may apply for notarization or copies.
The cost to file for a small business license in Georgia is $75. The address for Fulton County filings is: Clerk of Superior Court, 136 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Call (404) 613-5371.
Sole proprietorships and partnerships commonly file for a DBA. The filing fee for a Trade Name in Georgia is $25-$214. It takes four weeks to get an approved application. You can file for unlimited Trade Names.