Georgia requires individuals, partnerships, and proprietorships transacting under a different name to file a county DBA. You must check availability before registering a desired DBA name in Georgia.
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Filing a DBA
Step 2 – File the DBA with the county clerk where your primary business is located. DBAs provide advantages helping ventures grow, allowing name registration without a business entity. Popular among owners creating branding strategies for different customer groups. -
DBA Registration Details
In Georgia, the DBA process uses the County Superior Court Clerk’s Office where the business operates. Costs vary, depending on the county, ranging $150-$200. -
Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships
Sole proprietorships and partnerships most commonly register DBAs. A sole proprietor or partnership’s legal name can be the owner’s full name, used without registering. But if operating under a different name, it must register. For example, John Smith starts a computer repair business but doesn’t use a business name. He doesn’t have to register. But if using John’s Computer Repair, he must register that name.
While a DBA legally operates a business under a separate name, it does not protect personal assets without liability protection. An LLC, or limited liability company, is a legal structure offering liability protection for the owner’s assets.
DBAs register simpler and cheaper, while LLCs require more paperwork and fees. Both allow operating under your name. But an LLC is a business structure, and a DBA is an established business’s registered nickname.