File a DBA or Fictitious Business Name
Doing business under a name other than your own? You’ll probably need a DBA. Luckily, Incfile can help.
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What Is a DBA?
A DBA means “doing business as” and is a registered name that you give to your business (or part of your business) that is different from its legal registered name.
The DBA is typically filed with the Secretary of State or other body that regulates business formation in your state. If your business operates in multiple states, you will need to file a DBA in each state. Want to make the process easier for yourself? You can file a DBA online with InkFile in a snap (that
Who Needs a DBA?
If you are a sole proprietorship or partnership, you will probably need a DBA. This is because you are unincorporated, so you have not filed entity formation papers or chosen a business name. Unless you file a DBA, your legal name will be your business name.
S and C corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships generally do not require a DBA if they are happy with their legal business name. Conversely, franchise owners may wish to file a DBA to indicate that they are operating a business under the umbrella of the franchise.
No matter what type of business you’re building, make sure you check due process with your state, or sign up for our DBA package and let us handle the rest.
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 Company Chamber?
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 allows them to have different names under the same umbrella company (for example, "Cassidy's Cookies New York" and Cassidy's Cookies LA").
Product Flexibility
Let's say you are a jack of all trades and run several businesses under your own name. Use multiple DBAs to clarify what your products are (for example, "Cassidy's cookies" and "Cassidy's cake").
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).
Privacy
When you form a business, it automatically takes the name of the business owner unless you file as a fixed legal entity (such as an LLC or an S or C corporation). A DBA allows you to legally separate your name from your business name so that you can maintain confidentiality.
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 Company Chamber handle DBA filing for total peace of mind.
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 protection for the business owner, separating their personal assets from the assets of the business. LLC owners are not required to file a DBA.
Why Use an DBA?
Since a DBA is just an alias for your business, it does not provide the same legal protection as an LLC. You are not protected under a DBA alone – you will need to create 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.
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Common Questions About
Filing a DBA
It typically costs $25-$100 to file a DBA. This depends on your state — for example, it costs $15-$25 in Texas and $55-$65 in Florida. You can find this information online when you go to the file or by using the state search feature above.
Yes - that's the beauty of DBAs! If you have multiple locations or branches of your business that all operate under the same LLC, you can file multiple DBAs to help separate them.
Since DBA acts as an alias, you won't need a separate EIN for it. However, for tax purposes you need an EIN for your registered business entity.
If you've got a DBA as a sole proprietor, you can convert to an LLC to enjoy more legal protection. You must first make sure that your DBA can be used for your LLC name, as it may already be in use by a legally registered business.
Typically, states will not allow two businesses to have the same DBA -- even if you own them both. To avoid confusion your DBA application may be rejected, especially if they are in the same industry. However, if you have not registered your business as a legal entity, your DBA can be used.
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