File a DBA Name Today
Register a “doing business as” name for your legal business entity or sole proprietorship today by following our step-by-step guide.
Many new business owners must choose their industry, legal form, location, required business permits, and other factors before they can launch their enterprise. A "doing business as" (DBA) name is something that many people occasionally overlook to take into account.
How to Register for a DBA Name
- Conduct a DBA Name Search
- File Your DBA name application
- Publish Your DBA Name Publicly
If you intend to run your company under a name other than the one it is registered under, you ought to think about a DBA. Depending on the state, they are frequently referred to as “trade names” or “fictitious business names.”
DBAs are advantageous for other business forms as well, including limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited partnerships (LPs), even though they work best for some business kinds, such as sole proprietorships. Do not forget that a DBA is not a distinct legal entity.
See our article on obtaining a DBA for business owners. own a company already? We can assist you in finding a DBA. Just click the button below.
Conduct a DBA Name Search
Do you recall the date you registered your business name? It took some time to choose the ideal name, and then you had to check online to see if it was already taken. A DBA name can be obtained in the same way. To start, make a list of possible names that would work for your brand.
Look Up Name Possibilities
Once you have these prepared, visit the Secretary of State website for your state. To find out which names on your list are available, look them up in your state’s business name database.
Reserving a DBA Name
Once you have reduced your list, quickly search for any that are up for sale by conducting a domain search. Afterward, based on the results of your search, choose the appropriate DBA name.
You might want to think about reserving your DBA name online or by mail if you’re not ready to register your DBA name right immediately. Although most states fee for this service, your name will be held for 120 days. We can also reserve the name of your company.
Trademarking Your DBA Name
Additionally, you might want to think about trademarking your DBA name. Both the federal and state governments accept trademark registration applications. To see if your name has already been trademarked, search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
While federal trademark registration frequently offers broader protections, state-level trademark registration is frequently simpler and faster. If your name is clear, you can usually check a state-level database, and in the state where you’ll be doing business, you can register a trademark on your DBA name. Find out more about trademark registration.
Naming Rules
Note that some states have specific rules regarding company names, such as words that cannot be included in your name. Be sure to check your state’s regulations before committing to a DBA name.
We can help
We are aware that applying for a DBA can be time-consuming and stressful. We can assist you in registering your DBA name, so you can relax. We also offer a variety of other business formation services to make your job easier and free up more time for success-oriented activities.