DBA (Fictitious Name)

A DBA (doing business as) filing is a business name which is registered with either a state or local governmental agency. A DBA name is also referred to as an assumed name, trade name, or fictitious business name. DBAs enable sole proprietors to conduct business under a name other than their own personal name, and also permits corporations or LLCs to do business using a name other than that which was used on the company’s Articles filed with the state of formation.

Once the state or local agency has approved the DBA filing, the business can begin using this name as its official business name.

Reasons for using DBA
A business owner may prefer to use a DBA instead of a personal name or registered company name for various reasons:

• to establish a separate identity for a business
• for the creation of a business marketing strategy
• to legally establish the use of a DBA 

Cost of DBA Registration
The cost for the registration of a DBA is $110, plus state and/or county fees. Additional cost will be added for publication, if required, and for expedited filing if requested. These fees vary depending upon the state of registration.