DBA's - Fictitious Business Name

If you are a sole proprietor or general partnership conducting business using a special name that is different from your own name, then you must file a DBA registration.  The same is true if you have incorporated or formed a limited liability company (LLC) and are operating the business under a name that is different from the name of the company or LLC.  DBAs are filed at the state or county level. 

DBAs are sometimes called Fictitious Business Names (FBNs), assumed business names or trade names.  There is no real difference between them and they all serve the same purpose:  to provide notice to the public of the true owner of a business when the identity would not otherwise be known from the name of the business itself.  To accomplish this, many jurisdictions require that the FBN be published in the legal notices section of a newspaper meeting specific requirements over a specified time period.

For more detailed information please see the CorpNet Guide to forming a DBA

Q: What is a DBA or fictitious Business Name?
A: If you are a sole proprietor or general partnership conducting business using a special name that is different from your own name, then you must file a DBA registration.  The same is true if you have incorporated or formed a limited liability company (LLC) and are operating the business under a name that is different from the name of the company or LLC.  DBAs are filed at the state or county level. 
DBAs are sometimes called Fictitious Business Names (FBNs), assumed business names or trade names.  There is no real difference between them and they all serve the same purpose:  to provide notice to the public of the true owner of a business when the identity would not otherwise be known from the name of the business itself.  To accomplish this, many jurisdictions require that the FBN be published in the legal notices section of a newspaper meeting specific requirements over a specified time period.

Q: What is the difference between a fictitious business name and a DBA "doing business as" name?
A: There is no difference between a fictitious business name and a DBA "doing business as", Some state or counties have different names for filing. It is also known as a fictitious business name, DBA "doing business as" or Tradename.

Q: Why would I need a DBA?
A: If you are a sole proprietor or general partnership conducting business using a special name that is different from your own name, then you must file a DBA.  The same is true if you have incorporated or formed a limited liability company (LLC) and are operating the business under a name that is If you are a sole proprietor or general partnership conducting business using a special name that is different from your own name, then you must file a DBA registration.  The same is true if you have incorporated or formed a limited liability company (LLC) and are operating the business under a name that is different from the name of the company or LLC.  DBAs are filed at the state or county level.

Q: If I am operating a sole proprietorship under my personal name, do I need to file a DBA?
A: Generally speaking, a DBA registration is not required unless you are operating a business and excepting funds under a name other than the name you are incorporated or organized under. Otherwise, you must file a DBA if your corporation or LLC is doing.

Since the specific requirements for DBA filings differ from place to place, CorpNet is well-suited to help you navigate the requirements and handle the required paperwork.  Once you give us the necessary information, we prepare the documents for you.  If the appropriate jurisdiction for your filing requires a name search, we will do that for you.  After you sign the DBA forms, we file them and, for those states with a publication requirement, we work directly with the newspapers to meet that requirement on your behalf.

If you are interested in Fictitious Business Name or DBA (Doing Business As) registration for your business, CorpNet™ can help by saving you both time and money with service that is fast, reliable, and affordable in processing the documents required to register your DBA/Fictitious Business name in all 50 states.

Using CorpNet can save you both time and money with service that is fast, reliable and affordable.  And remember, our services are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  We make everything easy for you so that you can focus on what you do best – running your business!