What is a DBA?

DBA stands for "Doing Business As." It’s a way for a business to use a different name than the one it was legally registered with. For example, if your business is called "Taylor Smith Enterprises LLC," but you want to run a bakery called "Sweet Treats Bakery," you would file a DBA for the name "Sweet Treats Bakery."

Key Features of a DBA

• Not a separate business: A DBA doesn’t create a new company. It’s just another name.
• Public record: DBAs are filed with the state or county, so they become public information.
• Doesn’t provide protection: A DBA doesn’t protect your personal assets like an LLC (for example) would.
• May need renewing: Some places require you to renew your DBA every few years.
• Good for branding: Using a catchy business name makes it easier for customers to remember.
• Privacy: A DBA lets you keep your legal name separate from your business name.
• Expansion made simpler: You can use different DBAs for different products or services.

Some common uses for a DBA include:

• A sole proprietor who wants to run a business under a name other than their own.
• A company expanding into a new market and wanting to use a name that fits the new product.
• A business owner who wants to keep the legal business name private from customers.

Pros and Cons of a DBA

ADVANTAGES OF A DBA	DISADVANTAGES OF A DBA
Easy to set up. Low cost. Good for branding. Helps with banking and advertising.	No legal protection (like an LLC or corporation). Must follow renewal rules. Not available in all states.

Tips for Choosing a Good DBA Name

1. Make it easy to remember.
2. Keep it simple and clear.
3. Avoid names that sound too much like other companies.
4. Check if the name is available in your state.
5. Make sure the website domain is available.

A DBA is a great tool for making your business name match your brand. It’s especially helpful for sole proprietors and businesses trying something new. Just remember that a DBA isn’t a business structure—it’s just a name. It won’t protect your personal assets or give you special tax benefits.

Filing for a DBA is a smart step if you want to make your business name more customer-friendly, open a bank account, or advertise in a new way. If you're unsure about how to start, it might help to talk to a legal expert to guide you through the process. Once you’ve got your DBA, you’ll be ready to do business with a name that really fits your vision!
 

Key takeaways A DBA (Doing Business As) is a way to use a different name for your business instead of your legal name. It’s not a new company, just a nickname your business can use for branding or marketing. A DBA is public, which means it’s filed with the government and anyone can look it up. It doesn’t protect your personal assets like an LLC or corporation would, and some places require you to renew it every few years. A DBA helps with advertising, opening a business bank account, or selling new products under a new name. It’s cheap and easy to get, but it’s important to choose a name that’s clear, unique, and available in your state.

Additional resources

Learning how to enforce a contract is just one step. Explore these additional topics to learn more and take the next steps.

• How to Get a DBA