The Process of Registering a DBA

After we receive your payment, our specialists review your information for completeness and common mistakes, and prepare your DBA application.

In most states, LegalZoom will email your prepared DBA application to you for signature. For your convenience, we'll also send a duplicate copy by U.S. mail. When we receive your signed application, we will file your DBA application with the proper government office. In states that do not require your signature (AK, CO, FL, HI, MO, OK and WA), we will electronically file your DBA application directly. Once your materials are submitted, the document review period varies depending on the state or county where you file. Most orders take about 15 business days to complete after we receive your signature.

Once approved, your completed DBA filing or "County Certified Copy" is automatically mailed to you. (This generally takes about a week.)

For your convenience, we can prepare your Tax Identification Number application for self-filing. Or, to make it even easier for you, we will obtain your Federal Tax Identification Number on your behalf, for an additional fee.

Certain states require publication of new DBAs (CA, GA, IL, MN, NE and PA). In these states, LegalZoom will publish your DBA statement in the appropriate newspaper. We will forward you the proof of publication and a duplicate copy of your statement. If your county requires proof of publication, we will also file it with them at no additional charge.

If you requested LegalZoom to prepare an Application for Tax ID that you will file, you must sign the application before submitting it to the appropriate state agency.