File a DBA in Georgia

If you want to do business under a different business name, you’ll need to file for a DBA, or ‘doing business as.’ Find out more about how to get a DBA, how it affects your business, taxes, and more.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in georgia

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Updated on: August 16, 2024
Read time: 3 min

What is a DBA?

A trade name, fictitious name, or DBA (short for "doing business as") is a designation that some businesses seek out when they wish to do business under a name that is different from their original name. For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, that means the business seeks to register a name different from the names of the proprietor or partners, and in the case of corporations, LLCs, and similar entities, it means a name different from the name chosen at the time of formation. In some states, including Georgia, the DBA designation process is carried out by the court system, in this case, the County Superior Court Clerk's Office for the county in which the business seeks to operate.

When you need a DBA

Typically, dbas are required at the state level, but they can sometimes be required at the local or county level as well. In Georgia, the requirements for when you have to file for a DBA change from county to county. If you want to open a bank account in an alternative name, or complete transactions using the alternative name, then you’ll need to register that alternative name.

Setting up a DBA in Georgia

Georgia is one of the states in which DBA designation procedures vary from county to county. As such, it is important to check with the county clerk in the county where the business is operating to get county-specific details.

That said, in every county, the process should begin with a DBA countywide search to determine whether or not the proposed DBA name is already in use in the county in question. If the name is in use, you won’t usually be able to register it. The search can usually be done at the county clerk's office. There may also be county-specific forms, filing and registration requirements, and restrictions (e.g., no DBA or trade name can include “Company,” “Limited,” etc.)

Some counties may require you to publish notice of your proposed trade name in a local newspaper. The notice will have to run for a certain amount of time, usually several days or weeks. You’ll get a certificate from the newspaper proving you’ve properly run the notice. The county clerk in your county will have further details.

Although Georgia has a county-by-county DBA designation system, there are certain common types of information that will be required by most counties. This includes:

  • Name of the person or company filing for a DBA
  • Principal place of business of the entity filing for the DBA
  • Trade name the entity seeks to register
  • County-specific documents required for filing, such as a certificate of publication in a newspaper

Finally, DBA designations often must be renewed, and renewal is once again a county-by-county issue that must be dealt with as such.

Tax considerations

Filing for a DBA in Georgia will not affect your company’s tax status.

If you’re ready to file a DBA, LegalZoom can help you get started today. We can help you file the paperwork with your state and can get you in touch with an attorney or tax professional to answer specific questions.

What's your DBA name?Register my DBA
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

26 days ago
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10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

Kate
65 days ago
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Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

karl anderson
74 days ago
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KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

Tenika Ashley
118 days ago
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Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

Clinton Goodrich
203 days ago
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Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

Kevin McCarthy
207 days ago
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Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

Juan Ferrer
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,811+ reviewson

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