File a DBA in Ohio

Find out more about how your business can use a different name (known as ‘doing business as’ or DBA), including details on when you need to file for a DBA, how to find and complete the paperwork in Ohio, and more.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in ohio

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Updated on: June 10, 2025
Read time: 2 min

What is a DBA?

When a business wants to operate under a different name (known as a trade name), that business may need to file to "do business as" (dba). Filing for a DBA allows the company to register its secondary name with the state and makes the name a fully legal name for operating purposes.

When you need a DBA

Generally speaking, Ohio law requires that businesses report the use of a fictitious name when seeking to do business under a name different from the names of the owners, or different from the "true" name of the business entity.

That said, a number of prudential considerations also go into the decision to file for a DBA. If a trade name is registered, the company can open bank accounts, write contracts, and perform other operations under the new name.

Furthermore, reporting the use of a fictitious name can assist a business in avoiding later claims of fraudulent or deceptive trade practices in certain cases. Businesses should keep in mind that reporting a fictitious name is different from filing for entity registration; the latter isn't required for a sole proprietorship or general partnership.

Setting up a DBA in Ohio

Setting up a DBA in Ohio begins with a corporate name search. Check with your local county clerk to search the business names in your area. Business names cannot include entity designations that are inaccurate, e.g., "Inc.," can only be used for corporations.

Ohio filing & registration

Typically, you will need to provide certain information, including the name of the filer, the name of the business entity as it currently exists, the principal place of business of the entity, and the type of business it carries on. The proposed DBA will also need to be provided in the filing itself.

Tax considerations

Getting a trade name registered by filing a DBA doesn’t change how your company is taxed.

If you want to file a DBA, LegalZoom can help you. We can prepare and file the paperwork, search for available business names, and get you in touch with a business attorney to answer specific questions about your company.

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.

27 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
66 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
75 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
119 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
204 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
208 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 on23,826+ reviewson

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