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Build your brand with a DBA

Your business name helps establish your brand. Make it yours. Make it memorable.

Price starts at $99 + state filing fees

See pricing options | View sample

Why get a "doing business as" name?

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Comply with legal requirement

A DBA filing may be required if you're using a name other than your official name or personal name.

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Set up a business bank account

In most states, you need a DBA to open a bank account under your business name.

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Expand and grow your business

A DBA helps distinguish new business lines to market, manage, and grow your business.

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Measuring Writing

We go beyond just filing the application

We know the process

We've completed and filed over 175,000 DBAs and have relationships with government officials in your state - our team is dedicated to making sure the job gets done right.

We'll help you find a great name

We do a thorough search to check if your name is available. If it isn't, we'll help you find one that is.

We take care of the publishing

Some states and counties have other requirements, like publishing notice of your new name in an approved newspaper and providing proof of publication to the appropriate agency. We take care of that for you.

Attorney help if you want it

If talking to an attorney gives you peace of mind or, if you have specific legal questions, our network of independent attorneys is at your service.*

*Must be a Business Advisory Plan member

Get started today

Premium DBA

$119

+ state filing fees
Premium DBA

$119

+ state filing fees
Check Preliminary name search Check
Check DBA application filing Check
Check Publication of your DBA name Check
Check Proof of publication filing Check
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Got more questions?

Yes. The name varies by state. A DBA name is sometimes also called an assumed business name or trade name.
You may be required to file a DBA application if you plan on using a name that's different than the official LLC or corporation name filed with the state. When choosing a DBA name, some states and counties will allow you to use the designation "LLC" or "Inc." But you can't imply that your company is a different entity type than it really is.
Most banks require sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have registered DBAs to open bank accounts under their business names.
In some places you can use your full name or part of your name without having to register a DBA. Exact rules can vary by state and by county, so it's best to contact your county clerk's office.
Yes. The purpose of a DBA is to inform the public that you intend to conduct business within your state using a name other than your personal name. A DBA doesn't give you unlimited rights to use that name. In contrast, trademark registration can protect a business' brand name, slogan or logo beyond a single geographic area.
Some states and counties will register any properly filed DBA, even if it's the same name as yours. DBA filing doesn't provide business name protection. Name protection generally comes under state and federal trademark law.

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Questions and answers

This public forum is not intended to provide legal advice and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Unless specifically indicated, the content is not drafted, supported, or vetted by LegalZoom. It is simply a place for customers to help customers. If you need legal advice, LegalZoom can connect you to a licensed and independent attorney. If you are providing answers, please do not provide legal advice if you are not qualified or licensed to do so.

Ready to start your DBA?

  1. Telephone consultations with a participating firm, during normal business hours, of up to one half (1/2) hour each, limited to one consultation for each new legal matter. After the 30-day trial period, benefits to the Business Legal Plan (also Business Advantage Pro or Business Advisory Plan) continue automatically at the plan rate (currently $39.99 per month). Cancel by calling (877) 818-8787. For full details, see the Legal Plan Contract and Subscription Terms.