A DBA (doing business as) filing is an official and public registration of a business name with either the state or local jurisdiction. A DBA name is also called an assumed name or trade name. A DBA filing enables a sole proprietor to conduct business under a name other than their own personal name and enables corporations or LLCs to do business under a name other than that which is used on the company’s articles of formation.
Once the state and/or county approves the DBA filing, the business can begin using this name as its official business name by publishing stationery and business cards, developing advertisements, and making transactions on behalf of the company. Many business owners prefer to use a DBA rather than a personal name or company name for a variety of reasons:
To develop a business identity;
To create a marketing campaign;
Due to requirements imposed by banking organizations;
To notify other businesses that the name in use as the DBA name becomes part of public record.
This information is from BizFilings, an Internet source for incorporation and LLC formation services.
