Where Do I Register My Dba

If you have formed an LLC but wish to conduct its concern nether a unlike proper noun, you volition need to formally register that proper noun as a DBA, which is typically a simple process.

When you lot created your limited liability company (LLC), yous chose a name for it. This name was included in the documents yous filed to register the LLC. This is typically done by filing LLC articles of organization with the state agency that regulates businesses. One time your LLC is registered, you lot may carry business organization under the official proper name of your LLC as it is registered.

Some LLCs notice advantages to using a different name to conduct business. This is usually a name that is better suited for marketing and advertising purposes. If an LLC conducts business under a name other than the ane that was registered for the LLC, information technology needs to register the other name every bit a DBA.

Hands crafting envelope seal

What Does "DBA" Mean?

DBA (sometimes seen as "dba") is an abbreviation for "doing business concern as." Using a DBA is how an LLC uses a different proper noun to conduct concern. For example, if your LLC is registered under the name "Jane Jones Enterprises LLC," but you wish to practise business organization under the name "JJ's Computer Services," you would utilize "Jane Jones Enterprises LLC, DBA JJ's Computer Services."

The laws of nearly states refer to such a business name as an "causeless name," "fictitious proper noun," or "tradename." Such a name is also commonly referred to equally a DBA name or business proper noun.

Why Use a DBA?

The two most common reasons for using a fictitious name are:

Being able to operate multiple businesses under 1 LLC, rather than forming dissever LLCs. For case, Summit Enterprises LLC might desire to use "Meridian Property Management" for a concern that owns or manages rental properties and "Summit Chiliad Services" for a business that provides lawn and garden maintenance.

Using a name for your business that yous believe will give you a marketing advantage, such equally past more accurately describing the nature of your business concern, making a local connection, or getting a favorable alphabetical position in phone book or online listings. For example, if your LLC is registered every bit "California Wine Outlets LLC," and y'all decide to open a shop in Monterey, you might want to use the proper noun "Monterey Wine Outlet" for that store, in club to present it as a local business. Yous would then exist "California Wines Outlets LLC, DBA Monterey Wine Outlet."

Where to Register a DBA

Registration of a fictitious proper noun is required in all states. In nigh states you'll register with the county or city government where the assumed name will be used, but in some states y'all'll annals at the state level.

To help you observe out what is required in your state:

Carry an online search for fictitious name requirements in your state. For example, search "Florida fictitious name registration" or "Texas DBA registration."

Check with the country bureau where you registered your LLC.

Bank check with your city or county bureau that deals with business organisation regulation, typically the canton or city clerk's office.

Check with your local office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

If you lot desire to apply more than one assumed name, you will need to file a divide registration for each proper noun. Unless statewide registration is possible, the assumed name will need to be registered in each county or municipality where the proper name will be used.

How to Annals a DBA

In one case you determine where to register, you may be able to register your DBA name online. You can as well obtain the proper form from the agency, make full it out with the required information, and file information technology with the agency. You will exist required to provide the name of your LLC as information technology is registered and the fictitious name y'all want to utilise. Restrictions often prohibit the use of a name that is the same as, or like to, a fictitious name that is already registered. You volition probably besides be required to pay a registration fee, which volition typically be under $100.

You lot may also be required to publish some type of discover in an approved newspaper in order to beginning using the assumed proper noun. If such a publication is required, yous can usually find a local legal newspaper that offers much lower publication rates than a general apportionment paper.

How to add together a DBA to an LLC varies slightly from place to place, but it is a adequately easy procedure that typically involves filing a uncomplicated form with the appropriate authorities agency.