Why do you need a DBA name for your LLC?
You gave your LLC, or limited liability company, a name when you formed it. The paperwork you submitted to establish the LLC contained this name. Usually, to register a company, articles of incorporation are filed with the state body in charge of business regulation. You may use your LLC’s registered name to do business after it has been officially registered.
For certain LLCs, doing business under another name has advantages. Generally speaking, this is a name that works well for promotions and marketing. An LLC must register a different name as a DBA if it is used for business purposes. This name will be separate from the name that was submitted at the time of LLC registration.
What is meant by DBA?
DBA stands for “doing business as,” though it’s also occasionally written as “DBA.” An LLC can conduct business under a separate name by using a DBA. For instance, you would use “Tom Jackson Enterprises LLC, DBA TJ’s Computer Services” if your LLC is registered with the name “Tom Jackson Ventures LLC” but you want to conduct business using the name “TJ’s Computer Services.”
Such a company name is known by the legal terms “fictitious name,” “assumed name,” or “tradename” in the majority of states. This type of name is also frequently called a business name or DBA name.
What makes a DBA necessary?
The following are the two main justifications for adopting a false name:
- Having the ability to run several companies under a single LLC instead of creating several LLCs. For instance, Sunshine Enterprises LLC may wish to use “Sunshine Yard Services” for a company that does landscaping and “Sunshine Property Management” for a company that manages or owns rental properties.
- Choosing a name for your company based on what you think will provide you with a marketing edge, such as better characterizing the type of business you operate, establishing a local link, or obtaining a good alphabetical listing in phone books or online directories. In order to portray your LLC as a local company, you could choose to use the name “San Diego Wine Outlet” for your new store if it is located in San Diego and is registered under the name “California Wine Outlets LLC.” “California Wines Outlets LLC, DBA San Diego Wine Outlet” would be your official identity.
Where can I get a DBA?
In every state, it is necessary to register a fictitious name. While some states need state registration, the majority of states require you to register with the city or county government where the assumed name will be used.
To assist you in learning what is necessary in your state:
- Look up the rules for fictitious names in your state online. Do a search for “Texas DBA registration” or “California fictitious name registration,” for instance.
- Consult the state organization where your LLC was registered.
- Consult the business regulation department of your county or city, which is usually the clerk’s office.
- Consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s local office in your area.
You will have to submit a new registration for each DBA name if you wish to use more than one. The DBA name must be registered in each municipality or county where it will be used, unless statewide registration is possible.
How to set up a DBA
You might be able to set up your DBA name online once you’ve decided where to register. Additionally, you can get the appropriate form from the agency, complete it with the necessary data, and submit it to the agency. You will need to supply both the DBA name you wish to use and the name under which your LLC is registered. The use of a name that is identical to or similar to an already-registered fictitious name is frequently prohibited by restrictions. A registration fee, usually not more than $100, will also probably be necessary.
The process of adding a DBA to an LLC varies depending on the jurisdiction, but it is often a straightforward one that simply involves submitting a brief form to the relevant government body. For specific steps on how to get a DBA in California, consulting state guidelines is essential.
To begin using the DBA name, you might also need to issue a notification of some kind in a newspaper that has been authorized. You can typically locate a local legal newspaper that offers substantially reduced publication rates than a broad circulation newspaper if such a publication is necessary.
The process of adding a DBA to an LLC varies depending on the jurisdiction, but it is often a straightforward one that simply involves submitting a brief form to the relevant government body.
https://california-business-lawyer-corporate-lawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Best-Free-Payroll-Software-for-Small-Businesses-and-Startups-in-2025.jpg
787
1195
Amit
http://california-business-lawyer-corporate-lawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Nakase-Wade-logo-transparent-200x54px.png
Amit2025-03-28 04:26:542025-03-28 04:26:56Best Free Payroll Software for Small Businesses and Startups in 2025
