What is a DBA?
A DBA ("doing business as," also called a fictitious or assumed business name) lets a business operate under a name different from its legal owner's name or registered entity name. It doesn't create a separate legal entity or provide liability protection — it's a registration, not a business structure.
A DBA — "doing business as" — is a public registration that lets a business use a trade name other than its owner's legal name (for a sole proprietorship) or its formal registered name (for an LLC or corporation). The U.S. Small Business Administration describes filing a DBA as a step for operating under a business name, separate from choosing your actual business structure.
Who typically needs a DBA
- Sole proprietors who want to operate under a business name instead of their own legal name — e.g., filing as "Jane Smith Consulting" instead of just "Jane Smith."
- LLCs or corporations that want to run a specific product line or storefront under a different public-facing name than their registered legal entity name.
- Businesses opening a bank account under a trade name — most banks require a DBA filing before they'll open a business account in a name that doesn't match your legal entity or personal name.
What a DBA does NOT do
A DBA is not a business structure and provides zero liability protection. A sole proprietor who files a DBA is still personally liable for all business debts and legal claims — filing a DBA doesn't separate personal and business assets the way forming an LLC does. A DBA also doesn't create trademark protection; registering a name locally doesn't stop someone else from using a similar name in another jurisdiction.
Key facts on DBAs
- Filing a DBA ("doing business as") name is a separate step from choosing a business structure — a DBA doesn't change your liability exposure. — U.S. Small Business Administration
- DBA filing requirements (where to file, renewal cadence, and fee) are set at the state or county level, not federally — requirements vary by jurisdiction. — SBA — Register Your Business
Key takeaways
- A DBA lets you operate and bank under a trade name different from your legal or entity name.
- It's a name registration, not a business structure — it provides no liability protection.
- Sole proprietors, LLCs, and corporations can all file a DBA.
- Filing location, fee, and renewal rules are set at the state or county level and vary by jurisdiction.
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