Online DBA Filing
File a DBA with LegalZoom DBA Registration
DBA filing is required if you are going to operate a business under any other name than your business's legal name. This holds true for a corporation, limited liability company, or sole proprietorship.
DBA is an abbreviation for 'doing business as' and is also known as a fictitious business name, assumed business name, or trade name. If you want to open up a bank account, or do business as anything other than the legal name of your company, then you have to file a DBA.
DBA Filing as a Sole Proprietor
The most important reason for filing a DBA if you operate as a sole proprietor is so that you can open up a bank account, or collect money, in a name other than your personal, legal name. Without a DBA you will have to operate under your legal name and cannot brand your company with an assumed business name.
DBA registration is a good alternative to forming an LLC or corporation as it is a cheaper way to start your business. However, if you are operating as a sole proprietor using a DBA, you do not have any of the personal liability protection you have as an LLC or corporation.
DBA Registration as an LLC or Corporation
If you have a limited liability company or corporation that you currently operate your business as, but want to use a different name for the public to see, you need to file a DBA. For example, your legal company name is 'ABC Plumbing, LLC' but you want to do business as 'Fast, Reliable Plumbing, LLC', you would need to file a DBA. This allows you to open a bank account or collect money under the name 'Fast, Reliable Plumbing, LLC.'
File a DBA with LegalZoom
LegalZoom is the leading online legal documentation service and is a great choice to use for DBA filing. They have an easy 3-step DBA registration process and handle all of the details for you. See the below table to see what LegalZoom's DBA filing process includes.
With LegalZoom, you fill out a simple online questionnaire, which they check for common mistakes. They then prepare your DBA statement and file it with the correct government agency. LegalZoom also handles the name search and publishing of your DBA in a newspaper, if this is required by your state. They then send the approved application to you with simple instructions on how to complete your DBA.
DBA filing is simple and affordable when you use LegalZoom. Start your DBA registration today!
LegalZoom DBA Filing Package Contents
| File a DBA Package Include: |  |
| Price (+ State Filing Fee) | $99 |
| Preliminary Name Search (where required by law) |  |
| LegalZoom Peace of Mind Review of Application | |
| Preparation of Your DBA Application | |
| Filing of DBA Application With Correct Government Agency | |
| If Required, Publication of DBA Statement in Approved Newspaper | |
| If Required, Filing of Proof of Publication with Appropriate Government Agency | |
| Free First Class Shipping | |
| Subscription to LegalZoom's Periodical Legal Newsletter | |
| Preparation of Federal ID Application (optional) | $30 |
| Obtain Federal Tax ID Number From IRS (optional) | $79 |
| Prepare Seller's Permit Application (optional) | $35 |
