Glossary · Legal & Admin
What is DBA (Doing Business As)?
Definition
A DBA, or doing business as, is a registered trade name that lets you operate under a name different from your legal personal or company name.
Why it matters
If Jane Smith runs a dog-walking service called "Happy Paws," she may need to register that name as a DBA, also called a fictitious business name or trade name. Registration typically happens at the county or state level, with fees often between $10 and $100 and sometimes a newspaper notice requirement.
A DBA lets you accept checks and open a bank account under the business name. It does not create a separate legal entity and offers no liability protection, and it does not give you exclusive trademark rights.
Requirements vary widely by state and county. Check with your local clerk, an accountant, or an attorney about what applies to you.
Common mistakes
- !Believing a DBA protects your personal assets or reserves the name nationally.
- !Operating under a trade name without the required local registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is DBA (Doing Business As)?
A DBA, or doing business as, is a registered trade name that lets you operate under a name different from your legal personal or company name.
What mistakes do beginners make with Doing Business As?
Believing a DBA protects your personal assets or reserves the name nationally. Operating under a trade name without the required local registration.
Related terms