Doing business as (DBA): The "AKA" for your business

Is a DBA the same as a business license?

No. A DBA and business license serve different purposes. A DBA allows you to do business under a specific business name. A business license lets you engage in a particular type of business activity. Filing a DBA does not replace the need to obtain a required business license.

For more information, refer to these articles:

• Do I need a business license or permit?
• Guide to business license requirements

Do you need to file a DBA?

Many states require a DBA filing if you do business using a name other than the name on the formation documents of a corporation or LLC (or a name other than the owner’s name for sole proprietorships and partnerships). You do not need to file a DBA if you will be operating under your legal business name.

CT observation: You may need to file a DBA even if it’s not required by state law. For example, your bank may require a DBA to open a business checking account, or a prospective client may require a DBA in order to award your business a contract.

Some states also require publication of the DBA name in a newspaper. Depending on the state, a DBA filing may also need to be renewed periodically, or it may remain valid until you cancel it.

Related article: State voluntary assumed name filings for entities smart chart.

Reasons for using a DBA name

A business might choose to do business under an assumed name for a variety of reasons:

• Transact business under the company’s website domain name
• Achieve marketing, branding, expansion, or other goals
• Use a name that’s easier to remember or pronounce
• Highlight different divisions, product lines, or services
• Operate under different names in different parts of the country
• Maintain flexibility as trends and customer preferences change 

Can I file multiple DBAs?

Yes. Most states don't restrict the number of DBAs you can file. However, if you want to operate under multiple assumed names, you may need to file a separate DBA registration for each name.

Is DBA the same as an assumed name?

Yes. States use different terms for a DBA filing. Some states call it an “assumed name”, while others use “DBA” (doing business as), “fictitious name”, “trade name”, or another term. These all refer to the same concept.

Does a DBA filing protect your business name?

No. In most states, a DBA does not give you exclusive rights to a business name. This means that two or more businesses may be able to file the same DBA name. For example, in states with county-level registration, two different businesses could both register as “Perfect Pavers” in separate counties.

There are several ways to register or protect your business name, each serving a different purpose. Certain registrations may be legally mandatory depending on the structure and location of your business.

• Entity name: Filing your LLC or corporation name with the state prevents other businesses from filing that same name or a confusingly similar name in that state.
• Trademark: Registering with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office protects your name at the federal level.
• Doing business as (DBA): Does not provide exclusive rights, but registration may be legally required.
• Domain name: Secures your website address but does not provide legal name protection.

CT observation: If you want to legally protect your business name, consider trademark registration.

DBAs are public records

DBA filings are public records. States primarily require these filings to protect the public by creating transparency about who owns and operates businesses using assumed names. DBA filings can be accessed to verify business ownership.

Learn more

Whether you operate your business as a corporation, LLC, sole proprietor, or general partnership, you must follow every state’s specific DBA requirements for your business type. For DBA support, contact a CT Corporation representative today.

Related resource

DBA: Doing business under an assumed name (smart chart)