What Is a DBA and Do You Need One?

Starting a business in the U.S. might bring up a lot of legal language and forms. One term that many people are unsure of is DBA or “Doing Business As” which is often encountered alongside LLC, EIN, and Registered Agent.

Knowing how DBAs function can significantly bolster branding and growth opportunities for freelancers launching their first project, international entrepreneurs forming a U.S. LLC, or eCommerce owners planning to scale under different names.

This post will address the questions of what a DBA is, its importance, who qualifies for it, and how to properly set one up.

What is a DBA?

A DBA (Doing Business As) is a name that legally a business can operate under that they can register to use, separate from its legal name.

As an example, imagine your LLC name is Global Vision Holdings LLC, but you want to operate an online store named EcoGear Supplies. In that case, you would file a DBA for the name EcoGear Supplies.

With a DBA, you are allowed to do everything a business owner would do under that brand name, including signing contracts, advertising, receiving payments, and even opening a bank account. This is a way to present your business publicly under an alternate identity without forming a new legal entity.

Other common terms for DBA include:

• Fictitious Business Name
• Assumed Name
• Trade Name

All these names, despite sounding different, mean the same thing: an alias for your business, legally registered.

Remember, a DBA is not a business structure. It does not offer protection from liability or give any tax benefits. A DBA simply gives your business the right to change its name.

Why Would You Need a DBA?

There are strategic, legal, and practical reasons to file for a DBA, especially for US LLC owners and global entrepreneurs managing multiple brands.

1. To Create a More Marketable or Brandable Name

If you are doing business with a name that is lengthy or includes ‘LLC’, it will be hard to market your business. With the help of a DBA, you can now address your audience with a simpler, clean brand name.

Example:

• Registered Name: Northwest Digital Ventures LLC
• DBA: Digital Growth Lab

Having a DBA gives you the opportunity to come up with a name that more closely resonates with your product, service, or target audience.

2. To Create Several Brands Under a Single LLC

As a United States LLC owner, if you have multiple businesses such as a clothing boutique, an Amazon FBA brand, and a software as a service (SaaS) platform, you do not have to create a separate LLC for each one. All of them can be operated using DBAs which will save you a lot on formation and compliance costs.

This is especially helpful for:

• Shopify store owners with multiple niche brands
• Marketing agencies offering various services
• Real estate investors managing multiple properties

3. To Make Sole Proprietorships Look Better

If you are a freelancer or a sole-proprietor (meaning you run a business in your own name), having a DBA makes it easier for you to run a proper business name without needing to create a formal LLC or corporation.

Example:

• Personal Name: Priya Patel
• DBA: Priya’s Web Solutions

This enhances the branding for invoices, websites, business cards, and other marketing materials, thereby improving credibility and professionalism.

4. To Set Up a Business Bank Account in the DBA Name

Many banks in the U.S. will ask for a DBA certificate if the business name appearing on checks and invoices is different from the legal name or LLC name. Filing a DBA ensures that a business bank account can be opened under the name used publicly.

Who Should Consider Getting a DBA?

Not every business needs a DBA. However, some can benefit from it strategically. Here are the types of entrepreneurs and businesses who should consider filing a DBA:

💼 Freelancers and Consultants

For those who provide services like writing, design, IT, or coaching, and want to operate under a name reflecting their business identity, a DBA is appropriate.

🛒 E-Commerce Store Owners

Do you own several online stores or are you a dropshipper operating under one U.S. LLC? DBAs allow you to uniquely brand each store without the need to create new LLCs.

🌍 International Entrepreneurs

A lot of overseas residents register a U.S. LLC with Bizstartz, then operate under a name that’s more appropriate for their target market or niche.

🧾 Agencies and Holding Companies

An agency may manage different sub-brands in various sectors. A holding company may have several smaller branded businesses, each operating its own DBA.

🏠 Real Estate Investors

A single LLC could manage several rental or flipped properties as separate DBAs for easier brand organization or client communication.

Do You Legally Need a DBA?

Determining whether a DBA is required depends on how a business name is intended to be used.

✅ You Need a DBA If:

• As a sole proprietor, you’re using a name other than your legal name.
• As an LLC or corporation, you are operating publicly under a different name from the one registered with your state.
• You’re a reorganizing multiple businesses or trademarked divisions under a single LLC entity.
• As a business, you wish to receive payments or open a bank account in anything other than your legal business name.

❌You Don’t Need a DBA If:

• Your entity is registered and no other name is being publicly used.
• Your registered LLC name is the only branding used across all contracts, websites, and bank accounts.
• Not filing a DBA when required can result in fines or problems with banking, contracts, or customer complaints, so keep your business name usage in compliance.

How to Obtain a DBA

In the United States, obtaining a DBA involves a few steps that vary by state and sometimes within a county. Filing it is a straightforward process that most people can follow.

Here’s an outline of the key steps:

✅ Step 1: Selecting Your DBA Name

As with any name, you should ensure that it:

• Represents your brand successfully.
• Is not misleading (e.g., “LLC” in a DBA for someone not registered as an LLC).
• Is unique and has not been trademarked by others.

✅ Step 2: Conduct Name Availability Search

• Contact your Secretary of State along with the County Clerk’s office. Most states have some form of online access to check business names.

✅ Step 3: Complete Filing the DBA Registration

Processing your DBA registration with the state and county includes submitting:

• A basic form.
• A small fee (between $10-100 USD depending on the state).

The filing is at the county level in states like California, which means you do not submit to the state level.

✅ Step 4: Publish a Notice (If Necessary)

For states like New York, you have to publish a DBA notice in newspapers for a certain number of weeks after filing. This is to notify the public about your business name.

✅ Step 5: Receive Your DBA Certificate

Once it is approved, you will receive the official certificate which you can use to:

• Open a US business bank account
• Register for Stripe or PayPal
• Sign contracts or agreements under the DBA name

At Bizstartz, we handle this entire process for you.

Does a DBA Provide Legal Protection?

No. A DBA does not provide protection to your personal assets.

A DBA is not a legal entity. It is simply a registered name. This means that:

• It doesn’t provide liability protection.
• You won’t be protected in the event of a lawsuit.
• You won’t file separate taxes.
• There’s no new business structure created.

While operating as a sole proprietor under a DBA, if the business is sued, the business owner’s personal assets will still be vulnerable.

Most entrepreneurs first form an LLC to gain protection, then file DBAs under it if they want to operate under different names.

DBA vs LLC: What’s the Difference?

How Bizstartz Assists You With the Correct DBA Filing Process

In case you are an international entrepreneur wanting to operate a business in the United States, the process of filing a DBA (Doing Business As) can be tricky to maneuver because of the many different rules that each state and county has.

At Bizstartz, we make it easy by:

• Assisting you in name selection and checking name availability
• Ensuring filing is done in the correct state or county
• Assisting with required newspaper publications
• Providing a DBA certificate for record and banking needs
• Ensuring legal compliance for US businesses

Whether you are getting a DBA with your new LLC (Limited Liability Company) or you want to register multiple brands under one entity, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a DBA?

Although registering a DBA offers considerable advantages in terms of branding, presents a more professional image as a freelancer or a global entrepreneur, and offering greater operational flexibility, it should never be mistaken for forming a legal entity.

For those serious about business growth, the first step should be forming an LLC to gain legal protection, then as needed, add DBAs.

Excited To Get Everything Started?

Bizstartz simplifies the entire process of obtaining a U.S. LLC, EIN, bank account, and even a DBA filing for you.

Our dedicated team does all the heavy lifting for you while you spend your time running on your business. Simply reach out to us today.