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DBA/Fictitious Business Names
• What is a DBA/Fictitious Business Name and why do I need one? In short, a DBA is a statement to the public that you are doing business under a name other than your own. Because of this a DBA statement is legally required to be published in a newspaper for four weeks. Practical enforcement of this is that a bank will require a DBA (or proof of incorporation) to open a business bank account. Visit our DBA Help Center for more information.
Ready to file your DBA/Fictitious Business Name? Click here to get started!
Welcome to Signature Filing, the leading DBA/Fictitious Business Name Filing and Publishing service. Our unique and efficient process will save you time, money and effort. We help you to...
Check potential DBA/Fictitious Business Names for Availability.
With the click of a button you can instantly see if your desired Business Name is already in use by someone else before you file, saving you time and potential legal problems.
Complete your DBA/Fictitious Business Name Statement Accurately.
We take you through the DBA form step by step and automatically verify everything is correct and satisfies the County Clerk/Recorder's rigid requirements. Sure beats having to go to the back of a four hour line because you forgot to dot your i's.
File your DBA/Fictitious Business Name with the County Clerk.
Imagine having to take an entire day off work, navigate the County's offices, stand in line for a couple hours and be at the mercy of an unhappy bureaucrat. Let us deal with the County so you don't have to. This step results in a Certified Copy which you can use to open a business bank account. If you have already filed your DBA we also have a Publishing Only service.
Publish your DBA/Fictitious Business Name Statement in a Newspaper.
The law states you must publish a DBA/Fictitious Business Name Statement in a newspaper of general circulation for four consecutive weeks. Avoid the need to find a newspaper, drive to their office and negotiate an exorbitant fee just to publish your DBA.
Track your DBA/Fictitious Business Name Statement at every step.
Never be in the dark again! We offer a comprehensive set of tools that allow you to monitor and track the progress of your DBA/Fictitious Business Name Statement in real-time. Check out the Client Services Demo page!
Ready to file your DBA/Fictitious Business Name? Click here to get started!
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More DBA/Fictitious Business Name Information
What is a DBA?
A DBA "doing business as" or FBNS "fictitious business name statement" is a declaration to the public that a business intends to use a business name (also known as an assumed name or trade name) that does not include the full legal names of the owners/partners. In some states this statement needs to be filed with a local government agency and published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which the owners intend to conduct business.
How do I know if I need a DBA?
Because a DBA is designed to inform the public, one would need to be filed for any business name that does not fully disclose the identity of the owners. For instance John Smith & Associates would to need to file a DBA because their business name implies additional owners. AAA Auto Repair would obviously need one as well. However, John Smith Auto Repair would not need to file a DBA as this business name contains the full legal name of the owner. A corporation, LLC or other business entity registered with the state would file a DBA for any business name other than the one on their Articles of Incorporation.
Why do I need a DBA?
Besides being required by law and a service to the public, you will need a DBA Certified Copy to open a bank account and accept checks written to your business.
What are the requirements for a DBA?
A DBA statement must generally be filed before using your business name in the operation of your business, and in some cases within 30-40 days of your first business transaction. In some states a DBA needs to be refiled every 5 years or within 40 days of an address change. A business name may not imply that it is state registered organization unless it actually is. For example, John Smith cannot file a DBA for AAA Auto Repair, Inc. unless he has first incorporated with the proper state agency.
What protection does filing a DBA afford my business?
In most states, DBAs, unlike corporations or LLCs, do not guarantee exclusive use of a name. In most cases, the state or county will file any correctly prepared fictitious business name statement, regardless of name conflict. However, a DBA does establish a paper trail that could be useful in a lawsuit.