Registering Your Business Name

If you choose anything other than you own personal name, you will need to register it with the appropriate authorities to be in compliance with the law. This process is known as registering your “Doing Business As” (DBA) name, and we can help with that!

A DBA is needed in the following situations:

• Sole Proprietors or Partnerships – If you wish to start a business under anything other than your real name, you’ll need to register a DBA so you can do business as another name.

• Existing Corporations or LLCs – If your business is already set up and you want to do business under a name other than your existing corporation or LLC name, you will need to register a DBA.

It's important to know that not all states require the registering of business names or DBAs.

How to Register your “Doing Business As” Name

Registering your DBA is done either with your county clerk’s office or with your state government, depending on where your business is located. There are a few states that do not require the registering of fictitious business names.

After you have selected a name for your business, you will need to register it to comply with the law. Learn more about how to register your business name.

For some businesses, you need to register your business name with state or local government agency. Find out what the requirements are for your state.Register Your Business With State Agencies

Some business types require registration with your state government:

A corporation
A nonprofit organization
A limited-liability company or partnership
If you establish your business as a sole proprietorship, you won’t need to register your business at the state level. However, many states require sole proprietors to use their own name for the business name unless they formally file another name. This is known as a your Doing Business As (DBA) name, trade name or a fictitious name.

Select a state to find out about specific filing requirements in the state where you will form your business.

Changing Your Business Type

Your initial choice of a business type is not permanent. You can start out as a sole proprietorship, and if your business grows and your risk of personal liability increases, you can convert your business to an LLC.

If you change your business structure, follow the Internal Revenue Service's instructions for Changes in Ownership or Organization.

You will also need to file new documents with your state government, and depending on state and local laws, you may also need to obtain new business licenses.

Certain businesses, like ones that sell alcohol or firearms, require a federal license or permit. Find out which ones impact your business and how you can comply. Some states have requirements for specific businesses. Find out what business licenses and permits you need in your state.