DBA Overview

"DBA" refers to "Doing Business As." Some state and local governments refer to a Doing Business As Name as a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name. In any case, companies register DBAs to signify alternate business names.

Sole proprietors and partnerships sometimes file DBAs to reflect a business name that differs from their personal names. For example, Joe Smith might file "Smith Plumbing" as a DBA. Likewise, corporations and LLCs file DBAs to reflect alternate names. For example, Helen's Bakery, Inc. might file the DBA, "Helen's Catering."