Register a DBA for Your Business
Operate under a different public name without forming a new company. We file with the state, handle publication where required, and renew on your schedule.
What is a DBA and when do you need one?
Whats's Included
$97 plus state and county filing fees. We handle the paperwork in every state and every county where your DBA needs to be registered.
Required in some states (like California, New York, and Florida). We coordinate with our newspaper partner, so you don't need to do anything.
DBAs expire after 1 to 10 years depending on the state. We renew automatically before the deadline, so your DBA never lapses.
How It Works
Tell us about your company
Pick the company you want the DBA for, or add a new one. Takes 2 minutes.
Choose your DBA name and state
We file in any of the 50 states. If your state requires county-level filing, just pick the counties where you'll operate.
We handle the rest
Filing, publication, and renewal, all on autopilot. You'll get an email the moment your DBA is approved.
When Do You Need A DBA?
Your LLC is "Smith Holdings LLC" but you run a bakery called "Sunset Bakes." A DBA lets you do that legally.
Your company's name is taken in a state where you want to expand. A DBA in that state lets you register and operate.
You want to keep your business under one entity but launch a new public-facing brand.
You want your business name to match your website domain or trademark.
Banks usually require a DBA to open a business account or accept checks under a name other than your legal entity name.
Simple Pricing
DBA Service Fee
$97
one time
- Plus state and county filing fees. Vary by state. Paid through to the state.
- Plus newspaper publication fee. Only where required (CA, NY, FL, and a few others). Paid through to the publisher.
- Renewal: $50 service fee plus state filing fee, charged automatically before expiration. Cancel anytime.
We never mark up state or publication fees. You pay what the state or newspaper charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a DBA and an LLC?
A DBA is just a name. It doesn't create a new business or change your liability. An LLC is a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets. Most people who register a DBA already have an LLC or corporation. They just want to operate under a different public name.
Do I need a DBA?
You need a DBA if you want to do business under any name other than your company's legal name. If your LLC is "ABC Holdings LLC" and you want customers to pay "ABC Holdings LLC", no DBA is needed. If you want them to pay "Sunset Bakery", yes, you need a DBA.
Can I register a DBA in a state where I'm not registered as an LLC?
Yes, but you may need a foreign qualification first. If you're operating in another state, you typically need to register your LLC there (foreign qualification), then file the DBA. We can handle both. See our Foreign Qualification page.
How long does DBA approval take?
It depends on the state. State-level filings typically approve within 5 to 15 business days. County filings vary widely. States that require newspaper publication (CA, NY, FL) take 4 to 6 weeks total because the notice must run for several weeks before the filing finalizes.
What is publication, and why is it required?
A few states (most notably California, New York, and Florida) require new DBA names to be published in a local newspaper before they're officially registered. This is a public-notice requirement. It lets people know there's a new name in town. We arrange the publication for you through a state-approved newspaper. You don't have to do anything.
Do DBAs expire?
Yes, most do. Renewal cycles range from 1 year (rare) to 10 years (Texas), with 5 years being the most common. We track your renewal date and refile automatically before it expires. You can cancel the renewal anytime from your dashboard.
Can I file multiple DBAs for the same company?
Yes. There's no limit. Each DBA is one filing in one state.